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Air fryer tortilla chips are super crispy, require just 3 ingredients, can be seasoned multiple ways, and will be ready to satisfy all your salty snack cravings in under 15 minutes! Perfect for dipping in salsa, guacamole, and making vegan nachos!
Table of contents
Get ready to have your mind blown with how simple it is to prepare homemade tortilla chips in an air fryer. Air fryer tortilla chips taste fresher and better than store-bought versions, and use just an itty-bitty fraction of the oil (and mess) of a deep-fat fryer – without compromising on texture and flavor!
Even better, learning how to make tortilla chips in an air fryer is so simple. You only need the tortillas, salt (or your seasoning of choice), a little oil, and just a few minutes of prep. Once cooked, enjoy these naturally gluten-free and vegan air fryer corn tortilla chips warm like restaurant-style tortilla chips, or wait for them to cool as a super crunchy snack.
Looking for more healthy, homemade chip options? Check out our recipes for baked kale chips, ‘cheesy’ zucchini chips, or even baked apple chips.
What You’ll Need
- Tortillas: It’s best to use corn tortillas, though flour tortillas will technically work (but won’t become as crispy). Use small or medium tortillas.
- Salt: Use kosher or sea salt to season the air fryer tortilla strips/chips to taste.
- Cooking oil: We prefer olive oil or avocado oil in a spray bottle (like Misto) to evenly disperse across the corn tortillas.
How to Season Tortilla Chips?
Like regular chips, there are plenty of ways to season these air fryer corn chips, including:
- ‘Cheesy’ tortilla chips: 1-2 tbsp nutritional yeast + pinch of garlic powder + smoked paprika.
- Vegan chili cheese: The above + chili or cayenne pepper (to taste).
- Cajun seasoning: Season to taste.
- Chili lime: Tajin seasoning + sea salt.
- Ranch seasoning: Buy or make vegan dry ranch seasoning.
- Garlic & herb: Garlic powder + dried rosemary or mixed herbs.
- Cinnamon sugar: Combine cinnamon + sugar (regular, coconut sugar, etc.).
How to Make Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
- 1) First, create two stacks of 4 tortillas each and slice them into triangles using a long, sharp knife or kitchen shears. To do so, slice them into 2 pieces, then slice through each of those halves to create 4 pieces.
Alternatively, you could make air fryer tortilla strips vs. triangles.
- 2) Then, spread the tortilla chips in a single layer (a small amount of overlapping is fine) in the air fryer basket, lightly spray with a little oil, and add a sprinkle of salt (season them more later if desired).
- 3) Air fry the tortilla chips at 350F/175C for 8-10 minutes, carefully flipping them over halfway and spraying with more oil.
- 4) When ready, transfer the air-fried tortilla chips to a large bowl and add more seasoning if preferred. Then repeat the previous step with any remaining tortilla chips and enjoy!
The air fryer corn chips will firm up more as they cool. It can be a good idea to allow them to cool across a wide plate/tray or wire rack to avoid them steaming/softening.
Recipe Pro Tips
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Otherwise, they may cook unevenly and not crisp up fully.
- Cooking time may vary: Based on the batch size and your make/model of air fryer. It’s best to monitor them closely the first time following this recipe.
- When using flour tortillas: They take slightly less time to cook and remain chewier than corn tortillas but are still pretty tasty.
FAQs
Spread them across a baking tray, spray with oil, and then bake in a preheated oven at 350F/175C for 7-10 minutes, flipping halfway. Keeping an eye on them in the last few minutes is important to avoid burning.
We like to spray the air-fried tortilla chips with a little oil and then toss them with the seasonings in a bowl or a Ziplock/Stasher bag.
Serving Suggestions
These air fryer tortilla chips make for a delicious snack on game nights, taco Tuesdays, Cinco de Mayo, and really any day of the week.
- Eat alone as a snack
- Serve with dips – like salsa, guacamole, cowboy caviar, and more
- Make vegan nachos
- Add to a burrito bowl
- To garnish taco soup and other soups
The sweet version will also taste delicious with a fruit salad or fruit salsa, dairy-free yogurt-based dip, or even crushed and sprinkled over dairy-free ice cream.
Storage Instructions
These air fryer corn tortilla chips are best immediately after preparing them. However, leftovers should store in an airtight bag or container for about 7-10 days.
They may need to go back in the air fryer for a minute or two (optionally with a little more oil spray) if they soften too much.
More Healthy Air Fryer Snacks
- Healthy Patatas Bravas [Roasted, Sauteed, Air Fried]
- Tofu Vegetable Crispy Wontons [Deep-Fried + Air Fried]
- Crispy Green Bean Fries [Baked + Air Fryer]
- Vegan Buffalo Cauliflower Wings [Baked + Air Fried]
- Crispy Garlic Baked Potato Wedges (+ Air Fryer Method)
- Air Fryer Chickpeas
Photos by Alfonso Revilla
Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 8 small corn tortillas (about 8 triangles)
- Oil cooking spray
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Slice the tortillas into triangles.
- On a single layer, place the tortilla triangles on the airfryer basket. Lightly spray with oil and lightly sprinkle the salt. You can add more salt later if needed.
- Set your airfryer at 350 degrees F and cook of 4 to 5 minutes. Open the basket and carefully flip the chips.
- Lightly spray more oil and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes – checking every minute to avoid burning.
- Remove from the basket, transfer to a bowl, and add more salt if needed.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: Otherwise, they may cook unevenly and not crisp up fully.
- Cooking time may vary: Based on the batch size and your make/model of air fryer. It’s best to monitor them closely the first time following this recipe.
- When using flour tortillas: They take slightly less time to cook and remain chewier than corn tortillas but are still pretty tasty.
Nutrition
Disclaimer: Although plantbasedonabudget.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, kindly note that these are only estimates. Nutritional information may be affected based on the product type, the brand that was purchased, and in other unforeseeable ways. Plantbasedonabudget.com will not be held liable for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information. If you need to follow a specific caloric regimen, please consult your doctor first.
I love that it’s so easy to make your own tortilla chips at home and, especially, using your favorite spices. Love these!
The best part is you’re in control of the ingredients added in!
I didn’t realize it was so easy to make tortilla chips in the air fryer! Worked perfectly!
Gotta love the ease of the AF!
I hd never thought about doing tortilla chips on my air fryer! So cool!
Right?! Such a unique way to make chips!
I didn’t know tortilla chips could be made in the air fryer … new obsession!
Right?! And they come out just as crispy!
Ooh, what a fab idea. I love my air fryer and now I’ve found another use for it. Air fryer tortilla chips here I come.
Yessss! Another fun recipe for your air fryer 🙂
So easy! I always overbuy on corn tortillas – this is a great way to use them!
Right?! Definitely a great way to make just as much as you need!
So simple, crispy & delicious! I’ll never buy store-bought again.
Right?! It’s such a great homemade chip recipe!
Love how easy these chips are to make in the AF!