Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips

Featured in: Sizzle & Spice Meals

These air-fried tortilla chips offer a crispy, golden crunch with minimal oil, paired perfectly with a fresh homemade salsa featuring ripe tomatoes, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro. This quick snack combines simple ingredients for a bold flavor, ideal for sharing or a light bite. The chips are seasoned with sea salt and optional chili powder, providing a subtle kick, while the salsa is zestily brightened with lime juice and pepper. Air frying keeps the chips light and crisp, making this a budget-friendly, satisfying option for any occasion.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:27:00 GMT
Golden-brown air-fryer tortilla chips sit next to vibrant, chunky homemade salsa for dipping. Save
Golden-brown air-fryer tortilla chips sit next to vibrant, chunky homemade salsa for dipping. | sizzlebloom.com

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

When I first tried making tortilla chips in the air fryer, I was amazed at how simple and tasty they came out. Paired with homemade salsa, they're now a favorite for movie nights and weekend get-togethers.

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

Preheat Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F) to begin.
Cut Tortillas:
Slice the corn tortillas into wedges (6 or 8 per tortilla).
Season Tortillas:
Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortilla pieces with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder if desired.
Air Fry Chips:
Arrange the tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5–7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway, until chips are golden and crispy. Cool on a rack.
Prepare Salsa:
Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and let rest for 5–10 minutes so the flavors meld.
Serve:
Enjoy the crispy tortilla chips with the fresh salsa immediately.
Close-up shot shows fresh salsa served alongside crunchy air-fryer tortilla chips, perfect snack. Save
Close-up shot shows fresh salsa served alongside crunchy air-fryer tortilla chips, perfect snack. | sizzlebloom.com

Sharing homemade chips and salsa always reminds me of backyard afternoons with my family, everyone gathering around the table for a crunchy bite and laughter.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains: Corn. Verify packaging for gluten-free status if necessary.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Enjoy perfectly crispy air-fryer tortilla chips, a simple side, with a refreshing bowl of salsa. Save
Enjoy perfectly crispy air-fryer tortilla chips, a simple side, with a refreshing bowl of salsa. | sizzlebloom.com

Fresh, crispy chips and zesty salsa are ready for dipping—enjoy every bite with your favorite people.

Common Questions

How do I get crispier tortilla chips in the air fryer?

Brush the tortilla wedges lightly with oil on both sides and air-fry at 350°F for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway to ensure even crispness.

Can I customize the salsa flavors?

Yes, add diced avocado, corn, or black beans for extra texture and flavor, or adjust the jalapeño quantity for heat preference.

What type of tortillas work best for these chips?

Small corn tortillas are ideal for crispiness and authentic flavor, but flour tortillas can be used if preferred.

How should I store leftover chips and salsa?

Store chips in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain crunch. Keep salsa refrigerated and consume within 2 days for freshness.

Can I make these chips without an air fryer?

Yes, they can be baked in an oven at 375°F until golden and crispy, though air frying yields a lighter texture.

Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips

Crunchy air-fried corn chips served with a vibrant, fresh tomato salsa for easy snacking.

Setup Duration
10 min
Heat Duration
10 min
Complete Duration
20 min
Created by Emily Dawson

Classification Sizzle & Spice Meals

Skill Level Easy

Heritage Mexican-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition Labels Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

Components

Tortilla Chips

01 8 small corn tortillas
02 2 tablespoons olive oil or spray oil
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 Steps

Phase 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (180°C).

Phase 02

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

Phase 03

Season Tortilla Pieces: Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortilla wedges with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with sea salt and chili powder if using.

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 Until Crispy: Air-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chips turn golden and crispy. Remove and cool on a rack.

Phase 06

Combine Salsa Ingredients: In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Phase 07

Let Salsa Rest: Allow the salsa to sit for 5 to 10 minutes to merge the flavors.

Phase 08

Serve: Serve the crispy tortilla chips alongside the fresh homemade salsa.

Kitchen Tools

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

Dietary Alerts

Always review ingredients individually for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance when uncertain.
  • Contains corn from tortillas. Verify tortillas are gluten-free if sensitive, as corn tortillas typically are but check labels.

Dietary Information (per portion)

Values shown are estimates and shouldn't replace professional medical consultation.
  • Energy Value: 170
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g