Craving a crunchy snack? These Air Fryer Pita Chips are golden, crispy, and so easy to make! Perfect for dipping or munching solo—ready in minutes with simple ingredients!
I was visiting my parents house in Toronto a few months back. Since I’ve been living across the country from them for so long now (5 years in May…jeez!!!!), I always crave the same dishes I grew up eating upon return. You bet you’ll find some pasta with cauliflower and bacon in the fridge. Some polpette (aka my mom’s MUST-TRY mini Italian meatballs). And definitely some carciofoli aka my favourite stuffed artichokes.
And, sprinkled somewhere along my stay, is (of course!!!!) a day reserved for having tacos. The good ol’ old el paso ones, at that! Those are the ones we grew up eating and let me just tell you that we were never ones to hold back on family taco night. We always had the works—lettuce, cheese, tomatoes, olives, peppers, onions, jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, hot sauces, my dad’s perfectly seasoned ground beef, and, of course, an abundance of both hard and soft shell tortillas.
And when I say abundance of tortillas, I mean sometimes we buy more than we actually need or will ever go through in one single taco night. So many that we’re still scrambling for ideas on what to do with them a day or two later.
Not to toot our own horn or anything, but we found THE PERFECT USE for them!!! Whether you’re whipping up a batch of homemade tortilla chips from corn tortillas or making these air fryer pita chips from the flour ones, they’re the easiest way to give those extra tortillas a delicious second life. Crispy, golden, and downright addictive, they’re just perfect for dipping or snacking.
So if you’re staring at a stack of leftover tortillas from taco night wondering what to do with them—boom, problem solved. Say helllllllo to better-than-store-bought air fryer pita chips.
INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED TO MAKE AIR FRYER PITA CHIPS
Crispy, golden, and ridiculously easy to make, these Air Fryer Pita Chips (made with small flour tortillas!) are the perfect snack. With just three simple ingredients, you’ll have a batch of crunchy chips in minutes—perfect for dipping into hummus, salsa, guacamole, or just enjoying on their own. No deep frying, no hassle—just pure, crispy goodness! Let’s discuss the exact ingredients you’ll need in a little bit more detail down below:
- Flour Tortillas: Create light, crispy chips with a slightly chewy center. You can also use regular-sized tortillas and cut them into smaller pieces.
- Cooking Spray: A light mist helps the chips crisp up beautifully in the air fryer. Olive oil spray or avocado oil spray work best, but any neutral spray will do.
- Salt: Simple but essential! A sprinkle of salt enhances the flavour. Use sea salt, kosher salt, or even flavoured salts for variety.
HOW TO MAKE PITA CHIPS IN THE AIR FRYER (KEY TIPS)
You can find full instructions for how to make these crispy homemade pita chips in the recipe card down below, but here are a few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Use fresh tortillas. Stale tortillas won’t crisp up as nicely. If yours are a bit dry, lightly mist them with water before spraying with oil.
- Cut evenly for consistent cooking. To ensure your chips cook at the same rate, stack the tortillas and use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to slice them into even 6-8 triangles (like cutting a pizza). For strips, cut them into uniform widths. Even pieces mean no burnt edges or undercooked centers!
- Use a light hand with oil. Too much cooking spray can make the chips soggy. A light mist is enough to crisp them up without making them greasy.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. Arrange the tortilla pieces in a single layer with space between them. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking. Cook in batches if needed!
- Watch them closely. These chips cook fast! Start checking around 4 minutes to prevent burning. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model.
- Shake the basket halfway, if needed. This helps them crisp evenly on all sides. You can also use tongs to flip them for extra even browning if your air fryer doesn’t have 360° air circulation.
- Cool before serving. The chips continue to crisp up as they cool. Let them rest for a minute or two after air frying.
- Season right after spraying. For best flavour, sprinkle salt (or other seasonings) immediately after spraying so it sticks to the tortillas.
- Customize the flavour! Try adding garlic powder, smoked paprika, chili powder, bbq seasoning, Italian seasoning, all-purpose seasoning, or even cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Air fryer pita chips cook fast, usually in 4-6 minutes at 350°F (175°C). Be sure to shake the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping if your air fryer doesn’t have 360° air circulation. Keep a close eye on them, especially in the last minute, since they can go from perfectly golden to overdone quickly. If you prefer extra crispy chips, you can add another minute, but always check to avoid burning. Let them cool for a minute after cooking—they’ll continue to crisp up as they sit.
If your pita chips aren’t crispy in the air fryer, there could be a few reasons. First, make sure you’re not overcrowding the basket—chips need space to crisp evenly, so cook in batches if needed. Next, ensure you’re using a light coating of cooking spray; too much oil can make the chips soggy. Cutting the tortilla pieces evenly is also key, as uneven sizes can cause some chips to cook slower than others. Lastly, make sure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature (350°F or 175°C) and that you’re monitoring the chips closely as they cook, especially during the final minute, to avoid undercooking. If they still aren’t crispy, try adding another minute of cooking time for an extra crunch!
Pita chips are incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in so many ways! You can dip them in your favorite sauces like hummus, guacamole, salsa, or a creamy spinach dip. They also make a great snack on their own, seasoned with just salt or other spices like garlic powder, smoked paprika, or even parmesan. If you’re feeling creative, use them as a crunchy topping for soups, salads, or yogurt bowls for an added crunch. Pita chips are also a perfect base for nachos—top them with cheese, beans, and your favourite nacho toppings, then pop them in the air fryer for a quick, cheesy treat!
Homemade pita chips will stay fresh for about 1-2 weeks when stored in an airtight container at room temperature. For the best crunch, avoid storing them in a humid environment. If you want them to last even longer, you can freeze them for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to let them cool completely before storing, and if they lose their crispness after a while, you can easily re-crisp them in the air fryer for a few minutes!
THE PERFECT PAIRING FOR THESE AIR FRYER PITA CHIPS
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AIR FRYER PITA CHIPS
Ingredients
- 4 small Flour Tortillas
- Cooking Spray
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C), if necessary.
- Cut the tortillas into triangles or strips, depending on your preference. Spray both sides of the tortilla pieces lightly with cooking spray.
- Arrange the pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. (Work in batches if needed.) Sprinkle with salt to taste.
- Air fry for 4-6 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through if your air fryer doesn't have 360° air circulation, until golden and crispy. Season with more salt immediately, if needed/desired. Cool slightly before serving with your favourite dip or enjoying as is!
Video
Nutrition
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