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.
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Don’t forget to sign up for the Crumb Top Baking Newsletter and follow along on Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook!
PrintHow 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
- 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.
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
All of the flavors sound delicious but I’m so intrigued by the maple cinnamon! I love how easy these are to make, and so much better for you than store bought. Love this recipe, Leanne!
Leanne says
Thank you Kelsie! Maple cinnamon are great for a dessert dip!
Alexandra @ It's Not Complicated Recipes says
I have been sitting on the fence about getting an air fryer – but I reckon you have just talked me into it! I am loving all of the different flavour options – yum!
Leanne says
Thanks Alex! We definitely get a lot of use out of our air fryer!
Terri Gilson says
Oooo I love hot and spicy things and now I want an air fryer more than ever! It’s great they’re also gluten-free for my friends and colleagues that have gluten allergies or sensitivities. PINNED!
EA The Spicy RD says
I’m so tempted to buy an air fryer after seeing how deliciously crispy these chips look! I’ve baked them before, but love the air fryer idea, and the habanero lime topping sounds so tasty too!
Amy says
I love my air fryer! Thanks for this recipe, can’t wait to try!
Kim - The Puffy Biscuit says
Leanne, this post found me at just the right time because I have been craving chips and dip something fierce. (Must be spring fever. LOL) There are seriously no better nibbles than tortilla chips and since I have been gluten-free, I have a new appreciation for them. I have never tried to make my own though, so I am definitely Pinning this recipe to try soon.
Nathalie says
These look delicious! I’ll try for sure! Thanks for the inspiration!
Colleen says
These chips look so awesome! I love the habanero and lime combo, and that they are gluten free. So much better than store bought and they would be great with homemade salsa. Thanks for sharing and happy Cinco de Mayo!
Marie says
Such a brilliant idea. I can totally imagine snacking on these on a lazy Sunday afternoon while watching the football with hubby.
Mary Ann | The Beach House Kitchen says
These look delicious Leanne! I haven’t made homemade tortilla chips in quite a while actually. I don;t have an air fryer, so I’ll try your recipe for the oven. Can’t wait!
Camila says
I wanna get an air fryer. These are amazing 😋
Katherine | Love In My Oven says
These are GREAT! Just in time for Cinco de Mayo! I’m thinking a big plate of these, some guac, salsa and a margarita would be just the ticket! You’re also really giving me FOMO about having an air fryer 😉 Pinning!
Jo Thrasher • Jo Eats says
Bring on the spice Leanne! Can’t wait to try these!
Dawn - Girl Heart Food says
I don’t have an air fryer (my parents love theirs), but make mine in the oven! It’s so hard to get corn tortillas, but when you can it’s a real treat. Love the spice in here. Plus, they look super crispy. They wouldn’t last long in our home, that’s for sure!
annie@ciaochowbambina says
Truthfully – crunchy snacks are my all-time favorite! These look amazing! My sisters-in-law have an air fryer – we’re going to have to play!! YUM!
Terry says
These look amazing! Will definetly be trying these!!
Haylie / Our Balanced Bowl says
My husband would love how spicy these sound!! I love making homemade tortilla chips! Sadly I don’t have an air fryer but I definitely want to try this recipe for Cinco De Mayo in the oven! Maybe I’ll just fully de-seed the habanero for myself 😉 Awesome recipe!
Kelsie | the itsy-bitsy kitchen says
Holy cow, these sound awesome. I love chili lime tortilla chips from the store but I rarely buy them because they’re so unhealthy–I love that I can make my own healthier version. YUM! Have a great week, Leanne!