Homemade Tortilla Chips in the Air Fryer: A Game Changer

Our trusty air fryer has become an indispensable kitchen appliance, truly working its magic on countless recipes. If you’re as obsessed as we are, or if you’re just starting your air frying journey, be sure to check out all our other air fryer recipes here.

The latest revelation from our air fryer is these utterly delicious homemade corn chips. Forget store-bought bags; these chips are so versatile and tasty, you’ll want to eat them anytime, with anything, or simply on their own! They offer a superior crunch, a fresher taste, and the incredible satisfaction of knowing you made them yourself.

Creating your own tortilla chips might sound daunting, but it’s surprisingly simple and incredibly quick. Not only is it a fun culinary project, but it can also be significantly cheaper than repeatedly buying bags of pre-made chips from the grocery store. Plus, the biggest advantage of making them at home is the freedom to customize the flavor profile exactly to your liking. From classic salted to spicy and smoky, the possibilities are endless!

Why This Air Fryer Tortilla Chip Recipe is a Must-Try:

• Simple, Accessible Ingredients: You won’t need to hunt for exotic items for these homemade air-fried corn chips. All the ingredients are readily available at any local grocery store, meaning no special trips or fancy pantry staples are required. This makes whipping up a batch of fresh chips incredibly convenient, even on short notice.
• Effortlessly Easy and Quick to Make: From start to finish, a batch of these homemade tortilla chips is ready in just about 25 minutes! This includes prep time and air frying. It’s significantly faster and less messy than deep-frying, making it an ideal option for a last-minute snack or appetizer for unexpected guests.
• Achieves Perfect Texture and Irresistible Flavor: Prepare for a truly satisfying snack experience. These homemade air fryer corn chips are not just tasty and flavorful; they are impossibly crunchy, delivering that perfect bite every single time. They make an exceptional appetizer or a delicious tasty snack, whether you serve them with zesty salsa, creamy guacamole, or savory hummus. Be warned: everyone will be reaching for seconds, so you might want to make a double batch!
• A Healthier Alternative to Deep-Fried Chips: One of the biggest advantages of using an air fryer is the dramatic reduction in oil needed compared to traditional deep-frying methods. These air-fried chips use only a minimal amount of oil, resulting in a significantly healthier snack without sacrificing flavor or crunch. As an added bonus, cleanup is an absolute breeze, which means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying your delicious creations!
• Fully Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, and Vegan Friendly: This recipe is designed to be inclusive, catering to a wide range of dietary needs. These air-fried corn tortilla chips are 100% gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan. This means that individuals with Celiac disease, gluten or dairy intolerances, or those following a gluten-free or vegan lifestyle, can enjoy this wonderfully salty and satisfying snack without any worries or compromises. It’s a truly guilt-free indulgence for all!

Essential Ingredients for Your Crispy Air Fryer Tortilla Chips:

Below is a visual overview of the straightforward ingredients required to make these incredibly crispy air fryer corn tortilla chips. You’ll likely have most of these on hand already!

(For the precise measurements and a detailed list, please scroll down to the printable recipe card conveniently located at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes & Easy Substitutions to Customize Your Chips:

• Tortillas: For this specific recipe, I opted for gluten-free soft corn tortillas to ensure the final product is completely gluten-free. You have the flexibility to use either white corn tortillas or yellow corn tortillas, both of which will yield excellent results. For the most authentic and fresh experience, you could even try making your own homemade corn tortillas from scratch! However, if gluten isn’t a concern for you or if you prefer a different texture, feel free to use flour tortillas instead. They will also crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, though the flavor and crispness will be slightly different from corn.
• Seasonings: This recipe offers four distinct seasoning blends to help you create a variety of flavorful homemade corn tortilla chips. Of course, you can always keep it incredibly simple by just air frying the tortillas with a touch of salt and olive oil. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can make the seasoning as complex and flavorful as you wish. My preferred blend includes granulated garlic, granulated onion, ground turmeric (for a hint of color and earthy warmth), dried herbs, ground paprika, and ground cumin. These spices offer a wonderful depth of flavor. Don’t hesitate to experiment with other seasonings like chili powder for an extra kick, or even a pre-made taco or fajita seasoning blend for convenience. The beauty of homemade chips is the creative freedom they offer!
• Olive Oil: I personally love using extra virgin olive oil for its rich flavor and health benefits. However, you are welcome to use any vegetable oil of your choice. Great alternatives include sunflower oil, corn oil, canola oil, or avocado oil. Each oil will impart a slightly different nuance to the chips, so choose the one you enjoy most or have on hand. The key is to use just enough to lightly coat the tortillas for crisping and seasoning adhesion.

