Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips Homemade Salsa

Featured in: Sweet & Salty Snacks

These crispy tortilla chips are effortlessly prepared in the air fryer, ensuring a light, golden crunch without excess oil. Paired with a vibrant homemade salsa blending ripe tomatoes, fresh cilantro, and a hint of lime, this dish brings together bold, fresh flavors perfect for a quick snack or appetizer. Simple seasoning and a straightforward method make this an ideal choice for a flavorful, budget-friendly treat. Serve immediately for best texture and zest.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 11:46:00 GMT
Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips served with a vibrant homemade salsa, perfect for dipping and snacking. Save
Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips served with a vibrant homemade salsa, perfect for dipping and snacking. | flavza.com

Crispy, golden tortilla chips made in the air fryer served with a fresh, zesty salsa. An easy, budget-friendly snack perfect for sharing.

Making tortilla chips in the air fryer became a game-changer at our house during weekend movie nights: everyone loves watching the chips crisp up and the salsa always disappears fast.

Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas: Use 8 small corn tortillas for best crunch.
  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp or spray oil for coating.
  • Sea salt: ½ tsp, to season.
  • Chili powder: ½ tsp, adds an optional kick.
  • Tomatoes: 4 medium ripe, diced for salsa base.
  • Red onion: ½ small, finely chopped.
  • Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional for heat).
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
  • Cilantro: ¼ cup fresh, chopped for freshness.
  • Lime juice: Juice of 1 lime for tang.
  • Salt: ½ tsp for salsa seasoning.
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp for subtle spice.

Instructions

Prep air fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Cut tortillas:
Slice the corn tortillas into wedges (6 or 8 pieces each).
Season and coat:
Brush or spray tortilla wedges lightly with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle evenly with sea salt and chili powder if using.
Air fry chips:
Arrange tortilla wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking halfway, until chips are golden and crispy. Cool on a rack after frying.
Prepare salsa:
In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, chopped onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper. Let salsa stand for 5 to 10 minutes for flavors to meld.
Serve:
Enjoy tortilla chips fresh with your homemade salsa.
Golden brown Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips piled next to a bowl of fresh, colorful, zesty salsa. Pin it
Golden brown Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips piled next to a bowl of fresh, colorful, zesty salsa. | flavza.com

Our family loves gathering in the kitchen to assemble salsa and snack on chips while catching up: it is a simple way to bring everyone together.

Required Tools

An air fryer, sharp knife and cutting board for prepping, mixing bowls for salsa, and tongs for handling chips are all you need.

Allergen Information

Contains corn from tortillas. Verify the package to ensure gluten-free if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

Each serving provides about 170 calories, 6 g fat, 28 g carbohydrates, and 3 g protein.

Crispy Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips made with simple ingredients, ideal for a vegan friendly appetizer. Pin it
Crispy Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips made with simple ingredients, ideal for a vegan friendly appetizer. | flavza.com

Enjoy these crunchy chips and homemade salsa as a fresh snack or party bite. They disappear quickly—so make plenty!

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I achieve crispier chips in the air fryer?

Ensure chips are arranged in a single layer without overlapping and air-fry at 350°F for 5-7 minutes, shaking halfway to promote even crisping.

Can I customize the salsa flavors?

Absolutely. Feel free to add diced avocado, corn, or black beans to enhance texture and flavor profiles.

What spices enhance the tortilla chips best?

Cumin or smoked paprika add a warm depth, complementing the chili powder and sea salt seasoning nicely.

Are corn tortillas gluten-free?

Most corn tortillas are gluten-free, but it’s important to check packaging to ensure suitability for gluten-sensitive diets.

How should leftover chips be stored?

Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain some crispness, though fresh is best.

Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips Homemade Salsa

Crispy, golden air-fried chips paired with fresh, zesty homemade salsa for a tasty snack.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
10 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes


Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Yield: 4 servings

Dietary: Vegan, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

Tortilla Chips

01 8 small corn tortillas
02 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
03 ½ teaspoon sea salt
04 ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Homemade Salsa

01 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
02 ½ small red onion, finely chopped
03 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
04 1 clove garlic, minced
05 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
06 Juice of 1 lime
07 ½ teaspoon salt
08 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

Step 01

Preheat air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and allow it to heat up.

Step 02

Prepare tortillas: Cut each corn tortilla into 6 to 8 wedges.

Step 03

Season tortilla wedges: Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortilla wedges with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with sea salt and chili powder if desired.

Step 04

Cook tortilla chips: Place tortilla wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they turn golden and crisp. Remove and cool on a rack.

Step 05

Mix salsa ingredients: Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to blend flavors.

Step 06

Serve: Present the crispy tortilla chips alongside the fresh salsa for dipping.

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains corn from tortillas. Verify gluten content on tortilla packaging as some corn tortillas may contain gluten.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 170
  • Total Fat: 6 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g