How to Make Tortilla Chips at Home: 4 Easy Methods

Frying is the most traditional way to make tortilla chips. This method creates very crispy chips with a golden color. The oil makes them taste rich and satisfying. Fried chips cook quickly and taste similar to the ones you buy in stores.

What You'll Need

- 6-8 corn or flour tortillas

- 2 cups vegetable oil (or enough to fill pan 1 inch deep)

- Salt to taste

- Large frying pan or deep pot

- Slotted spoon or tongs

- Paper towels

- Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Place tortillas on a cutting board and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut each tortilla into 6-8 triangle pieces. Make sure all pieces are roughly the same size so they cook evenly.

2. Pour oil into your frying pan or pot until it is about 1 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don't have a thermometer, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil. If it bubbles and floats immediately, the oil is ready.

3. Carefully add 6-8 tortilla pieces to the hot oil. Don't overcrowd the pan or the temperature will drop. Fry for 1-2 minutes until the chips are golden brown and crispy. They should puff up slightly and stop bubbling as much.

4. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to lift the chips out of the oil. Let excess oil drip back into the pan, then place chips on paper towels to absorb extra oil.

5. While the chips are still warm, sprinkle them with salt. Warm chips hold salt better than cold ones.

6. Continue frying the remaining tortilla pieces in small batches until all chips are done.

Baking tortilla chips in the oven is a healthier option that uses less oil. This method takes longer than frying but requires less attention. Oven-baked chips are lighter and less greasy than fried ones.

What You'll Need

- 6-8 corn or flour tortillas

- 2-3 tablespoons vegetable oil or cooking spray

- Salt to taste

- Large baking sheets

- Pastry brush (optional)

- Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set the oven temperature to 400°F (200°C).

2. Line 1-2 large baking sheets with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier.

3. Cut each tortilla into 6-8 triangle pieces using a sharp knife or pizza cutter. Try to make pieces the same size for even cooking.

4. Brush both sides of tortilla pieces lightly with oil, or spray them with cooking spray. You can also put the pieces in a bowl, add oil, and toss gently with your hands.

5. Place tortilla pieces on the prepared baking sheets in a single layer. Make sure pieces don't overlap or touch each other.

6. Put baking sheets in the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes. Check after 8 minutes and continue baking until chips are golden brown and crispy.

7. Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with salt while chips are still hot.

8. Let chips cool on the baking sheet for 2-3 minutes before serving. They will get crispier as they cool.

An air fryer makes tortilla chips quickly with very little oil. This method combines the speed of frying with the health benefits of baking. Air fryer chips turn out very crispy and golden.

What You'll Need

- 4-6 tortillas (work in smaller batches)

- 1-2 teaspoons oil or cooking spray

- Salt to taste

- Air fryer

- Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and let it preheat for 2-3 minutes.

2. Cut tortillas into triangle pieces. Since air fryers are smaller, you may need to work with fewer tortillas at once.

3. Lightly brush or spray tortilla pieces with oil. You need much less oil than other cooking methods.

4. Place tortilla pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don't stack them or they won't cook evenly.

5. Air fry for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket or flipping chips halfway through cooking time. Watch carefully as they can brown quickly.

6. Chips are ready when they are golden brown and feel crispy when you tap them with a fork.

7. Remove chips and season with salt immediately while they are still warm.

8. If you have more tortilla pieces, repeat the process with the remaining pieces.

The microwave is the fastest way to make tortilla chips, though they may not get as crispy as other methods. This technique works well when you want a quick snack and don't have much time.

What You'll Need

- 2-4 tortillas

- Cooking spray or a few drops of oil

- Salt to taste

- Microwave-safe plate

- Paper towels

- Sharp knife or pizza cutter

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut tortillas into triangle pieces using a knife or pizza cutter. Make pieces smaller than usual since microwaves cook unevenly.

2. Place a paper towel on a microwave-safe plate. This helps absorb moisture and makes chips crispier.

3. Place tortilla pieces on the paper towel in a single layer. Don't overlap them or they won't cook properly.

4. Lightly spray pieces with cooking spray or brush with a tiny amount of oil. This helps them get crispy.

5. Cook on high power for 1-2 minutes. Check after 1 minute and continue cooking in 30-second intervals until chips are crispy and lightly browned.

6. If chips are not browning evenly, flip them over and microwave for another 30 seconds.

7. Sprinkle with salt while chips are still warm.

8. Let chips cool for 1 minute before eating, as they will be very hot.

Fresh homemade tortilla chips taste great with many different dips and toppings. The right dip can turn your chips into a complete snack or meal.

- Classic Salsa: Fresh tomato salsa with onions, cilantro, and lime juice is the most popular choice. You can buy it ready-made or make it yourself with diced tomatoes.

- Guacamole: This creamy avocado dip is rich and satisfying. Mash ripe avocados with lime juice, salt, and minced garlic for a simple version.

- Queso Dip: Warm cheese dip is perfect for sharing. Melt cheese with milk and spices, or use processed cheese for an easy option.

- Bean Dip: Refried beans mixed with spices make a protein-rich dip. Add hot sauce or jalapeños for extra flavor.

- Hummus: This chickpea-based dip offers a Mediterranean twist. It's healthier than many other options and comes in different flavors.

- Sour Cream and Onion: Mix sour cream with onion powder and chives for a tangy, creamy dip that's easy to make.

- Spinach and Artichoke Dip: This warm, cheesy dip is perfect for parties. Serve it hot with your fresh tortilla chips for a restaurant-style appetizer.

- Pico de Gallo: This fresh salsa is made with diced tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice. It's lighter than regular salsa and has a bright, clean taste.

- Ranch Dip: This creamy white dip is popular in America. Mix ranch dressing powder with sour cream or buy it ready-made. It has a tangy, herby flavor.

- Buffalo Chicken Dip: This warm dip combines shredded chicken with spicy buffalo sauce and cream cheese. It's perfect for game day or parties when you want something more filling.