Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Featured in: Vegetarian Favorites

These golden tortilla chips are crisped in the air fryer, offering a healthier, easy approach to a beloved snack. Lightly seasoned with sea salt and optional chili powder, they achieve a perfect crunch without excess oil. The accompanying salsa blends ripe tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, and fresh cilantro with lime juice for a balanced, zesty complement. Perfect for casual gatherings or a quick bite, this snack balances bold flavors with simple, fresh ingredients and minimal prep time.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:32:00 GMT
Golden brown air-fryer tortilla chips ready to be scooped up with vibrant homemade salsa. Save
Golden brown air-fryer tortilla chips ready to be scooped up with vibrant homemade salsa. | cinnamonglow.com

Crispy, golden tortilla chips made in the air fryer served with a fresh, zesty salsa. An easy, budget-friendly snack perfect for sharing.

I first made these air-fryer tortilla chips when hosting a casual movie night. Everyone loved how fresh and crunchy they were compared to packaged chips, and the homemade salsa disappeared fast.

Ingredients

  • For the Tortilla Chips: 8 small corn tortillas, 2 tbsp olive oil or spray oil, ½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
  • For the Homemade Salsa: 4 medium ripe tomatoes (diced), ½ small red onion (finely chopped), 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced, optional), 1 clove garlic (minced), ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped), juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Prep Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Cut Tortillas:
Cut the corn tortillas into wedges (6 or 8 per tortilla).
Season Chips:
Lightly brush or spray the tortilla pieces with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder if using.
Air-Fry Chips:
Arrange the tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air-fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove and let cool on a rack.
Make Salsa:
Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and let sit for 5–10 minutes for flavors to meld.
Serve:
Serve the crispy tortilla chips with the fresh salsa.
A close-up of crispy air-fryer tortilla chips next to a bowl of fresh, chunky salsa. Save
A close-up of crispy air-fryer tortilla chips next to a bowl of fresh, chunky salsa. | cinnamonglow.com

My kids love helping with cutting tortillas and mixing salsa. It has now become a weekend favorite that everyone enjoys making together.

Required Tools

Air fryer, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, tongs or spatula.

Allergen Information

Contains corn from tortillas. Most corn tortillas are gluten-free but always verify the packaging if gluten-sensitive.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 170, Total Fat: 6 g, Carbohydrates: 28 g, Protein: 3 g.

Crunchy air-fryer tortilla chips, coated with spices, perfect with a generous cup of salsa. Save
Crunchy air-fryer tortilla chips, coated with spices, perfect with a generous cup of salsa. | cinnamonglow.com

This recipe is perfect for parties or quick snacks. Enjoy your chips & salsa while they are crisp and fresh!

Recipe FAQ Section

How do I ensure the chips come out crispy?

Cut tortillas evenly and apply a light coat of oil. Air fry in a single layer and shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.

Can I customize the salsa flavor?

Absolutely! Adding diced avocado, corn, or black beans can enhance texture, and adjusting jalapeño adds desired heat.

What oil works best for the chips?

Olive oil or a neutral spray oil works well to lightly coat the tortilla pieces without overpowering flavors.

Can these chips be made without an air fryer?

They can be baked in a conventional oven but may require longer cooking times to achieve similar crispness.

How long can the chips and salsa be stored?

Chips are best fresh but can be stored in an airtight container up to 2 days. Salsa flavors develop best after resting 5–10 minutes and can keep refrigerated for a couple of days.

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips

Golden tortilla chips cooked to crisp perfection with a fresh, zesty salsa for a vibrant snack.

Prep duration
10 min
Time to cook
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Hannah Collins

Classification Vegetarian Favorites

Skill level Easy

Cultural Origin Mexican-Inspired

Output 4 Portion count

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No dairy, Without gluten

Components

Tortilla Chips

01 8 small corn tortillas
02 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
03 ½ teaspoon sea salt
04 ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Homemade Salsa

01 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
02 ½ small red onion, finely chopped
03 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
04 1 clove garlic, minced
05 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
06 Juice of 1 lime
07 ½ teaspoon salt
08 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method

Phase 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F.

Phase 02

Prepare Tortillas: Cut each corn tortilla into 6 to 8 wedges.

Phase 03

Season Tortilla Wedges: Lightly coat tortilla wedges with olive oil on both sides, then season with sea salt and chili powder if desired.

Phase 04

Arrange and Cook Chips: Place tortilla wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.

Phase 05

Air Fry Chips: Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chips are golden and crispy. Remove and cool on a rack.

Phase 06

Prepare Salsa: Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes.

Phase 07

Serve: Serve the crispy chips alongside the fresh salsa.

Tools needed

  • Air fryer
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and consult with a healthcare professional if you're uncertain about any ingredients.
  • Contains corn; verify gluten-free status of tortillas if sensitive.

Nutritional breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 170
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein Content: 3 g