Baking Corn Tortilla Chips: Healthy, Oil-Free Method

Baked corn tortilla chips are a healthy, crunchy, and delicious alternative to the store-bought version. They are easy to make, perfect for dips and salsa, and can be customised with a variety of flavours. This guide will show you how to make them without oil, for a lighter, healthier snack.

Cut tortillas into triangles

To cut tortillas into triangles, you can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife. First, stack the tortillas in layers of 5 or 6. Then, cut through each stack to make 6 or 8 wedges. You can also cut each tortilla individually into halves and then quarters to create triangle-shaped wedges.

If you want to make tortilla strips, cut the tortillas into longer, thin pieces. You can use these strips as a salad topping or to add texture to wraps and sandwiches.

Once you have cut your tortillas into the desired shape, you can proceed to the next step of baking corn tortilla chips.

Use parchment paper

Using parchment paper is a great way to make corn tortilla chips without oil. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Ingredients:

• Corn tortillas
• Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• Sea salt
• Optional spices (e.g. ranch, Italian, smoky BBQ, taco, Greek, spicy, Asian, Indian, churro, or taste of fall)

Instructions:

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
• Cut the corn tortillas into triangles or your desired shape. You can use a pizza cutter or a sharp knife for this step.
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
• Place the tortilla pieces on the parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Brush the tortilla pieces with lime juice. You only need a light coating.
• Sprinkle sea salt and any desired spices over the tortilla pieces.
• Bake the tortilla chips for 16-17 minutes, or until they are crispy and golden. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
• Enjoy your homemade corn tortilla chips!

Using parchment paper helps to crisp up the chips without the need for oil. It also makes cleanup easier. You can also use parchment paper if you're making thinner tortilla strips for salads or sandwiches.

Flavour options

Baked corn tortilla chips are highly customizable and can be flavoured in a variety of ways. Here are some flavour options:

• Lime and Salt: Brush the tortilla pieces with lime juice and sprinkle with salt.
• Ranch: Parsley, garlic powder, minced onion, onion powder, dill, black pepper, and ground mustard.
• Italian: Fennel seed, basil, oregano, thyme, lemon pepper, garlic powder, and crushed red pepper.
• Smoky BBQ: Smoked paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, and a touch of maple syrup or sugar.
• Taco: Cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and oregano.
• Greek: Oregano, dill, and garlic powder.
• Spicy: Hot sauce, chipotle powder or cayenne, garlic powder, and lemon pepper.
• Asian: Soy sauce or teriyaki, garlic powder, and ground ginger.
• Indian: Curry powder, turmeric, and garlic powder.
• Churro: Cinnamon, sugar, and maple syrup.
• Taste of Fall: Pumpkin spice, sugar, and maple syrup.
• Salted Lime: Sprinkle with salt and add fresh lime juice after the chips are done baking.
• Chili Lime: Spritz chips with water and sprinkle with chili lime seasoning halfway through baking.
• Taco: Spritz chips with water and sprinkle with taco seasoning halfway through baking.
• Everything Bagel: Spritz chips with water and sprinkle with everything bagel seasoning before baking.
• Cinnamon Sugar: Spritz chips with water and sprinkle with cinnamon sugar before baking.

Storage tips

Storing your homemade tortilla chips correctly is essential to keep them fresh and crispy. Here are some storage tips to ensure your chips remain in optimal condition:

Containers

Use airtight containers to store your tortilla chips. Glass or plastic containers with reliable locking mechanisms are ideal for keeping out air and moisture. Avoid using bags or boxes that do not seal properly, as they can cause your chips to spoil.

Storage Conditions

The best place to store your tortilla chips is in a cool, dry, and dark place, such as a pantry or kitchen cabinet. Keep them away from heat sources like stovetops or ovens, and areas of high humidity, as moisture can affect their crispness.

Handling and Sealing

Handle the bag of chips gently, especially when it's almost empty, to prevent crushing the chips. Always seal the bag tightly after each use. Gently squeeze out any excess air from the bag before folding over the top and securing it with a chip clip or rubber band.

Extending Shelf Life

If you have a large batch of tortilla chips and don't think you'll finish them within a few days, you can extend their shelf life by refrigerating or freezing them in an airtight container.

Reviving Stale Chips

If your tortilla chips have gone stale, you can revive them by spreading them on a baking sheet and heating them in an oven preheated to 350°F for a few minutes. Keep a close eye on them to prevent burning, and once they start to crisp up, remove them from the oven and let them cool. Alternatively, use a food dehydrator to remove excess moisture and bring back the crunch.

Oven temperature

To make corn tortilla chips in the oven, preheat your oven to a temperature between 350°F and 400°F.

The oven temperature will determine the baking time and the crispiness of the chips. For example, at 350°F, the chips will need to bake for around 12-20 minutes, whereas at 375°F, they will need 15 minutes, and at 400°F, they will be ready in 16-17 minutes.

The ideal temperature will also depend on your oven's characteristics and your personal preference for chip crispiness. If you want a stronger lime flavor on your chips, you can add more lime juice.

Frequently asked questions