How to Make Perfectly Crispy Air Fryer Corn Tortilla Chips (Step by Step Guide):

Making your own air fryer tortilla chips is a straightforward process that yields incredibly delicious results. Follow these simple steps to create a batch of perfectly crispy, flavorful chips every time.

1. Prepare Your Custom Seasonings

In separate small saucers or bowls, prepare your desired seasoning blends. This recipe suggests four variations to give you a head start:
(i) A simple pinch of salt and 1 tablespoon of olive oil for classic taste;
(ii) A pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, along with granulated onion, granulated garlic, and a touch of ground turmeric powder for an earthy depth;
(iii) A pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, infused with ground paprika and ground cumin for a smoky, warm flavor;
(iv) And finally, a pinch of salt, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and a blend of dried herbs for an aromatic touch. Mixing them separately allows for flavor variety in one batch!

2. Flavor Your Corn Tortillas

Using a pastry brush, delicately brush both sides of each corn tortilla with one of the four different seasoning mixtures you prepared. Ensure an even coating so every chip gets a burst of flavor. This also helps the oil distribute uniformly, promoting consistent crisping.

3. Cut Seasoned Corn Tortillas into Chips

Once seasoned, stack your tortillas and use a sharp knife or a convenient pizza cutter to cut each seasoned corn tortilla into small, uniform triangles. Aim for approximately 1 to 2 inches wide at the base. Uniform size helps ensure they cook evenly in the air fryer.

4. Prepare Your Air Fryer

Before adding the chips, preheat your air fryer to 360°F (180°C). While it’s preheating, lightly spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or a fine mist of olive oil spray. This prevents sticking and helps achieve that desired crispy texture.

5. Air Fry the Tortilla Pieces to Perfection

For the first batch of seasoned tortilla pieces, carefully place them in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket. It’s crucial not to overcrowd the basket. Fry for 2 minutes at 360°F (180°C). After this initial cook time, gently shake the air fryer basket to redistribute the chips. This ensures even cooking and crisping. Continue to fry for 1 more minute, or until the chips achieve a beautiful golden brown color and are perfectly crispy. Once done, remove the crispy tortilla chips and set them aside.

Shake the air fried corn chips and fry for 1 more minute until they are golden brown, then set aside the crispy tortilla chips, marveling at their crispness.

6. Repeat for All Batches

Continue this process for the remaining three batches of tortilla chips, or however many batches are needed depending on the size of your air fryer. Remember to work in batches to ensure optimal crispiness for every single chip.

7. Serve Immediately and Enjoy Your Homemade Creation

Once all your homemade air fryer tortilla chips are cooked to crispy perfection, serve them warm with your favorite dips. They are truly spectacular with a variety of salsas, a generous scoop of guacamole, or even a creamy hummus. Get ready for rave reviews!

Dish by Dish Tips & Tricks for the Best Air Fryer Tortilla Chips:

• The Golden Rule: Do NOT Overcrowd the Air Fryer Basket: This is perhaps the most crucial tip for achieving truly crispy air-fried tortilla chips. If you pack too many tortilla chips into the air fryer basket at once, the hot air won’t be able to circulate properly around each piece. This will lead to uneven cooking, and instead of becoming perfectly crisp, your chips will turn out soggy or chewy. It’s perfectly fine, and even recommended, to cook the chips in multiple small batches. The exact number of batches will depend on the size and capacity of your particular air fryer model. Prioritize a single layer for best results.
• No Air Fryer? No Problem! Use Your Oven: If you haven’t yet joined the air fryer craze, or if your air fryer is otherwise occupied, you can still make these delicious homemade corn chips in a conventional oven. Simply preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While it’s heating, arrange the seasoned tortilla triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet. For easy cleanup and to prevent sticking, line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silpat baking mat. Bake the chips on the middle rack for about 10 to 12 minutes. Be sure to flip the chips over after the first 7 minutes to ensure even crisping on both sides. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as oven temperatures can vary, and you want them golden, not burnt!

Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Tortilla Chips:

More Gluten-Free Air Fryer Recipes to Explore:

If you love the ease and efficiency of air frying as much as we do, you’re in for a treat! Here are some more of our favorite gluten-free recipes that shine in the air fryer: