Homemade Tortilla Chips Recipe
Spending a fortune at the store for a small bag of chips isn’t ideal, especially when a delicious and budget-friendly alternative is within reach. With just a few pantry staples and some stale tortillas, you can whip up a batch of homemade tortilla chips in no time.
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Why You Will Love Making Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Save Big: Ditch the overpriced, small bags of chips and transform a pack of tortillas into a mountain of crispy deliciousness for a fraction of the cost.
- Fresher Flavor: Skip the mystery ingredients and preservatives in store-bought chips. Homemade versions burst with fresh corn flavor and the perfect amount of crisp.
- Total Control: You call the shots! Want them mild? Plain is perfect. Craving a kick? Spice it up with chili powder, paprika, or even a dash of cayenne.
- Pantry Powerhouse: No fancy ingredients needed. Chances are you already have everything you need in your kitchen to whip up a batch.
- Clean Label: Know exactly what’s going into your chips. No hidden additives or unpronounceable ingredients, just pure, delicious satisfaction.
- Perfect for Dipping: Homemade chips are the ideal vessel for scooping up your favorite salsa, guacamole, hummus, or bean dip.
- Stale Tortillas Get a Second Life: Don’t toss those tortillas that went a little flat! They’re perfect for transforming into crispy chips, reducing food waste.
- Quick and Easy: Skip the complicated recipes. Homemade tortilla chips come together in minutes, making them a perfect anytime snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients in the photograph below.
How to Make Homemade Tortilla Chips with Step-by-Step Instructions
A complete printable recipe and the measurements in both US customary and metric are available in the recipe card below.
Preparing Your Tortillas
Before you dive into baking or frying, it’s essential to get your corn tortillas ready. Lightly brush both sides of the tortillas with your chosen oil using a pastry brush.
This could be avocado oil, peanut oil, or even a light vegetable oil. You can use cooking spray if that’s more convenient. Once they’re evenly coated, stack the tortillas on each other. Now, using a sharp knife, cut them into triangles.
Baked Tortilla Chips Recipe
If you’re aiming for a healthier snack, baking is your best bet. Preheat your oven to a temperature of 350°F/175°C. Spread the oiled tortilla triangles on a large baking sheet.
Remember, they shouldn’t overlap; lay them out in a single layer. You may need two large baking sheets instead of one. Sprinkle a bit of kosher salt or other coarse salt over them for that classic chip flavor.
Let them bake until they reach a lovely golden brown shade. This should take around 12 minutes. And here’s a tip: for that extra crispy touch, broil the chips for a couple of minutes right at the end!
Fried Tortilla Chips for the Ultimate Crisp
For those who love their chips deep-fried to perfection, this method is for you. Prepare a plate or board by lining it with paper towels. This will help drain any excess oil from the freshly fried chips.
Next, in a large skillet, heat your chosen oil (about ¼ inch depth) to 350°F/175°C. You can check the oil’s temperature by dropping a small tortilla chip; if it sizzles upon contact, you’re good to go.
Fry the tortilla triangles in batches, ensuring you don’t overcrowd the skillet. Once they’re golden brown and crispy, use tongs to transfer them to the paper towel-lined plate. Don’t forget to sprinkle some salt while they’re still hot!
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
- Tortilla Types: While corn tortillas are the traditional choice for making corn tortilla chips, you can also use blue corn tortillas for a unique color and flavor or flour tortillas for a different texture. Whatever type you pick, ensure they’re fresh for the best results. Stale tortillas might not yield the ideal crispness we’re aiming for.
- Oil: The type of oil you choose can impact the flavor and texture of your chips. Avocado oil and peanut oil are great for frying due to their high smoke points, ensuring a crisp chip without a burnt taste. For baking, consider using a light brush of olive oil or sunflower oil for a subtle flavor.
- Seasoning: Don’t limit yourself to just salt! Experiment with flavors by adding chili powder, garlic powder, or even a dash of taco seasoning to your corn chips. If you’re in the mood for something tangy, a sprinkle of lime juice over the freshly baked or fried chips can be absolutely delicious. But remember, always season while the chips are still hot, as this helps the seasoning stick better.
- Maintaining the Right Temperature: Whether baking or frying, maintaining a consistent temperature is key. When frying, if the oil temperature drops too low, your chips can absorb more oil and become greasy. On the other hand, too hot, and they might burn before crisping up. A cooking thermometer can be a handy tool to ensure you’re at the right temperature.
- Safety First: When frying, always be cautious. Hot oil can splatter, especially if there’s any moisture on your tortilla wedges. It’s a good idea to use a slotted spoon or tongs to add and remove chips from the skillet. And never leave hot oil unattended.
- Can I use flavored tortillas to make tortilla chips? Absolutely! Flavored tortillas, like spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas, can add an extra layer of taste to your chips. Just follow the same instructions and enjoy the unique flavor twist.
- Are baked tortilla chips healthier than fried ones? Making baked tortilla chips tends to have less fat since they’re not submerged in oil like fried chips. However, both versions can be part of a balanced diet when enjoyed in moderation.
How to Store Leftover Homemade Tortilla Chips
If you’ve made more tortillas than you can eat, here are our top tips for keeping them fresh.
Air-Tight is Right
The key to keeping your homemade tortilla chips as crispy as the day you made them is to store them in an airtight container.
Once the chips have cooled completely, transfer them to a sealable plastic bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Push out any excess air before sealing.
