Hello, Crispy Chips
I think we can all agree that chips and salsa are among the best snacks known to man. But, there is nothing worse than dipping stale, lifeless chips into fresh, vibrant salsa (like avocado corn salsa) — it just doesn’t add up. Because when the ingredients list is just corn tortillas, oil, and salt, quality matters. That’s where homemade tortilla chips come in! They’re a great way to save money and reduce food waste, and you can also decide exactly what goes into your recipe. Whether you prefer a classic crunch and flavor from frying or a healthier version by baking, it’s about time we learn to make fresh tortilla chips!
Grab These Ingredients
To make homemade tortilla chips, you’ll just need 3 ingredients.
Corn Tortillas: Small corn tortillas are perfect here. You can use either fresh or stale tortillas. Soybean Oil: A heart-healthy option, especially for frying! Soybean oil is often labeled as “vegetable oil,” so be sure to check the ingredients to ensure it’s soybean oil. Salt: It’s not a tortilla chip without a pinch of sea salt.
Frying These chips Is a Breeze
Frying is my favorite way to make tortilla chips, giving them a delicate crunch in just minutes.
Bake For a Healthier Twist
For a lower-fat option, you can also bake your tortilla chips! This results in a slightly crunchier chip, similar to a pita chip.
Have an air fryer?
An air fryer is the perfect appliance for these homemade tortilla chips.
Seasoning Inspiration
While classic sea salt is delicious, shaking things up is always fun! Here are some possible seasoning ideas for your homemade tortilla chips:
Tangy: Serve your chips with a squeeze of lime juice and lime zest. Spicy: They’re delicious with a sprinkle of Tajin or chili powder. Or, go bold with some fajita seasoning. Other Mixes: Experiment with non-traditional seasonings like homemade popcorn seasoning (taco is my favorite here). You can even play around with Italian seasoning or chili seasoning.
Are tortilla chips gluten-free?
Tortilla chips can be gluten-free, but not all of them are. Traditional tortilla chips are made from corn, which is naturally gluten-free. However, some manufacturers may add ingredients like wheat flour or malt extract for flavoring or processing purposes, making the chips not gluten-free. All the more reason to use homemade tortilla chips!
Why soybean oil?
You want to look out for two features when choosing a frying oil: smoke point and heart health. The smoke point of soybean oil is approximately 450°F, meaning you can pump the heat up pretty high before it starts to deteriorate. For reference, olive oil has a smoke point of about 410°F, and canola is 435°F. But, perhaps more important than the smoke point is the fat composition of the oil, which is really where soybean oil shines. Soybean oil is higher in polyunsaturated fats (including omega-3 fatty acids) than other frying oils, making it a heart-healthy option for frying!
