Save I bought an air fryer on a whim one Saturday and spent the first week wondering if I'd wasted counter space. Then I ran out of chips during a movie night and remembered the stack of corn tortillas in my fridge. What happened next felt like kitchen magic: golden, crispy triangles that tasted better than anything from a bag. I've been making them ever since, sometimes just because I want my apartment to smell like toasted corn and salt.
The first time I served these at a gathering, someone asked if I'd picked them up from a fancy market. I just smiled and said they were homemade, watching everyone assume I'd spent an hour frying tortillas over a stove. Nobody needed to know the whole process took less time than waiting for delivery. That small secret made me feel like I'd unlocked something most people overlook: simplicity can taste extraordinary.
Ingredients
- Corn tortillas: The foundation of everything, and small ones work best because they fit neatly in the air fryer without awkward folding or tearing. Fresh tortillas crisp up beautifully, but even slightly stale ones come back to life in the heat.
- Olive oil or avocado oil: Just enough to help the seasonings stick and encourage that golden color without making the chips greasy. I've tried skipping it, and the chips turn out dry and pale, so don't skip this step.
- Sea salt: The MVP of seasoning, bringing out the natural sweetness of the corn and making every bite feel balanced. Flaky salt is even better if you have it, because it clings to the chips like tiny flavor crystals.
- Smoked paprika: Optional but worth it for a subtle warmth and depth that reminds me of campfires and late-night snacks. It doesn't overpower, just adds a whisper of something interesting.
- Ground cumin: Another optional player that brings earthy, toasted notes and pairs perfectly with salsa or guacamole. A little goes a long way, so measure carefully or you'll end up with chips that taste like taco seasoning.
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it warm up for a couple of minutes while you prep the tortillas. This ensures even crisping from the moment the chips hit the basket.
- Cut the tortillas into wedges:
- Stack them like a deck of cards and slice through with a sharp knife or pizza cutter, creating six triangles per tortilla. The cleaner your cuts, the more evenly they'll cook, so take your time here.
- Toss with oil and seasonings:
- Drizzle the wedges in a big bowl with oil, then sprinkle salt and any spices you're using. Use your hands to toss everything together, making sure each piece gets a little love and attention.
- Arrange in a single layer:
- Spread the chips in the air fryer basket without overlapping, even if it means working in batches. Crowding them leads to sad, floppy chips instead of the crackling crunch you're after.
- Air fry and shake:
- Cook for 6 to 8 minutes, pausing halfway to shake the basket so every chip gets its turn in the heat. You'll know they're done when the edges turn golden and the kitchen smells like a street taco stand.
- Cool on a rack:
- Move the hot chips to a wire rack or paper towel and let them sit for a minute. They'll crisp up even more as they cool, transforming from good to perfect right before your eyes.
- Serve immediately:
- Pile them on a plate next to your favorite dip and watch them disappear faster than you expected.
Save One evening I made a double batch and sat on my porch with a bowl of salsa verde, crunching through chip after chip while the sun went down. My neighbor wandered over and asked what smelled so good, and I handed her a still-warm chip without saying a word. She looked at me like I'd just shared a piece of edible gold, and honestly, that's exactly how these feel every single time.
Flavor Variations to Try
Once you've mastered the basic version, start playing with the seasonings like you're creating your own chip aisle. A pinch of chili powder and lime zest turns them tangy and bright, perfect for scooping up creamy guacamole. Garlic powder and nutritional yeast give them a cheesy, umami-packed twist without any dairy. I've even tried cinnamon and sugar for a dessert version that pairs beautifully with chocolate hummus, and it worked better than I ever expected.
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you somehow manage to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to three days. They'll lose a bit of crunch over time, but a quick 2-minute blast in the air fryer brings them back to life like nothing ever happened. I've also frozen batches before air frying, storing the seasoned wedges flat in a freezer bag and cooking them straight from frozen when a snack craving hits. It adds about a minute to the cook time, but the convenience is unbeatable when you need chips in a hurry.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Ideas
These chips shine next to chunky tomato salsa, but they're also sturdy enough to handle thick bean dip or even warm queso if you're feeling indulgent. I've crumbled them over black bean soup for added texture, layered them into nachos, and even crushed a handful to top a salad for a smoky, crunchy finish. They're the kind of snack that fits into whatever moment you're having, whether that's a lazy afternoon alone or a crowded table full of friends.
- Sprinkle crushed chips over avocado toast for an unexpected crunch that elevates breakfast.
- Use them as a base for mini tostadas topped with refried beans and pickled onions.
- Keep a batch in your pantry for those nights when you need something salty, fast, and satisfying without any guilt.
Save Now that you know how simple this is, you'll probably never buy bagged chips again. Make them your way, share them freely, and enjoy every crispy, golden bite.
Cooking Questions & Answers
- → Can I use different types of tortillas?
Yes, corn, flour, whole wheat, or gluten-free tortillas can be used. Adjust cooking time slightly for different types.
- → What oil is best for coating the chips?
Olive oil or avocado oil works well to create a light, flavorful coating that crisps nicely.
- → How do I store leftover chips?
Store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to three days to maintain crispness.
- → Can I add extra spices for flavor?
Absolutely! Try chili powder or lime zest before air frying for added zest and depth.
- → How do I ensure even crisping in the air fryer?
Arrange chips in a single layer and shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crisping.