Learn how to make air fryer tortilla chips for a healthier snack option with ultra crispy results. The recipe is tested with white and yellow corn tortillas and includes five different flavour options!
This post was originally published in April 2019. It has been updated with new photos and text, including helpful tips for readers and adjustments to the recipe to include different flavour options.
My air fryer has been getting a workout lately, and it’s all because of these air fried tortilla chips. I’ve been making them ever since I got my air fryer last year, but I recently started experimenting with different seasonings.
I’m quite certain over a 100 tortillas have gone through my air fryer in the last few weeks alone. And my husband and I are not mad about it at all. It’s made for some great snacking.
Why you’ll love this recipe for air fryer chips too:
- Healthier than store-bought
- Super easy to make
- Ultra crispy
- Five flavours to choose from:
-
- zesty cheese
- salt and vinegar
- spicy chipotle
- chili lime
- maple cinnamon
-
What you’ll need to air fry tortilla chips:
- An air fryer
- Corn tortillas
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Various spices and seasonings
How to make tortilla chips in the air fryer:
- Arrange the tortillas on your work surface.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oil and seasonings of choice (see recipe card below for options). Brush a light coating of the oil mixture on both sides of the tortillas.
- Cut each tortilla into quarters to form triangles. (I usually do this by stacking the tortillas up and cutting them all at once).
- Arrange the tortilla triangles in a single layer in your air fryer basket. (You’ll need to air fry them in at least two batches).
- Air fry on 350F for about 7-9 minutes, or until they start to brown around the edges. (Note: the maple cinnamon chips take 5-7 minutes).
- Let the chips cool enough to handle and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will get crunchier as they cool. (I usually let mine sit for a few hours).
Frequently Asked Questions:
- How long do you air fry tortilla chips? They will take about 7-9 minutes on 350F. In my recipe testing, I found that the white tortillas usually needed a minute or two longer than the yellow tortillas. Also, the maple cinnamon chips were ready in about 5-7 minutes. (This is likely because of the maple syrup and coconut sugar).
- How do you store homemade tortilla chips? Once fully cooled, place the chips in an airtight container and store at room temperature.
- How long will these corn tortilla chips last? If stored properly, they should stay fresh for about 5 days.
- Can you make these air fryer tortilla chips with flour tortillas instead of corn? Yes, but I prefer using corn tortillas as they usually result in crispier chips. When I tested flour tortillas, the chips were more chewy than crispy, and they air fried in 4-5 minutes. They actually burned quite quickly. So, keep this in mind if you use flour tortillas to make these chips.
- What is the best tortilla to use for air frying tortillas? While I didn’t try many different brands, from my testing of yellow corn, white corn and flour tortillas, the yellow corn tortillas resulted in the crispiest chip.
Additional tips for air frying tortilla chips:
- Make sure you brush a thin coating of the oil mixture on each tortilla. You don’t want to drench them. Brushing it on lightly will also ensure you have enough for all the tortillas.
- I used 5-inch tortillas for this recipe. If you use larger ones, just use fewer of them.
- Keep an eye on the tortillas as they tend to burn quickly. If they still feel soft in the middle after 7-9 minutes, return them to the air fryer for another minute. The chips will get crunchier as they cool, so resist the urge to air fry them too much longer.
- You will need to air fry the chips in at least two batches, and possibly more depending on the size of your air fryer.
- I use a Cuisinart air fryer/convection/toaster oven. Depending on the make and model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cook time or temperature slightly.
What to serve with healthier tortilla chips:
- Serve them up nacho style with this recipe for loaded vegetarian nachos.
- Use them to scoop up this creamy dairy-free queso.
- Pair them with a white bean dip or red pepper cashew dip for the ultimate healthy snack situation.
- Add them as a garnish to your soups, like this chicken fajita soup.
- Serve the maple cinnamon chips with a side of yogurt or a dessert dip.
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How to Make Air Fryer Tortilla Chips (with five flavour options!)
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 19 minutes
- Yield: 24 chips 1x
- Category: Snacks
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
Learn how to make air fryer tortilla chips for a healthier snack option with ultra crispy results. The recipe is tested with both corn and flour tortillas and includes five different flavour options!
