Homemade Air Fryer Tortilla Strips
My Homemade Air Fryer Tortilla Strips are made with corn tortillas, a little oil, and simple seasoning, then cooked until crisp, golden, and lightly salty.
Ingredients
- 4 small corn tortillas
- 1 tsp olive oil
- pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Start by placing the corn tortillas on a chopping board or clean work surface. Brush both sides lightly with olive oil, making sure each tortilla has a thin, even coating. You do not need much oil here. A light brush is enough to help the tortillas crisp in the air fryer without making them greasy.
- Sprinkle the tortillas with salt while the oil is still fresh on the surface. Add any extra seasoning at this stage too, such as chilli powder, smoked paprika, cumin, or garlic powder. Seasoning the tortillas before cutting helps coat the strips more evenly and keeps the method simple.
- Stack the seasoned tortillas neatly, then use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into thin strips, about ¼ inch / 6 mm wide. Try to keep the strips similar in size so they cook evenly. If you prefer wider strips for dipping or topping hearty soups, you can cut them slightly thicker, but they may need an extra minute in the air fryer.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350°F / 180°C for about 2 to 3 minutes, if your air fryer needs preheating. This helps the tortilla strips start crisping as soon as they go into the basket.
- Place the tortilla strips in the air fryer basket in a loose, even layer. A little overlap is fine, but do not pack them in too tightly. If your air fryer basket is small, cook them in batches so the hot air can move around the strips properly.
- Air fry the tortilla strips at 350°F / 180°C for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket after about 3 minutes. Check them near the end of cooking, as air fryers can vary. The strips are ready when they are lightly golden, crisp at the edges, and dry to the touch.
- Transfer the cooked tortilla strips to a plate or tray and let them cool for a few minutes. They will crisp up a little more as they cool. Taste and add a small pinch of extra salt while they are still warm, if needed.
Notes
- Cut the strips evenly: Even strips cook more evenly and give you a better crunch throughout the batch.
- Do not use too much oil: Too much oil can make the tortilla strips heavy instead of crisp. A light coating is all you need.
- Shake the basket during cooking: This helps separate the strips and stops some pieces from browning too much in one spot.
- Cook in batches if needed: A crowded air fryer basket can lead to soft or uneven tortilla strips.
- Check early the first time: Air fryers vary a lot. Start checking at 5 minutes, especially if your tortilla strips are thin.
- Let them cool before storing: Warm tortilla strips can create steam in a container, which softens them.
- Add delicate flavours after cooking: Lime zest, fresh herbs, and extra seasoning are best added once the strips come out of the air fryer.
- Use slightly stale tortillas if you have them: Tortillas that are a day or two old often crisp up beautifully.