Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips

Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips are crisp and crunchy and oh so easy to make in your air fryer. You only need three ingredients and they are ready in minutes!

Why make Corn Tortilla Chips in your Air Fryer?

I like to make tortilla chips at home because then I know exactly what ingredients have gone into them. It’s also a great way to use up the couple of corn tortillas that are often left after a meal. It’s a fun snack to make with children and teenagers too.

What is an Air Fryer?

An air fryer is a bit like a mini oven. However, the element is only at the top of the air fryer and it uses a powerful fan to circulate the heat. This combination of intense heat and circulation means that food crisps up quickly.

Air fryers were originally sold for their ability to create ‘fried’ food with less fat. However, the air fryer has developed and more people are recognising the potential to cook and bake all kinds of foods in this way.

What kind of Air Fryer can I use to make Tortilla Chips?

You will need an air fryer that has a temperature control as well as a timer which is pretty much all air fryers. If you have the kind of air fryer with a paddle then you can use that kind as well.

I have two air fryers, one is the type with a pull-out square drawer and the other an oven type. Both need to be pre-heated before use and Tortilla Chips bake well in both air fryers. If you have a different kind of air fryer you may need to adjust the timing or temperature by a minute or two either way.

What ingredients do I need to make Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips?

You only need three ingredients for this recipe, they are:

• Corn Tortillas
• Oil
• Salt

A full list of the ingredients and the required quantities is found in the recipe card at the end of this article

What are corn tortillas?

Corn Tortillas are a flat bread made from masa harina which is a flour made of finely ground dried maize (corn) kernels. The flour is mixed with water and salt and thinly rolled into rounds. These are then dry fried in a pan until they are cooked.

Can I make my own corn tortillas?

You can make your own tortillas, although they are very widely available in supermarkets. I have made flour tortillas at home but not corn tortillas however, if you would like to make your own then there are plenty of recipes online including this one from BBC Good Food.

Can I make tortilla chips with flour tortillas?

Yes, you absolutely can use flour tortillas, it’s a great way to use up left over tortillas However, although they are nice and crispy they are less like the tortilla chips that you buy for that you need corn tortillas.

What kind of oil should I use?

You can use any kind of oil. I find that a neutral flavoured oil such as rapeseed (canola), sunflower or generic vegetable oil works best. But if you only have olive oil then you can use that too.

What kind of salt should I use to make Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips?

You can use any salt that you have at home. Standard table salt is fine, but I have also used sea salt flakes. If you use sea salt flakes then it’s a good idea to crush them up finely before adding to the tortillas and oil. This is so that they will stick to the tortillas better and be more evenly distributed.

What flavours can I add to my Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips?

Tortilla chips are the perfect carrier for all kinds of flavours so you can use pretty much any savoury seasoning that you like. Here are some ideas:

Seasoning Salt

• Garlic salt
• Smoked salt
• Celery salt

Spicy Seasoning

• Cajun seasoning
• Fajita seasoning
• Jerk seasoning

Herby Seasoning

• Ranch Seasoning
• Garlic and Herb seasoning
• Lemon and Herb seasoning

Other Seasoning ideas

• Everything Bagel seasoning
• Finely grated parmesan cheese

You don’t have to use seasoning mixes, you can simply add some single spices like a little chilli powder, smoked paprika or garlic granules. If you do use these on their own then remember to still add salt.

How much seasoning mix should I use?

I suggest you try 1/4 tsp of seasoning for each corn tortilla but you may wish to adjust that to your own taste.

Can I make Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the chips several days in advance. Once they are completely cold, store them in an airtight box or bag for up to 5 days. If they go a little bit soft, then refresh the chips in your air fryer for 1-2 minutes.

Can I make a larger quantity of Tortilla Chips?

You can make as many as you like, but it’s important that there is a single layer of corn tortilla pieces in your air fryer. If you pack them in they won’t crisp up evenly.

Vegetarian

There are no animal products used to make Air Fryer Tortilla Chips so they are suitable for both vegetarians and vegans.

Gluten Free

The masa harina flour that is used to make corn tortillas is naturally gluten free, however, please do check the packaging of bought tortillas to ensure that they meet your dietary requirements.

For more information regarding any dietary information provided on this website, please refer to my Nutritional Disclaimer.

How should I serve Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips?

There are lots of different ways to serve tortilla chips. They make a great movie night snack just on their own with a cold drink. Here are some other ways to enjoy them:

• Tortilla chips are a great appetiser for any Mexican entree served with guacamole.
• Classic Nachos are tortilla chips loaded with salsa and cheese, but there are lots of variations so use your imagination and load up your nachos with your favourite toppings.
• Dips and salsas cry out for the crunch of tortilla chips alongside fresh carrot and sweet pepper batons.
• Crush Air Fryer Corn Tortilla chips to make a breadcrumb-like coating for fish or chicken.

Recipes to serve with Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips