Craving that perfect crunch and authentic flavor of tortilla chips? Forget the store-bought bags and discover how simple it is to make irresistibly delicious homemade tortilla chips right in your own kitchen. This guide will walk you through both traditional frying and healthier baking methods, ensuring you achieve chip perfection every time. Homemade tortilla chips are not only easy to prepare, but they also elevate your snacking experience, perfect for scooping up your favorite dips, loading up with nachos, or enjoying on their own.
While there are some decent brands of tortilla chips available in stores, nothing truly compares to the fresh, warm, and customized taste of homemade. Imagine the satisfying snap as you bite into a perfectly crisp chip, seasoned exactly to your liking. Whether you’re planning a party, a cozy night in, or just need a satisfying snack, mastering homemade tortilla chips is a game-changer. They are the ideal companion for homemade nachos or a delightful side for an array of dips and salsas.
Personally, I find immense joy in serving these freshly made tortilla chips alongside vibrant fresh pico de gallo, creamy homemade guacamole, rich and cheesy creamy queso dip, and the tangy kick of roasted tomatillo salsa. The combination of warm, crispy chips and cool, flavorful dips is simply irresistible.
Essential Ingredients for Homemade Tortilla Chips
Creating fantastic tortilla chips at home requires just a few key ingredients, focusing on quality and freshness. Let’s break down what you’ll need:
- Corn Tortillas: The foundation of any great tortilla chip is, of course, the tortilla itself. Opt for corn tortillas, and for optimal texture, slightly stale or dried-out tortillas are actually preferable. If you’re feeling ambitious, using leftover homemade corn tortillas will take your chips to another level. When choosing store-bought, prioritize quality. Look for tortillas made with nixtamalized corn. This traditional process enhances flavor and nutrition. Check the packaging for terms like “nixtamal” or “nixtamalized,” or scan the ingredient list for “lime” or “cal,” indicating nixtamalization.
- Cooking Oil: The choice of oil depends on whether you’re frying or baking. For frying, select a light-flavored oil with a high smoke point. Excellent options include avocado oil, safflower oil, or peanut oil. These oils can withstand the high temperatures needed for frying without imparting unwanted flavors. If baking, you’ll still need a touch of oil to achieve crispiness. A light brushing of any of the aforementioned oils, or even olive oil, will work perfectly.
- Salt: Seasoning is key to bringing out the best in your tortilla chips. Fine sea salt is my go-to for sprinkling immediately after frying or baking. For a zesty twist, consider making lime-flavored chips. Simply mix your salt with a bit of lime zest before sprinkling – the citrusy aroma and flavor are incredibly refreshing.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Tortilla Chips
You have two primary methods for crafting homemade tortilla chips: frying and baking. While both yield delicious results, frying is the traditional and often preferred method for achieving the ultimate tortilla chip experience. Fried tortilla chips boast a uniquely light and airy crispness that is hard to replicate with baking. However, baked tortilla chips are a fantastic, healthier alternative that still delivers satisfying flavor and crunch.
Let’s explore both techniques in detail:
Method 1: Frying Tortilla Chips for Maximum Crispness
For truly crispy, light, and airy tortilla chips that rival your favorite restaurant chips, frying is the way to go. Don’t be intimidated – it’s simpler than you might think!
- Prepare Your Frying Station: You’ll need a wide pan, such as a large skillet or cast iron pan, and about an inch or two of your chosen high-heat cooking oil. There’s no need to submerge the chips completely; a shallow fry works perfectly.
- Cut the Tortillas: Stack your tortillas and cut them into wedges. Six triangles per tortilla is a standard chip size, but you can adjust based on preference.
- Heat the Oil: Place your pan with oil over medium-high heat. It’s crucial to reach the correct oil temperature for optimal frying – around 350°F (177°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a simple trick is to drop a tiny piece of tortilla into the oil. It should sizzle gently and turn golden brown within a minute or two. If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot; if it just sits there, it’s not hot enough.
- Fry in Batches: Carefully place a single layer of tortilla triangles into the hot oil. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy chips. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to gently push the chips down to ensure even cooking.
- Cook to Golden Perfection: Fry the chips for just a minute or two per batch, until they turn beautifully crisp and golden brown. They cook quickly, so keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
- Drain and Season: Remove the fried chips with your slotted spoon or tongs and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels or a clean dishcloth to drain excess oil. Immediately sprinkle them generously with salt while they are still hot. Repeat the frying process with the remaining tortilla wedges.
Notice in the image how the tortilla triangles are close together but not overcrowded. Frying in batches ensures even cooking and prevents the oil temperature from dropping too low.
