Crispy Baked Tortilla Chips
These crispy baked tortilla chips are a healthier and easy-to-make alternative to store-bought versions. They're perfect for topping tortilla soup, scooping up your favorite salsa or guacamole, or simply enjoying on their own as a snack. With minimal ingredients and a quick baking time, you'll have a delicious batch of chips ready in minutes. Just keep a close eye on them to prevent burning.
10
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
corn tortillas
14 ounces (package)
non-fat cooking spray
as needed (butter flavored)
popcorn salt
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (218°C).
2
Lightly spray a cookie sheet with the butter-flavored non-fat cooking spray and set it aside.
3
Lay each corn tortilla on a flat surface. Lightly spray both sides with the cooking spray and sprinkle lightly with popcorn salt.
4
Using kitchen scissors or a sharp knife, cut each tortilla into 1-inch wide strips for soup or into wedges for dipping.
5
Arrange the cut tortilla pieces on the prepared cookie sheet in a single layer, making sure not to overlap them.
6
Place the cookie sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 3 to 4 minutes. Watch the chips closely as they can turn from perfectly crispy to burnt quickly. Look for a very light golden brown color.
7
Once done, remove the chips from the oven and allow them to cool for a few minutes. Enjoy them warm or let them cool to room temperature for a crispier texture.
8
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain freshness.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Baked Tortilla Chips?
They are a healthier, easy-to-make homemade alternative to store-bought fried chips, made by baking corn tortillas until they are crunchy.
Are these chips healthier than store-bought ones?
Yes, because they are baked rather than deep-fried and use non-fat cooking spray, they are a lower-fat option.
How long does it take to bake these chips?
The chips bake very quickly, typically taking only 3 to 4 minutes in a preheated oven.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (218°C) for optimal crispiness.
What kind of tortillas should I use for this recipe?
This recipe specifically calls for corn tortillas, which provide a traditional chip texture and flavor.
What type of cooking spray is recommended?
A butter-flavored non-fat cooking spray is recommended to add flavor without adding fat.
What kind of salt is best for seasoning these chips?
Popcorn salt is recommended because its fine texture adheres better to the surface of the chips than standard table salt.
How should I cut the tortillas if I am using them for soup?
If you are using them as a topping for tortilla soup, it is best to cut the tortillas into 1-inch wide strips.
How should I cut the tortillas for dipping into salsa?
For dipping into salsa or guacamole, cutting the tortillas into triangular wedges is the best approach.
Do I need to spray both sides of the tortilla?
Yes, you should lightly spray both sides of each tortilla with the cooking spray before seasoning and cutting them.
How do I prevent the chips from burning?
Because they bake so quickly, you must watch them very closely. They can turn from perfectly crispy to burnt in a matter of seconds.
What color should the chips be when they are done?
You should remove them from the oven once they reach a very light golden brown color.
Can I overlap the chips on the cookie sheet?
No, arrange the pieces in a single layer without overlapping to ensure they bake evenly and get crispy.
Why do the chips need to cool after baking?
Allowing the chips to cool for a few minutes helps them set and develop a crispier texture.
How should I store leftover chips?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container to prevent them from becoming stale and to maintain freshness.
Are these chips low-fat?
Yes, this is a low-fat recipe as it uses non-fat cooking spray and a baking method instead of frying.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to produce approximately 10 servings.
Can I use regular table salt instead of popcorn salt?
Yes, you can use regular salt, but you may need to apply it more carefully to ensure it sticks to the chips.
What tools can I use to cut the tortillas?
You can use either kitchen scissors or a sharp knife to cut the tortillas into strips or wedges.
How many ingredients are needed for this recipe?
This recipe is very simple and only requires 3 ingredients: corn tortillas, non-fat cooking spray, and popcorn salt.
Can I serve these chips warm?
Yes, you can enjoy them warm, or wait for them to reach room temperature for a crispier bite.
Are these chips suitable for a Mexican-themed meal?
Absolutely, they are a perfect accompaniment for Mexican dishes like salsa, guacamole, or tortilla soup.
What is the weight of the tortillas needed?
You will need a 14-ounce package of corn tortillas for this recipe.
Is this a quick recipe to make?
Yes, with a bake time of only 3 to 4 minutes, it is an extremely quick and easy snack recipe.
Can I add other spices to these chips?
While the recipe calls for popcorn salt, you can certainly experiment with other dry seasonings like chili powder or cumin.
Do I need a special pan for baking?
A standard cookie sheet or baking sheet is all you need to bake these chips.
Can children help make this recipe?
Yes, under supervision, children can help with spraying the tortillas and arranging them on the baking sheet.
Why is the cooking spray applied before cutting?
Applying the spray and salt while the tortilla is whole makes it easier to get even coverage before cutting it into smaller pieces.
Is this snack gluten-free?
Corn tortillas are naturally gluten-free, but you should always check the packaging of your specific brand to be sure.
Can these chips be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can make them ahead of time and store them in an airtight container to keep them crunchy for later use.