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Air Fryer Tortilla Chips - Crispy, Fast, and Foolproof

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas (6-inch): Classic, sturdy, and flavorful. Flour tortillas work too, but they’ll be lighter and slightly puffier.
  • Oil: A light brush or spray of avocado, canola, or olive oil helps with browning and crunch.
  • Salt: Kosher or sea salt for the best texture.
  • Optional seasonings: Chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, lime zest, Tajín, or cinnamon sugar for sweet chips.
  • Fresh lime (optional): A quick squeeze after frying adds brightness.
  • Air fryer: Any basket-style or oven-style model works.

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer: Set to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes. Warm equipment means more even crisping.
  • Cut the tortillas: Stack 4–6 tortillas and cut into 6 wedges each (like a pizza). For flour tortillas, 8 wedges can work better.
  • Lightly oil: Brush or spray both sides with a thin layer of oil. You want a sheen, not a soak.
  • Season: Sprinkle with salt and any spices you like. If using lime zest, add it now. Save fresh lime juice for after frying to keep chips crisp.
  • Arrange in a single layer: Place wedges in the air fryer basket without overlapping. Work in batches for best results.
  • Air fry: Cook for 5–7 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway. Watch closely for the last 1–2 minutes; chips go from golden to too dark quickly.
  • Check doneness: They should be lightly golden and firm. If still bendy, add 1–2 more minutes.
  • Cool on a rack: Transfer to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. They’ll crisp even more as they cool.
  • Finish: Taste and add more salt if needed. For a bright twist, squeeze a little lime over the chips just before serving.