Ingredients for Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
These simple ingredients are likely already in your kitchen — no fancy tools or hard-to-find items required.
- 6 small tortillas (corn or flour – either works, depending on your taste preference)
- Olive oil cooking spray (or brush with olive oil if you prefer)
- Coarse salt, to taste (kosher salt or sea salt work best)
Optional add-ins for extra flavor:
- Chili powder, paprika, garlic powder, or lime zest for seasoning
- Shredded parmesan or nutritional yeast for cheesy chips
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Tortilla Chips in the Air Fryer
Follow these simple steps to create perfectly crisp tortilla chips that are golden brown and full of flavor.
Step 1: Choose and Cut Your Tortillas
Start by selecting your tortilla base. Both corn and flour tortillas work well, though they deliver different results:
- Corn tortillas: More traditional, slightly firmer, and deliver a classic chip crunch.
- Flour tortillas: Lighter, puffier texture and a subtle sweetness.
Once chosen, slice each tortilla into 6 to 8 equal wedges, depending on your preferred chip size. Think of slicing a pizza — triangular pieces work best for dipping and snacking.
Step 2: Spray and Season
Lay the tortilla wedges flat on a plate or tray. Lightly spray both sides with olive oil cooking spray (or lightly brush with oil if you don’t have a spray).
Sprinkle them with coarse salt to taste. This step is key to enhancing flavor — you can also add spices at this stage if desired.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket
Place the seasoned tortilla wedges in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. Be sure they are not overlapping. Crowding the basket can lead to uneven cooking and soggy spots. If you have more chips than can fit in one layer, cook them in batches.
Step 4: First Cook
Air fry the chips at 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. This allows them to begin crisping and developing that golden texture.
Step 5: Flip and Finish
Open the basket, flip the chips over, and spray lightly again. Add another sprinkle of salt or spices, if you’d like.
Return them to the air fryer and cook for 2 to 3 more minutes, watching carefully. Tortilla chips can go from golden to burned very quickly in an air fryer, so keep an eye out during the last minute of cooking.
Step 6: Cool and Crisp
Once cooked, transfer the chips to a cooling rack or a plate lined with paper towels. Letting them cool for a few minutes will help them crisp up even more — air fryer chips tend to harden as they cool.
Tips for the Best Air Fryer Tortilla Chips
Here are a few tried-and-true tips to make sure your chips are perfect every time:
1. Don’t Overlap
Make sure your tortilla pieces aren’t stacked or overlapping in the air fryer. This ensures even browning and avoids soft or soggy chips.
2. Work in Batches
If you’re making a lot of chips, be patient and cook in batches. Crowding leads to uneven cooking.
3. Use Cooking Spray Wisely
A light misting is all you need. Too much oil can make the chips greasy, while too little might prevent even crisping.
4. Season After Cooking (Optional)
Some spices are better added after cooking — especially fine powders like chili or garlic powder, which can burn in the air fryer.
5. Customize Your Flavors
Get creative! Toss your chips with a squeeze of lime juice, a dusting of cinnamon sugar for a sweet version, or a sprinkle of taco seasoning for bold flavor.
Serving Ideas
Now that you’ve got a bowl of fresh, hot tortilla chips, here are some delicious ways to enjoy them:
- With fresh salsa or guacamole – the classic combo
- With melted cheese and jalapeños – quick nachos!
- With hummus, black bean dip, or queso
- As a topping for soups and salads
- On a snack board or charcuterie platter
They also store beautifully in an airtight container for up to 3 days — although they’re usually gone much faster in my house!
Healthier Than Store-Bought
One of the biggest perks of air fryer tortilla chips is their healthier profile. Unlike traditional chips that are deep-fried in tons of oil, these are made with just a light spray — saving calories and fat while still delivering crunch and flavor.
Depending on your tortilla type (whole wheat, low-carb, gluten-free), you can also cater the chips to meet specific dietary needs.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
Here’s the estimated nutrition for one serving (about 1/6th of the recipe, depending on tortilla size and type):
- Calories: 110
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 3.5g
- Sodium: 180mg
- Fiber: 2g
Note: Using corn tortillas typically results in slightly fewer calories than flour, and using less salt can reduce sodium content.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✅ Quick & Easy – Ready in under 10 minutes from start to finish
✅ Budget-Friendly – Made from leftover tortillas you already have
✅ Customizable – Endless flavor combinations
✅ Healthier – Less oil, fewer additives than packaged chips
✅ Crowd-Pleaser – Perfect for parties, picnics, or weekday snacking
Final Thoughts: Make It Once, Crave It Forever
If you’re like me, you’ll be surprised by just how addictive and satisfying these homemade air fryer tortilla chips are. They’re one of those “Why didn’t I do this sooner?” recipes — simple ingredients, fast prep, and a big crunchy payoff.
Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a snack to impress your guests, or just a better way to use up leftover tortillas, this recipe checks all the boxes.
So go ahead — grab those tortillas, fire up your air fryer, and prepare to never buy store-bought chips again.