Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Salsa

Featured in: Crunchy Snacks

Transform simple corn tortillas into crispy, golden chips using your air fryer in minutes. Lightly brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with sea salt and chili powder, these chips deliver crunch and flavor without extra grease. Paired with a fresh salsa of ripe tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, and lime juice, this snack bursts with zesty, vibrant notes. Perfect for sharing, it’s a quick and budget-friendly option that brings a taste of Mexican-inspired flair to your table. Customize with spices or add-ins to suit your preferences, enjoying a satisfying and wholesome treat.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:29:00 GMT
Golden-brown air-fryer tortilla chips ready to be dipped into a vibrant homemade salsa. Save
Golden-brown air-fryer tortilla chips ready to be dipped into a vibrant homemade salsa. | kookycrunch.com

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

I first tried making tortilla chips in the air fryer when I needed a fast snack for guests. The salsa comes together in minutes for a truly fresh dip.

Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas: 8 small, cut into wedges
  • Olive oil or spray oil: 2 tbsp for brushing
  • Sea salt: ½ tsp
  • Chili powder (optional): ½ tsp
  • Tomatoes: 4 medium ripe, diced
  • Red onion: ½ small, finely chopped
  • Jalapeño (optional): 1, seeded and minced
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced
  • Cilantro: ¼ cup fresh, chopped
  • Lime juice: from 1 lime
  • Salt: ½ tsp
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp

Instructions

Preheat air fryer:
Set air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare tortillas:
Cut tortillas into wedges.
Season chips:
Brush or spray wedges with oil. Sprinkle with salt and chili powder.
Air fry chips:
Arrange wedges in a single layer. Air-fry 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway, until crispy.
Cool chips:
Let chips cool on rack.
Make salsa:
Combine tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, pepper. Mix and let sit 5–10 minutes.
Serve:
Enjoy chips with salsa.
A generous serving of crispy air-fryer tortilla chips paired with fresh, flavorful homemade salsa. Save
A generous serving of crispy air-fryer tortilla chips paired with fresh, flavorful homemade salsa. | kookycrunch.com

My family loves gathering around the table with a bowl of homemade chips and salsa, everyone dipping and chatting together.

Required Tools

Air fryer, knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, tongs or spatula are all you need for this recipe.

Allergen Information

Contains corn. Most corn tortillas are gluten-free; check packaging for allergies.

Nutritional Information

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

Close-up of air-fryer tortilla chips, perfectly seasoned, alongside a bowl of zesty homemade salsa. Save
Close-up of air-fryer tortilla chips, perfectly seasoned, alongside a bowl of zesty homemade salsa. | kookycrunch.com

Serve these chips warm with salsa for the best taste. Share with friends for an easy, crowd-pleasing snack.

Recipe FAQ

How do I get the chips crispy in the air fryer?

Brush or spray the tortilla wedges lightly with olive oil and spread them in a single layer. Air fry at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway for even crisping.

Can I adjust the spice level in the salsa?

Yes, add or omit the jalapeño and adjust the chili powder on the chips to control the heat to your liking.

What are good variations for the salsa?

Try adding diced avocado, corn kernels, or black beans to enrich the fresh tomato-based salsa with extra textures and flavors.

How long do the chips stay fresh?

For best texture, enjoy chips fresh. They can be stored airtight for up to 2 days but may lose crispness over time.

Are these suitable for vegan and dairy-free diets?

Yes, all ingredients including corn tortillas, olive oil, and fresh produce make this suitable for vegan and dairy-free preferences.

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Salsa

Crispy tortilla chips made air-fried with a fresh, zesty salsa for a flavorful snack.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Jake Peterson


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mexican-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Diet considerations Plant-Based, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Tortilla Chips

01 8 small corn tortillas
02 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
03 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
04 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional)

Homemade Salsa

01 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
02 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
03 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (optional)
04 1 clove garlic, minced
05 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
06 Juice of 1 lime
07 1/2 teaspoon salt
08 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Phase 01

Preheat air fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and allow it to reach temperature before cooking.

Phase 02

Prepare tortilla wedges: Cut each corn tortilla into 6 to 8 wedges for uniform crisping.

Phase 03

Season tortilla chips: Brush or spray both sides of the tortilla wedges lightly with olive oil, then sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder if desired.

Phase 04

Arrange for frying: Place the tortilla wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.

Phase 05

Air-fry chips: Cook the tortilla wedges for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until chips are golden and crispy. Remove and transfer to a cooling rack.

Phase 06

Prepare salsa: Combine diced tomatoes, chopped red onion, minced jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir thoroughly and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to steep flavors.

Phase 07

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

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component carefully for potential allergens and consult with healthcare professionals if you're uncertain about any ingredient.
  • Contains corn from tortillas. Verify gluten-free status on tortilla packaging if gluten sensitivity is a concern.

Nutrient breakdown (per portion)

These values are estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 170
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g