Method 2: Baking Tortilla Chips for a Healthier Crunch
If you’re seeking a lighter, less oily option, baking tortilla chips is an excellent choice. While they won’t achieve the exact same airy texture as fried chips, they are still wonderfully crispy and significantly healthier.
- Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two large baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats to prevent sticking and promote even browning.
- Prepare the Tortillas: Cut your tortillas into wedges, just as you would for frying. Lightly brush or spray both sides of each tortilla wedge with oil. This is essential for achieving crispiness in the oven.
- Arrange on Baking Sheets: Spread the oiled tortilla triangles in a single layer on your prepared baking sheets. Ensure they are not overlapping to allow for even baking and crisping.
- Bake to Crispy Gold: Bake for 10 to 20 minutes, or until the chips are crisp and beautifully golden brown. Baking time can vary depending on your oven and the thickness of your tortillas, so keep a close watch. Rotate the baking sheets halfway through to encourage even browning.
- Season and Serve: Once baked, remove the tortilla chips from the oven and immediately season them with salt. Allow them to cool slightly before serving and enjoying their satisfying crunch.
While baked tortilla chips may not be as airy as fried, they are still incredibly delicious and a healthier way to enjoy this classic snack.
Easy Tortilla Chips Recipe (Fried or Baked)
Yields: 60+ chips
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 10 corn tortillas (or more for larger batches), stale or slightly dried out preferred
- ¾ to 1 cup neutral, high-heat cooking oil (for frying: avocado oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil; for baking: any of the above or olive oil)
- Sea salt, to taste
Equipment:
- Wide, high-sided pot or large skillet (for frying)
- Baking sheets (for baking)
- Parchment paper or silicone baking mats (for baking)
- Slotted spoon or tongs
- Thermometer (optional, but recommended for frying)
- Paper towels or clean dishcloth
Instructions:
Fried Tortilla Chips:
- Cut each tortilla into 6 triangles.
- Line a plate with paper towels or a clean dishcloth and set aside for draining fried chips.
- Add oil to a wide, high-sided pot or skillet until it reaches about ½ inch depth. Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 350°F (177°C).
- Add a single layer of tortilla triangles to the hot oil. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to push them down into the oil.
- Cook until chips are crispy and golden brown, about 2 minutes.
- Transfer fried chips to the prepared plate and sprinkle lightly with salt. Repeat with remaining tortillas.
Baked Tortilla Chips:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
- Spray or lightly brush tortillas on both sides with oil.
- Cut each tortilla into six triangles and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheets.
- Bake until chips are crisp and golden brown, 10 to 20 minutes. Check frequently and rotate baking sheets for even baking.
- Lightly season each chip with salt and serve.
Adam and Joanne’s Tips for Tortilla Chip Success:
- No Thermometer? No Problem: If you don’t have a kitchen thermometer, test the oil temperature by dropping in a small tortilla piece. It should sizzle gently and brown in about a minute. Adjust heat as needed.
- Storage: Homemade tortilla chips are best enjoyed fresh on the same day. To store leftovers, cool completely and place in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container. They will keep for an extra day or two, though they may lose some crispness.
- Convection Oven Baking: If using a convection oven setting, reduce the baking temperature by 25°F and check for doneness a few minutes earlier than recipe suggests.
- Air Fryer Tortilla Chips: For air fryer tortilla chips, lightly oil tortilla triangles and air fry at 350°F (177°C) in a single layer for 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid overbrowning.
- Nixtamalized Corn Matters: For the most authentic tortilla chip flavor, use tortillas made from nixtamalized corn. Look for “nixtamal” or “nixtamalized” on packaging or “lime” or “cal” in the ingredients list.
Serving Suggestions for Your Homemade Tortilla Chips:
Homemade tortilla chips are incredibly versatile! Enjoy them with:
- Classic Dips: Guacamole, queso, salsa, French onion dip, spinach artichoke dip.
- Fresh Salsas: Pico de gallo, roasted tomatillo salsa, corn salsa, black bean salsa.
- Nachos: Load them up with cheese, beans, meat, and all your favorite nacho toppings.
- Soups and Salads: Add a crunchy element to tortilla soup or taco salads.
- On Their Own: Sometimes, a simple bowl of perfectly salted tortilla chips is all you need!
Nutritional Information (per serving of fried chips, approx. 12 chips):
- Calories: 177
- Total Fat: 9.8g
- Saturated Fat: 1.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 254.1mg
- Carbohydrate: 21.4g
- Dietary Fiber: 3g
- Total Sugars: 0.4g
- Protein: 2.7g
Author: Joanne Gallagher
You Might Also Love These Recipes to Pair with Your Tortilla Chips:
Quick and Easy Salsa
Easy Corn Tortillas
Easy Soft Flour Tortillas
Perfect Guacamole
Easy Black Bean and Corn Salad
