Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips Homemade Salsa

Featured in: Fabulous Weeknight Meals

These golden tortilla chips achieve perfect crispiness using an air fryer, creating a light yet crunchy base. Paired with a fresh salsa made from ripe tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro, this dish offers a bright, zesty flavor combination. The simple seasoning of sea salt and chili powder adds a gentle kick, while the lime juice brightens the salsa’s taste. This snack is easy to prepare, budget-friendly, and perfect for sharing on casual occasions.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:35:00 GMT
Crispy air-fryer tortilla chips piled next to a vibrant bowl of fresh homemade salsa. Save Pin
Crispy air-fryer tortilla chips piled next to a vibrant bowl of fresh homemade salsa. | fabulousdishesby.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 was craving a crunchy snack but didn&t want to use a lot of oil. They turned out perfectly crisp and pairing them with homemade salsa became an instant hit at gatherings.

Ingredients

  • For the Tortilla Chips: 8 small corn tortillas, 2 tbsp olive oil or spray oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp chili powder (optional)
  • For the Homemade Salsa: 4 medium ripe tomatoes (diced), 1/2 small red onion (finely chopped), 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced, optional), 1 clove garlic (minced), 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (chopped), juice of 1 lime, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Cut Tortillas:
Cut the corn tortillas into wedges (6 or 8 per tortilla).
Oil & Season:
Lightly brush or spray the tortilla pieces with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder if using.
Arrange Chips:
Arrange the tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if needed.
Air-Fry Chips:
Air-fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove and let cool on a rack.
Prepare Salsa:
Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix well and let sit for 5–10 minutes so the flavors can meld.
Serve:
Serve the crispy tortilla chips with the fresh salsa.
Golden, perfectly air-fried tortilla chips await dipping in a chunky, appetizing salsa bowl. Save Pin
Golden, perfectly air-fried tortilla chips await dipping in a chunky, appetizing salsa bowl. | fabulousdishesby.com

These air-fryer tortilla chips have become a fun snack for our movie nights. Everyone loves customizing the salsa with their favorite mix-ins and crunchy chips never last long at our table.

Required Tools

Air fryer, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, tongs or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains corn (from tortillas). Check packaging for gluten information as some brands vary.

Nutritional Information

Calories per serving: 170. Total fat: 6 g. Carbohydrates: 28 g. Protein: 3 g.

Homemade salsa brightens a plate of air-fryer tortilla chips; a simple, satisfying appetizer. Save Pin
Homemade salsa brightens a plate of air-fryer tortilla chips; a simple, satisfying appetizer. | fabulousdishesby.com

This easy method turns simple ingredients into a crowd-pleasing snack. Enjoy sharing crispy chips and zesty salsa with everyone.

Recipe FAQs

How do I get my tortilla chips extra crispy?

Ensure the oil is lightly but evenly applied on the tortilla pieces before air frying, and shake the basket halfway through cooking for even crisping.

Can I customize the salsa flavors?

Absolutely, adding diced avocado, corn, or black beans can add texture and depth to the salsa.

What is the best way to store leftover chips?

Store chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness for up to two days.

Is there a way to add smoky flavor to the chips?

Sprinkling smoked paprika or a pinch of cumin onto the chips before cooking adds a pleasant smoky note.

Can I make this snack vegan and dairy-free?

Yes, using corn tortillas and fresh ingredients ensures the snack is naturally vegan and dairy-free.

Air-Fryer Tortilla Chips Homemade Salsa

Golden, crispy tortilla chips paired with zesty fresh salsa for a flavorful, easy snack.

Prep Duration
10 min
Time to cook
10 min
Overall duration
20 min
Posted by Fabulous dishes by Vanessa Collins


Skill level Easy

Cuisine style Mexican-Inspired

Servings made 4 Number of servings

Dietary details Vegan-friendly, Without dairy

Ingredient list

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

Step-by-Step Guide

Instruction 01

Preheat Air Fryer: Set the air fryer to 350°F and allow it to preheat.

Instruction 02

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

Instruction 03

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

Instruction 04

Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the tortilla wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, working in batches if necessary.

Instruction 05

Cook Tortilla Chips: Air-fry the wedges for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the chips are golden and crisp. Remove and cool on a rack.

Instruction 06

Prepare Salsa: Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir well and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to develop flavors.

Instruction 07

Serve: Present the crispy tortilla chips alongside the fresh homemade salsa.

Equipment needed

  • Air fryer
  • Knife
  • Cutting board
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tongs or spatula

Allergy details

Take a moment to check each ingredient for possible allergens. Always reach out to a medical expert if you're unsure.
  • Contains corn; verify corn tortilla packaging for gluten if gluten-sensitive.

Nutrition details by serving

These details help guide you, but be sure to consult a healthcare professional when needed.
  • Kcal: 170
  • Lipids: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Protein: 3 g