Have you ever craved that perfect crunch and salty goodness, only to find out your pantry is devoid of snacks? That’s what happened to me last Thursday night during a rerun binge of “The Office” (yes, still a classic). So, I decided to whip up some homemade tortilla chips—simple, quick, and oh-so-satisfying. You won’t believe how easy they are and how they can transform a dull evening into a fiesta of flavors.
Steps
- Cut each tortilla into six triangular pieces. Set aside a lined plate with paper towels or a clean dishcloth to drain the cooked chips.
- Pour oil into a wide, high-sided pan until it’s about 1/2 inch deep and heat it to 350°F (177°C) on medium-high heat.
- Place a single layer of tortilla triangles into the hot oil, using a slotted spoon or tongs to ensure they’re fully submerged.
- Cook the chips until they become crispy and turn golden brown, approximately 2 minutes.
- Remove the chips from the oil and place them on the prepared plate, then lightly sprinkle them with salt. Repeat the process with the remaining tortilla pieces.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare two baking sheets with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Lightly coat both sides of the tortillas with oil using a brush or spray.
- Slice each tortilla into six triangles and arrange them in a single layer on the baking sheets.
- Bake the chips until they are crisp and golden brown, about 10 to 20 minutes, rotating the sheets if needed for even baking.
- Once baked, season each chip lightly with salt before serving.
Ingredients
- 10 corn tortillas (preferably stale or slightly dried out)
- 3/4 to 1 cup of neutral, high-heat cooking oil (such as avocado oil, safflower oil, peanut oil, or vegetable oil)
- Sea salt, to taste
Nutritional Values
Calories: 885 | Total Fat: 49g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 1270.5mg | Carbohydrate: 107g | Dietary Fiber: 15g | Total Sugars: 2g | Protein: 13.5g
FAQ
- What type of tortillas should I use for making homemade tortilla chips?
- It is best to use corn tortillas that are stale or slightly dried out. For optimal flavor, choose tortillas made with nixtamalized corn, which you can identify by looking for the words “nixtamal” or “nixtamalized” on the packaging.
- What type of oil is recommended for frying tortilla chips?
- When frying tortilla chips, opt for a neutral, high-heat oil such as avocado, safflower, or peanut oil. These oils have a high smoke point, making them ideal for frying.
- Can I bake tortilla chips instead of frying them?
- Yes, you can bake tortilla chips as a healthier alternative to frying. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C), brush the tortilla wedges with a little oil, and bake them until they are crisp and golden brown.
- How do I know when the oil is ready for frying chips?
- If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of tortilla. It should gently sizzle. If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot, and you should remove the pan from the heat to let it cool slightly before continuing.
- How should I store homemade tortilla chips?
- While homemade tortilla chips are best eaten fresh, you can store them for an extra day or two by allowing them to cool completely and then placing them in a resealable plastic bag or an airtight container.
Tips
- Test Oil Temperature Without a Thermometer: To ensure the oil is at the right temperature for frying, drop a small piece of tortilla into the oil. It should sizzle gently. If it browns too quickly, the oil is too hot, so let it cool slightly before proceeding.
- Optimal Storage for Freshness: While homemade tortilla chips are best enjoyed the same day, you can store them for a day or two by allowing them to cool completely and then placing them in a resealable plastic bag or airtight container.
- Convection Oven Adjustments: If you’re using a convection oven, lower the cooking temperature by 25°F and check the chips a few minutes earlier than the recipe suggests. Some ovens automatically adjust the temperature, so refer to your oven manual for guidance.
- Air Fryer Alternative: For air-fried tortilla chips, place lightly oiled tortilla triangles in a single layer in the air fryer and cook at 350°F until golden brown and crispy, about 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent over-browning.
Equipment
- Wide, High-Sided Pot or Cast Iron Pan – for frying the tortilla chips.
- Thermometer – to measure the oil temperature accurately.
- Slotted Spoon or Tongs – for handling the chips in hot oil.
- Baking Sheets – for baking the tortilla chips.
- Parchment Paper or Silicone Baking Mat – for lining baking sheets.
- Air Fryer – if you choose the air fryer method for making chips.
