These Corn Tortilla Chips are air fried or oven baked for a crispy, delicious & healthier version. There are so many ways to use these chips in recipes and are the ultimate Mexican appetizer!

Totopos

If you love crispy Tortilla Chips at restaurants (who doesn’t!), but have never tried to make them at home, I’m about to show you a super easy version that will rival any restaurant! I like to air fry or bake mine for a healthier version by cutting down the calories. The flavor and texture are not compromised with this method and I’m sure you’ll love how they turn out.

Did you know that Tortilla Chips in Mexico are called Totopos? The word Totopo is of Nahuatl origin (language of the Aztecs) and it means to brown or toast. If you visit Mexico just ask for “Totopos y Salsa por favor” and you’ll sure impress your waiter!

This is the most popular and authentic Mexican snack!

Chips go great all kinds of salsas like this Chile De Arbol, Salsa Mexicana, Pico De Gallo or the undeniable favorite Guacamole. Place a full basket in the center of the table and everyone will be happy to dive right into it!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Healthier: Because these Tortilla Chips are cooked in the air fryer or oven rather than being deep fried, you only need a fraction of the oil. This recipe is naturally low-fat and gluten free.
Quick & Easy: These chips are ready 15 minutes or less, and they can be prepped ahead of time too.
Great for a crowd: This is a great sharing appetizer and the recipe is easily tripled if you are hosting a party.

A blue oval plate with fried corn tortilla chips and a green salsa on the side.

***This post was originally published on Dec 2015. It has been updated to be more helpful.

“Tortillas Chips are great for salsas, dips or to make Nachos, Chilaquiles Rojos and Chilaquiles Verdes. These are very popular recipes on Muy Delish! “

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Ingredients

The concept of the Tortilla Chip is very simple in Mexico. They are made with leftover tortillas that are fried in oil. That’s it! So all you need is:

Tortillas – If you use old tortillas, the chips will have a better consistency.
Vegetable Oil or cooking spray – Since we’re air frying or baking them, we don’t need a lot of oil. Just enough to coat them slightly in order to achieve that crispy texture without being dry. Also avocado, grapeseed or olive oil are great options.
Kosher or sea salt – the flavor of these salts are better as they’ll give a better texture and taste.
Optional flavors: chipotle powder or any other chili powder seasoning, fresh lime juice, garlic powder, dried herbs or your favorite mixture of spices.

Corn tortillas placed on a cutting board with a small bowl of oil on the side.

How to Make Tortilla Chips

The process of making air fried or baked tortillas is actually the same: the temperature & the method. But the advantage of using an air fryer, is that it preheats faster and uses less energy.

Equipment

Air Fryer or oven.
If you want to make a big batch, bake them in the oven and use two or more baking trays.

Preheat air-fryer/oven to 350 degrees.
Spray or brush the tortillas with oil lightly . Or use your finger to spread the oil evenly on the tortilla.
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut into your desired shape and place the tortilla wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet or tray.

A baking tray with corn tortillas cut in triangle shapes and brushed with a little oil. — Baked or Air Fry Corn Tortilla Chips.

Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste.
Bake for 12 to 15 or until the edges start to brown. Note: Keep an eye on the first batch since the cooking times varies depending on the oven.

Other ways to use homemade chips

Here are other ideas that you can use baked crispy tortillas. It’s the same baking method and the only thing that changes is the shape of how you cut the tortillas.

Make Tostadas – A delicious way to make your own tostadas with leftover tortillas! Make these delicious Chicken Tinga Tostadas or Black Bean Tostadas.

Corn tortillas sliced into strips then baked for a crispy texture.

Slice them into strips for Tortilla Soup.
Or cut into squares to make Migas.

How to Store

Keeping your homemade tortilla chips crisp is a breeze. Let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container – could be a ziplock bag or a sealed container, whatever suits your snack stash.

Place it in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week give or take.

FAQ’s

Can you make them ahead of time?

Yes! If you are planning to serve these at a party or just to have ready for snacking, you can certainly get ahead of things by making them ahead of time. If you like them warm, then, just pop them into the air fryer or microwave when you are ready to serve.

Are tortilla chips gluten free?

Yes they are! Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free and this makes Tortilla Chips naturally gluten free as well.

The typical tortilla has about 10 grams of carbs per tortilla and it’s naturally healthy.

A bowl with totopos chips and salsa on the side.

More Appetizer & Snacks Recipes

Thank you for stopping by!

I hope you like this recipe! Do you have any questions I can help you with? Or if you made it, I would love it if you leave a comment or rating below.
Gracias!!!! xx, Ana

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