These Totopos are easy to make at home! These are air fried or oven baked corn tortilla chips are crispy, so delicious & are healthier too. There are so many ways to use these chips in recipes and are the ultimate Mexican appetizer!
This recipe is low-fat, gluten free & vegan.
***This post was originally published on Dec 2015. It has been updated to be more helpful.
Homemade Tortilla Chips
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 hope you give them a try.
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!
Why you’ll love this recipe
They 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!
There are so many other ways to enjoy them by cutting them in different shapes which I show you below.
“These Tortillas Chips are great to make Nachos, Chilaquiles Rojos and Chilaquiles Verdes. These are very popular recipes on Muy Delish! “
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.
- 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. Use vegetable, avocado, grapeseed or olive oil.
- 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.
***Make sure to scroll all the way down to the recipe card to get the full ingredient list and written recipe.
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.
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.
If you have the equipment, and need a small batch only, then by all means use the air fryer!
- 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.
- Cut into your desired shape and place in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- 4. Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste.
- 5. 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.
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.
FAQs
Yes they are! Corn tortillas are naturally vegan since they don’t contain any animal products. Just use a vegetable oil when frying them to keep them vegan.
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.
? If you enjoyed this recipe I’d love it if you take 5 seconds to rate and review it below on the blog. It’s also super helpful to me and other readers if you share any changes you made to the recipe. I’m so grateful you’re here! ??
Print Recipe:
Air Fried Tortilla Chips
Equipment
- Air Fryer Or Oven
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- 12 corn tortillas
- 2 Tablespoons vegetable, avocado, grapeseed or olive oil
- kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees
- Spray or brush the tortillas with oil lightly . Or use your finger to spread the oil evenly on the tortilla.
- Cut into your desired shape and place in a single layer on a baking sheet
- Sprinkle with kosher salt to taste.
- Bake for 12 to 15 or until the edges start to brown.
Muy Delish Notes:
- Keep an eye on the first batch since the cooking times varies depending on the oven. Be careful not to over bake as they may become dry.
- The tortilla should be placed in a single layer in the air fryer basket or baking tray, without touching, so that they get crispy all over.
- Store in airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Add Your Own Private Notes
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Nutrition
The nutritional information and US conversions are calculated automatically. I cannot guarantee the accuracy of this data. If this is important to you, please verify with your favourite nutrition calculator and/or unit conversion tool.
Other ways to enjoy Homemade Tortilla 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.
- Cut them into strips for Tortilla Soup.
2. Make Tostadas – A delicious way to make your own tostadas with leftover tortillas! Make these delicious Chicken Tinga Tostadas.
3. Cut into squares to make Migas.
No more bagged tortilla chips! Yay!
Thanks so much Monica! I really appreciate it!