Tortilla Chips
Crispy, golden, and perfectly salted homemade tortilla chips, fried to perfection. So much better than store-bought and ready in just 15 minutes. The ultimate snack for salsa, guacamole, or queso!
For 4 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tortillas
- b.Stack the corn tortillas on a cutting board.
- c.Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, slice the entire stack into 6 equal wedges, as if you were cutting a pizza. This should take about 2 minutes.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Heat the Frying Oil
- b.Pour the vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot, Dutch oven, or deep skillet to a depth of about 1-2 inches.
- c.Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a cooking thermometer for accuracy.
- d.If you don't have a thermometer, test the oil by dipping the corner of a tortilla wedge into it. The oil should bubble vigorously and immediately. This step will take about 5 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Chips in Batches
- b.Carefully add a single layer of tortilla wedges to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- c.Fry for 60-90 seconds per side, using tongs to flip them once. They are done when they are light golden brown and crispy.
- d.The bubbling will subside as the moisture cooks out. Watch them closely as they can go from golden to burnt very quickly.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Drain and Season
- b.Using a spider strainer or slotted spoon, promptly remove the fried chips from the oil.
- c.Allow excess oil to drip back into the pot, then transfer the chips to a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels.
- d.Immediately sprinkle the hot chips generously with fine sea salt. The residual oil helps the salt adhere perfectly.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Repeat and Serve
- b.Continue frying the remaining tortilla wedges in batches, ensuring the oil returns to 350°F (175°C) between each batch.
- c.Let the chips cool for a few minutes before serving. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
- d.Serve with your favorite salsa, guacamole, or queso dip.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the crispiest chips, use tortillas that are a day or two old. Stale tortillas have less moisture and fry up better.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in small batches ensures the oil temperature stays high and the chips get crispy, not soggy.
- 3Season the chips the moment they come out of the oil. The residual heat and oil will help the salt adhere perfectly.
- 4Maintain a consistent oil temperature. If it's too low, the chips will absorb too much oil; if it's too high, they'll burn before cooking through.
- 5Experiment with seasonings! Try a sprinkle of chili powder, smoked paprika, or a squeeze of fresh lime juice over the salted chips.
Adapt it for your goals.
Baked Tortilla Chips
For a healthier version, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly brush both sides of the tortilla wedges with oil, arrange in a single layer on a baking sheet, and sprinkle with salt. Bake for 10-14 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Spicy Lime ChipsSpicy Lime Chips
After frying and salting, toss the hot chips with 1/2 teaspoon of chili powder and the zest of one lime for a zesty, spicy kick.
Cinnamon Sugar ChipsCinnamon Sugar Chips
For a sweet dessert version, omit the salt. Instead, toss the hot, freshly fried chips in a mixture of 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon. Serve with a chocolate or fruit dip.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Control Over Ingredients
Making chips at home allows you to choose high-quality oil, control the amount of sodium, and completely avoid the artificial preservatives and flavorings often found in packaged snacks.
Made with Whole Grains
Corn is a whole grain, which provides dietary fiber, B vitamins, and essential minerals. Using 100% corn tortillas ensures you get these natural benefits, which support digestive health and energy levels.
Mindful Portioning
The process of making a snack from scratch can lead to more mindful eating. You are more aware of the serving size, which can help prevent overconsumption compared to eating from a large, store-bought bag.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of these homemade tortilla chips (about 1 cup, or 1/4 of the recipe) contains approximately 270-290 calories, primarily from the tortillas and the absorbed frying oil.