This method will help prevent the chips from turning stale and losing their crunch. They’ll keep well for up to a week.
Stay Away from Humidity
Humidity is the enemy of crispness! Always store your airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas like near the stove or the dishwasher where steam and moisture are common.
If you live in a particularly humid environment, consider placing some dried rice inside the container to absorb any excess moisture.
Re-Crisping Your Chips
If your chips do lose some of their crunchiness over time, there’s no need to worry. You can bring them back to life!
Simply spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F/175°C for about 5 minutes. This short stint in the oven will help them regain their crispy texture. You can also pop them in the air fryer to crisp them back up!
What to Serve with Homemade Tortilla Chips
Tortilla chips can act as a tasty snack on their own, but they are perfect paired with other foods; here are some great suggestions.
Dip into Deliciousness
One of the best ways to enjoy your tortilla chips is with a side of scrumptious dip. Chipotle sauce is a great choice.
If you’re in the mood for something tangy, a good salsa, whether it’s tomato-based or fruit-infused, is hard to beat.
Perfect with Pico
Pico de gallo, also known as salsa fresca, is a fresh mix of chopped tomatoes, onions, cilantro, jalapeños, lime juice, and salt.
This chunky, vibrant salsa is not just refreshing but also packs a flavorful punch, making it a perfect companion for your freshly made tortilla chips. It’s simple to whip up and a healthier option compared to some heavier dips.
Make It a Meal
Who said tortilla chips are just for snacking? Dunk them into your favorite taco casserole, and have them as a crunchy side for Chipotle Grilled Chicken.
More Mexican Recipes For You To Try
- Taco Salad Cups
- Chicken Tamale Pie
- Spicy Chicken Chipotle Pasta
- Walking Taco Casserole
- Cheese Quesadilla Recipe
Did you make this recipe? We’d love to know! Please leave a 5-star review below (it really helps!) and tag and follow us on Pinterest, Facebook, and Instagram, for more tasty inspiration!
Homemade Tortilla Chips (Quick, Easy, + Healthy!)
Ingredients
- 5 corn tortillas
- ½ cup oil avocado, peanut, safflower, or vegetable oil
- Sea salt to taste
Instructions
To bake
- Preheat your oven to 350°F/175°C.
- Brush both sides of the tortillas with oil, stack them on each other, then cut them into triangles. Place the triangles on a baking sheet, in a single layer and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake until the chips are golden brown, approximately 12 minutes, turning halfway through. For extra crispiness, broil for a couple of minutes.5 corn tortillas, ½ cup oil, Sea salt to taste
To Fry
- Line a plate or board with kitchen paper. Heat the oil in a large skillet until it reaches 350°F/175°C, giving your ¼ inch depth. You can test if the oil is hot enough by dropping a small piece of tortilla into it, if it sizzles, it's ready.½ cup oil, 5 corn tortillas
- Fry a small amount of chips at a time, you don't want to overcrowd them, when ready, remove them using tongs, from the pan and place them on the prepared plate. Repeat until all the chips are cooked. Sprinkle with salt, serve and enjoy.Sea salt to taste
Notes
- Looking for an air fryer recipe? Simply cook the chips at 350°F for 5 – 8 minutes in a single layer. Check out our post Air Fryer Tortilla Chips for more tips!
- Tortilla Types: You can also use blue corn tortillas for a unique color and flavor or flour tortillas for a different texture. Whatever type you pick, ensure they’re fresh for the best results.
- Oil: Avocado oil and peanut oil are great for frying due to their high smoke points, ensuring a crisp chip without a burnt taste. For baking, consider using a light brush of olive oil or sunflower oil for a subtle flavor.
- Seasoning: Experiment with flavors by adding chili powder, garlic powder, taco seasoning, or even a squeeze of lime juice to your corn chips. Always season while the chips are still hot, as this helps the seasoning stick better.
- Maintaining the Right Temperature: Whether baking or frying, maintaining a consistent temperature is key. When frying, if the oil temperature drops too low, your chips can absorb more oil and become greasy. On the other hand, too hot, and they might burn before crisping up. A cooking thermometer can be a handy tool to ensure you’re at the right temperature.
- Safety First: When frying, always be cautious. Hot oil can splatter, especially if there’s any moisture on your tortilla wedges. It’s a good idea to use a slotted spoon or tongs to add and remove chips from the skillet. And never leave hot oil unattended.
- Can I use flavored tortillas to make tortilla chips? Absolutely! Flavored tortillas, like spinach or sun-dried tomato tortillas, can add an extra layer of taste to your chips. Just follow the same instructions and enjoy the unique flavor twist.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container. Once the chips have cooled completely, transfer them to a sealable plastic bag or a container with a tight-fitting lid. Push out any excess air before sealing. This method will help prevent the chips from turning stale and losing their crunch. They’ll keep well for up to a week.
- Stay Away from Humidity: Humidity is the enemy of crispness! Always store your airtight container in a cool, dry place. Avoid areas like near the stove or the dishwasher where steam and moisture are common. If you live in a particularly humid environment, consider placing some dried rice inside the container to absorb any excess moisture.
- Re-Crisping Your Chips: If your chips do lose some of their crunchiness over time, there’s no need to worry. You can bring them back to life! Simply spread them out in a single layer on a baking sheet and pop them in a preheated oven at 350°F/175°C for about 5 minutes. This short stint in the oven will help them regain their crispy texture. You can also pop them in the air fryer for a few minutes to crisp them back up!
