Crispy tortilla chips are the perfect crunchy snack! Made from corn tortillas, they’re lightly fried or baked until golden brown, making them irresistible. Great for munching or dipping!
Nothing beats a bowl of these chips with salsa or guacamole on movie night! I can’t help but grab a handful (or two) every time. Just don’t let them disappear too fast! 😄
Ingredients & Substitutions
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are the foundation for your chips. If you can’t find corn ones, you can also use flour tortillas for a different taste and texture. Just keep in mind that corn tortillas are more traditional!
Vegetable Oil: While I love using vegetable oil for frying, you could use canola, peanut, or even coconut oil. If you want a healthier option, go for baking with cooking spray instead!
Salt: Adjust the amount of salt based on your taste preference. You can also experiment with seasoned salts for additional flavor. My personal favorite is garlic salt!
Seasonings: Adding chili powder or paprika gives an extra kick to your chips. Feel free to try other spices like cumin or even taco seasoning for a fun twist!
How Do I Ensure My Tortilla Chips Are Crispy and Delicious?
The key to great tortilla chips is in both the cooking method and technique. If you’re frying, make sure not to overcrowd the pan; this helps the chips fry evenly and achieve that perfect golden color.
- Heat oil to the right temperature (approx. 350°F). Too cool means greasy chips; too hot can burn them.
- Fry them in small batches, letting them float for a couple of minutes on each side. They should be golden brown and crispy!
- If baking, keep an eye on them when they’re in the oven. You want them crunchy but not burnt—flip them halfway for even cooking.
Letting them cool completely is crucial. This way, they achieve maximum crunchiness! And don’t forget—these chips are best served fresh.
Homemade Tortilla Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 10 small corn tortillas
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying) or cooking spray (for baking)
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1/2 teaspoon chili powder or paprika for seasoning
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and an additional 10-15 minutes to cook, depending on whether you are frying or baking. Just a little time for a big crunch!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Tortillas:
Start by stacking the corn tortillas on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to cut each tortilla into 6 or 8 triangular pieces, depending on how big you want your chips to be. This is where the fun begins!
2. Heat the Oil (Frying Method):
In a large, heavy-bottomed skillet, pour in the vegetable oil until it reaches about 1/2 inch deep. Heat the oil over medium-high heat. You’ll know it’s ready when it reaches 350°F (175°C)—you can test it by dropping in a small piece of tortilla and seeing if it sizzles right away!
3. Fry the Chips:
Once the oil is hot, carefully add a few tortilla triangles into the pan. Be cautious of the splattering oil! Fry them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they’re perfectly golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon or tongs to turn them and remove them from the oil.
4. Drain and Season (Frying):
When the chips are golden, transfer them onto paper towels to drain any excess oil. While they’re still warm, sprinkle salt and any optional seasonings over them while tossing lightly to coat evenly.
5. Alternative Baking Method:
If you prefer baking your chips, preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Arrange the tortilla triangles in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush or spray them with cooking oil and sprinkle salt and your chosen seasoning. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through so they crisp up evenly.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once cooked, let the tortilla chips cool completely. This will help them become even crunchier! Serve them with your favorite dips like salsa, guacamole, or cheese dip, and enjoy!
Have fun snacking on these delicious homemade tortilla chips—fresh out of the pan or oven, they’re simply irresistible!
Can I Use Flour Tortillas Instead?
Absolutely! While corn tortillas are traditional for making tortilla chips, flour tortillas can also work. Just remember that the texture and flavor will be different, and they might not be as crispy as corn chips.
How Do I Store Leftover Chips?
Store any leftover tortilla chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. To maintain their crunch, keep them away from moisture. You can re-crisp them in the oven for a few minutes if they lose their crunch.
Can I Flavor My Chips Directly Before Cooking?
Yes! You can sprinkle seasonings like chili powder, paprika, or garlic powder directly onto the tortilla triangles before frying or baking. Just ensure that the spices are evenly distributed for the best flavor!
What’s the Best Oil for Frying?
While vegetable oil is great, you can also use canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil. Each offers a slightly different flavor, but they all work well for frying at high temperatures.
