Have you ever wondered how to make homemade tortilla chips? What is better, corn or flour tortillas? Baked or fried? Don’t worry, this post has got you covered. This recipe is quick, easy, and beyond delicious!
Have you ever been to a restaurant where they place the most perfect bowl of tortilla chips in front of you? You pick one up, dip it into the accompanying salsa and think to yourself, “god, why are the chips you get from the store never this good?” followed quickly by “how do I make chips like the restaurant at home?” This question puzzled me for a while. I assumed it had to do with frying of some sort. But with some research I quickly came to realize that they are many ways to make homemade tortilla chips.
What are the basics?
The reality is that you only need a few ingredients for this. Tortillas, oil, and salt!
Can you make homemade tortillas with flour tortillas?
You can! However, in this recipe I will be using corn tortillas as they are gluten free. I personally prefer the taste of the corn tortilla chips over the flour (it is more traditional anyways). However, it is the same process for the corn and flour tortillas.
What is the difference between corn and tortilla chips?
To quote “Science Direct“:
Extruded corn chips are produced from coarsely ground lime cooked masa that is formed and deep-fat-fried, whereas tortilla chips are produced from pieces of baked tortillas that are deep-fat-fried. … Tortilla chips have a stronger alkaline-cooked flavor and a crispier texture than corn chips.
That is all a bit complicated! But alas, that is their description!
How do you make extra crispy tortilla chips?
If you are using stale tortillas, then coat the slices with some oil, toss in the oven at 400°F for 5 or so minutes, and you are good to go.
If you are frying them, make sure you do not take them out too early! It will give your tortillas that extra level of crispiness that makes them extra good and takes them to that restaurant quality level.
Troubleshoot: Why are my homemade tortilla chips so chewy?
There can be a couple of reasons for this. For one, you are not letting the oil get warm enough prior to placing your tortilla slices into it. The second, you are not leaving the chips in long enough. If the chips are still pale, it is a strong indication that they will be chewy and not have that lovely crisp when you take a bite into it.
How to make tortilla chips in the oven?
If you decide to make your chips in the oven this is the way to go about it:
- Slice up your tortillas
- Heat your oven to 375°F
- Brush each chip with oil and bake between 8-12 minutes (until golden)
- Top with salt when they come out of the oven
Fried tortilla chips (my favorite homemade tortilla chips)
Okay, here we go! My favorite way to make tortilla chips. The traditional good ol’frying way.
Things to keep in mind: Not all oil is the same for frying
Some oils have higher smoke points and some have lower. You are going to want to avoid olive oil (low smoke point) and use an oil like vegetable or canola (high smoke points). Your food is less likely to burn with these types of oils as opposed to burning quite easy with an oil such as olive oil.
You are going to want to have a thermometer that can measure the heat of oil as you will want to maintain a heat of 350°F in the oil. Once you add the tortillas to the oil, it will cool the oil down a bit, so, keep track.
- Slice up your tortillas (corn or flour, however I once again think corn is better)
- place your oil into a heavy set pot and heat on a medium/high heat. Check the temperature of the oil. If you want to test it if you think it is getting to be hot enough, toss in once slice and see how it fries up. If it is not crisping up, allow the oil to continue to heat up.
- Once the oil is the right temperature, place several slices into the pot (but don’t overcrowd them- it will cool the oil too much).
- Fry for 3 or so minutes on each side (until nice and golden)
- remove from the oil and toss with salt!
Use these tortilla chips immediately or within a few days. They will make a great snack and or top them with your favorite things and make some nachos (more on this to come in a future post).
Looking for other recipes?
Apple Cider Donuts click here
Sleeping Beauty Cake click here
Lemon Cheesecake Bars click here
Chocolate Cake click here
Carrot Cake click here
Clafoutis click here
Burnt Basque Cheesecake (Classic) click here
Funfetti Cake click here
No Bake Heath Bar Cheesecake click here
Raspberry Lemon Cheesecake Bars click here
How to make homemade tortilla chips
Ingredients
- Tortillas store bought corn or flour tortillas
- salt
- canola or vegetable oil
Instructions
- Slice up your tortillas (corn or flour, however I once again think corn is better)
- place your oil into a heavy set pot and heat on a medium/high heat. Check the temperature of the oil. If you want to test it if you think it is getting to be hot enough, toss in once slice and see how it fries up. If it is not crisping up, allow the oil to continue to heat up.
- Once the oil is the right temperature, place several slices into the pot (but don't overcrowd them- it will cool the oil too much).
- Fry for 3 or so minutes on each side (until nice and golden)
- remove from the oil and toss with salt!
Nutrition
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