These air fryer tortilla strips are a quick, crunchy snack or topping that delivers the satisfying crisp of fried chips without deep frying. Using an air fryer gives you a light, golden crunch with very little oil, and they’re ready in under 10 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute additions to salads and soups.
If you enjoy air frying, try making air fryer tostadas or other simple air fryer snacks next.
This recipe uses basic pantry ingredients: your choice of corn or flour tortillas, a light spray of oil, and a pinch of coarse salt. You can flavor the strips a number of ways—keep them simple with salt, season them with chili-lime for a spicy kick, or dust them with cinnamon sugar for a sweeter snack. Adjust seasonings to match the dish you plan to serve them with.
These strips work well with both yellow corn and flour tortillas. The goal is a uniform, golden-brown color and a crisp texture, usually achieved with only a few minutes in the air fryer.
Ingredients
See the printable recipe card at the end for exact quantities.
Corn tortillas (yellow or white) — choose any size; you’ll be cutting them into strips or wedges.
Flour tortillas — optional, for a milder flavor and slightly different texture.
Cooking spray — avocado oil spray is ideal, but olive oil spray or a light brush of oil works fine.
Coarse salt — sea salt preferred for texture and flavor.
Instructions
Use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice the tortillas into consistent shapes so they cook evenly. Aim for uniform pieces to avoid some burning while others remain undercooked.
- Thin strips: Cut into ½-inch wide strips for a delicate, crunchy topping.
- Tortilla wedges: Cut into quarters or eighths for chip-style wedges that hold up well for dips.
Place the cut tortillas in the air fryer basket; a slight overlap is acceptable. Lightly spray the basket first, then add the strips and mist them evenly with cooking spray. Toss them gently to ensure all pieces are coated, then sprinkle with coarse salt.
Air fry at 380°F (about 193°C) for 3–4 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway point to promote even browning. Keep a close eye after the halfway mark—small strips can go from perfectly golden to burnt very quickly.
Tips
- Cut pieces evenly so they cook at the same rate.
- Chip-style wedges may require an extra 1–2 minutes—watch closely to avoid burning.
- Remove strips a touch early if you want them to crisp further as they cool; they will firm up off the heat.
- For extra flavor, toss finished strips with garlic powder, chili powder, and a squeeze of lime for a bright, restaurant-style taste.
How to store
Allow the strips to cool completely to room temperature before storing. Transfer them to an airtight container and keep at room temperature. They will stay crisp for a couple of days; humidity can soften them, so store in a dry place.
Serving suggestions
These strips are excellent on taco salad or chicken tortilla soup. They also make a crunchy garnish for chilis and stews. If you don’t have a prepared dish ready, serve them with refried beans, guacamole, or a fresh salsa for an easy snack.
Common questions
A light spray of oil helps achieve extra crispness. Alternatively, toss strips in a teaspoon of oil in a bowl for even coating.
Yes. Both will crisp, but watch timing closely—thinner or smaller pieces will cook faster.
Preheating is not required, but it can help reach the desired color and texture a little faster.
Arrange strips in as close to a single layer as possible and avoid overcrowding. Shake or toss the basket halfway through cooking.
Absolutely—season immediately after cooking so the spices adhere while the strips are still warm.
Yes. They typically use far less oil than deep-fried versions, so they’re lower in fat and calories.
More quick and easy air fryer recipes
- Air Fryer PBJ
- Air Fryer Crispy Crowns (tater crowns)
- Air Fryer Pigs in a Blanket (with crescent rolls)
- Air Fryer Homemade Steak Fries
Thanks for trying this Air Fryer Tortilla Strips recipe. If you made it, consider leaving a note with how you seasoned them or what you served them with—we love hearing helpful tips and variations.
📖 Recipe
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Servings: 8
Calories: 46 kcal (per serving)
Ingredients
- 4 6-inch tortillas (corn or flour)
- 2 sprays avocado or olive oil cooking spray
- ½ teaspoon coarse sea salt (reduce to ⅛ tsp for finer table salt)
Instructions
- Cut tortillas into ½-inch strips or into wedges, depending on the shape you prefer.
- Lightly spray the air fryer basket, add the strips, then mist the strips with cooking spray. Toss so they are evenly coated and sprinkle with salt.
- Air fry at 380°F for 3–4 minutes, shaking the basket at the halfway point to promote even browning.
- Check frequently after the midway point—small strips can burn quickly. Remove when uniformly golden and crisp, and allow to cool for a few minutes to set the texture.
Notes
- Monitor closely near the end of cooking to avoid burning.
- Adjust strip size to change crispness and cook time.
- For chip-style wedges, add 1–2 extra minutes of cooking time if needed.
- Season while warm so spices stick—try garlic powder, chili powder, and lime for a bright, savory twist.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 46 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Protein: 1 g
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
- Sodium: 256 mg
- Fiber: 1 g
- Sugar: 1 g
Keywords: air fried, healthy recipes, toppings