Ingredients
salt and vinegar
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
zesty cheese
- 6 corn tortillas
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons nutritional yeast
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
spicy chipotle
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon ground chipotle chili pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
chili lime
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon lime juice
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
maple cinnamon
- 6 corn tortillas
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 tablespoon maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon coconut sugar
Instructions
- In a small bowl, whisk together the oil with the ingredients for your flavour choice. Brush a light coating of the mixture on both sides of the tortillas.
- Cut each tortilla into quarters to form triangles.
- Arrange the tortilla triangles in a single layer in your air fryer basket. (You will need to do this in batches).
- Air fry on 350F for about 7-9 minutes, or until they start to brown around the edges. (Note: the maple cinnamon chips will take 5-7 minutes).
- Let the chips cool enough to handle and then transfer them to a wire rack to cool completely. They will get crunchier as they cool.
- Store in an airtight container at room temperature and enjoy within 5 days.
Notes
- I used 5-inch tortillas for this recipe. If you use larger tortillas, just use less or make more of the oil mixture.
- Keep an eye on the tortillas as they tend to burn quickly. If they still feel soft in the middle after 7-9 minutes, return them to the air fryer for another minute. The chips will get crunchier as they cool, so resist the urge to air fry them too much longer.
- In my recipe testing, I found that the white tortillas usually needed a minute or two longer than the yellow tortillas.
- I use a Cuisinart air fryer/convection/toaster oven. Depending on the make and model of your air fryer, you may need to adjust the cook time or temperature slightly.
Keywords: air fry tortilla chips, air frying tortilla chips, corn tortilla chips
I love this tortilla chip recipe, almost as much as I love my air fryer! I bet this would work really well with a tortilla bowl or making crispy tortilla shells!
★★★★★
Thanks Paul. I’m so happy you’re enjoying the recipe. And I like the idea of making tortilla bowls!
I was excited to make these chips. But, When I turn the Air Fryer on the fan blows the chips to the side. Is there a way to reduce the speed of the fan ?
Hi Andrew. If you have a trivet with your air fryer, you can place it over the chips. This will stop them from blowing around but still allow the air to circulate around them.
I used tortillas made of a combination of flour and corn because that’s just what I had, and they came out a tad chewy, but I’m sure if I had used pure corn they would be delicious!
★★★★★
Hi Ande. That could be the reason. When I tested this recipe with flour tortillas, the results were more chewy than crispy. If you use pure corn tortillas in the future, please let me know how it goes!
Thanks for this recipe…gonna try lime and a lil garlic powder:)
Sounds delicious! I hope you enjoy them!
Hi.
How do I keep the tortillas from blowing around in the air fryer! Thanks.
Hey there! If you have a trivet with your air fryer, you can place it over the chips. This will stop the chips from moving around but the air will still be able to circulate.
Hi, There is no Cheese listed for the zesty cheese seasoning.
What kind of cheese and how much?
Hi Tammy! You don’t need any cheese for the tortilla chips. The zesty cheese flavour comes from the nutritional yeast and the smoked paprika!
SO GOOD. I just made these with flour tortillas with the spicy chipotle seasoning, I didn’t have corn tortillas on hand but they taste so good! I recommend putting the chips in the fryer for a few minutes extra (if you are making with flour tortillas) to make them a little crispier. Im going to try the other seasonings with the corn tortillas next! Love finding new recipes for my air fryer!
★★★★★
Thanks Sophie! That’s so good to hear. I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!
I love my air fryer! I’m so excited to try these. We eat a lot of tortillas in my house. Thank you!
Awesome! We eat a lot of tortilla chips too. If you make them, be sure to let me know what you think!
I think an air fryer is the one additional small appliance I need in my life. I was on the fence but this post convinced me. Leanne, these look so darn good!
★★★★★
Glad I could help! Thanks Terri!
I’m still considering an air fryer. Another reason to just go get one already! Thanks!
★★★★★
Glad I could give you another reason!
I love love love tortilla crisps, so while I love the idea (and the flavours), I’m worried I’d just keep eating, eating and eating them!
★★★★★
Haha! It’s definitely hard to just eat a few. Thanks Matt!
Yet another reason to get an air fryer!! I would love to start making my own chips and I love all the flavour ideas you have suggested. The sky is the limit!
★★★★★
Thanks Bernice! We rarely buy tortilla chips any more. So easy in the air fryer!
My faves? Chili Lime and Chipotle! Delish!
★★★★★
Good choices!