Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips are everything you love about classic chips—crispy, crunchy, and satisfying—without all the added preservatives or excess salt that come with store-bought versions. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Made with just corn tortillas, vegetable oil, and a pinch of kosher salt, these chips are easy to prepare and full of flavor. Plus, you can adjust the seasoning to your liking, making them as salty or mild as you prefer. Freshly fried chips make for an unbeatable snacking experience.

Ingredients

8 (6-inch) corn tortillas
Vegetable oil, for frying
Kosher salt

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large, deep pan or skillet over medium-high heat. The oil should be hot enough to fry the chips but not smoking (around 350°F).
While the oil heats, stack the corn tortillas and cut them into 6 wedges to make triangles.
Once the oil is hot, carefully place a few tortilla wedges into the pan, ensuring they don’t overcrowd. Fry the chips in batches for about 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the chips from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
While the chips are still hot, sprinkle them with kosher salt to taste.
Allow the chips to cool slightly before serving.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4-6
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Chips: Add a sprinkle of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika along with the salt for a spicy kick.
Garlic Flavor: After frying, toss the chips with garlic powder or fresh minced garlic for an extra burst of flavor.
Lime Zest: For a zesty twist, sprinkle the chips with freshly grated lime zest and a pinch of salt before serving.
Baked Chips: If you prefer a lighter version, brush the tortilla wedges with olive oil and bake them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until crispy.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover tortilla chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. They’ll stay crispy for a few days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating: To crisp up leftover chips, place them on a baking sheet and heat them in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or until they’re hot and crispy again.

FAQs

1. Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn tortillas?

Yes, flour tortillas can be used, but they will give you a different texture and flavor. Corn tortillas provide the traditional taste and crunch.

2. Can I make these chips in the oven instead of frying them?

Yes, to make baked tortilla chips, brush the tortilla wedges with oil, season with salt, and bake them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

3. Can I use a different type of oil for frying?

You can use other oils such as canola oil or sunflower oil, but vegetable oil is a common choice due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point.

4. How do I know when the oil is hot enough?

You can test the oil temperature by dropping in a small piece of tortilla. If it sizzles immediately and rises to the surface, the oil is ready for frying.

5. Can I make these chips ahead of time?

These chips are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store them for a few days. Just make sure they’re completely cooled before storing them in an airtight container.

6. What’s the best way to cut the tortillas?

Stack the tortillas and cut them into 6 wedges with a sharp knife or pizza cutter for evenly sized chips.

7. Can I flavor the chips with something other than salt?

Absolutely! You can try adding other seasonings like cumin, smoked paprika, or dried herbs like oregano for a unique flavor.

8. Can I make these chips without frying?

Yes, you can make them by brushing the tortilla wedges with oil and baking them at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, or until they’re crispy.

9. Can I use tortilla chips for dipping in hot cheese or dip?

Yes, these homemade chips are perfect for dipping in queso, salsa, guacamole, or any dip of your choice.

10. Can I freeze these chips?

While you can freeze them, they are best enjoyed fresh or stored for a few days in an airtight container. Freezing may affect their texture.

Conclusion

Homemade Corn Tortilla Chips are the perfect way to enjoy a classic snack with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor. Whether you’re pairing them with your favorite dip or simply enjoying them on their own, these crispy chips are sure to satisfy your cravings. Quick and easy to make, they’re perfect for any occasion and can be customized to suit your tastes. Once you try these, you’ll never go back to store-bought chips again!