Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Salsa

Featured in: Bite-Sized Grill Snacks

This dish features crispy tortilla chips made golden and crunchy using an air fryer. The chips are lightly seasoned with sea salt and optional chili powder for a mild kick. Paired with fresh, vibrant salsa made from ripe tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro, all enhanced with lime juice and spices. This quick, easy snack balances textures and bold flavors, ideal for casual gatherings or anytime craving a satisfying bite. Customization options include adding cumin or smoked paprika to the chips, or mixing in avocado or beans in the salsa to enrich the taste. Ready in just 20 minutes, it's a budget-friendly, vegan-friendly option that packs a delicious punch.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 08:14:00 GMT
Golden, crispy air-fryer tortilla chips piled high next to a vibrant fresh salsa for dipping. Save
Golden, crispy air-fryer tortilla chips piled high next to a vibrant fresh salsa for dipping. | bitegrill.com

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

I loved making these air-fryer tortilla chips for family movie nights—they disappear fast with a bowl of homemade salsa. The freshness and crunch beat any packaged chips, every time.

Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas: 8 small pieces
  • Olive oil or spray oil: 2 tbsp
  • Sea salt: 0.5 tsp
  • Chili powder (optional): 0.5 tsp
  • Ripe tomatoes: 4 medium, diced
  • Red onion: 0.5 small, finely chopped
  • Jalapeño (optional): 1, seeded and minced
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced
  • Fresh cilantro: 0.25 cup, chopped
  • Lime juice: From 1 lime
  • Salt: 0.5 tsp
  • Black pepper: 0.25 tsp

Instructions

Preheat:
Preheat air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Cut Tortillas:
Cut corn tortillas into wedges (6 or 8 per tortilla).
Season Chips:
Lightly brush or spray tortilla pieces with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder if using.
Air Fry:
Arrange tortilla pieces in a single layer in air fryer basket (work in batches if needed). Air-fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Remove and let cool.
Make Salsa:
Combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Mix and let sit 5–10 minutes for flavors to meld.
Serve:
Serve crispy tortilla chips with fresh salsa.
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This is a hit at our family gatherings—kids love helping to mix the salsa and everyone enjoys customizing their chip seasoning.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains corn from tortillas. Verify tortillas are gluten-free if needed.

Nutritional Information

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

Perfectly cooked air-fryer tortilla chips, slightly salted, ready to be scooped with flavorful homemade salsa. Save
Perfectly cooked air-fryer tortilla chips, slightly salted, ready to be scooped with flavorful homemade salsa. | bitegrill.com

Make a batch of these chips and enjoy with salsa for snacking or sharing. You can adjust heat and toppings to suit your taste!

Recipe FAQ

How do I get the tortilla chips extra crispy?

Ensure the chips are arranged in a single layer in the air fryer without overlapping. Shake the basket halfway through cooking to promote even crisping.

Can I adjust the spiciness of the salsa?

Yes, add or reduce the jalapeño amount to control heat. Removing seeds also lessens spiciness.

What oils work best for brushing the chips?

Light olive oil or a neutral oil spray works well to create a crisp texture and enhance flavor without overpowering.

Can the chips be stored after air frying?

Store chips in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain their crispness, though best eaten fresh.

Are there variations for the salsa ingredients?

Yes, salsa can include diced avocado, corn, or black beans for added texture and flavor diversity.

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Salsa

Crispy golden tortilla chips paired with fresh zesty salsa for a quick, flavorful snack option.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Ethan Walker


Skill Level Easy

Heritage Mexican-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary considerations Plant-Based, No Dairy

Components

Tortilla Chips

01 8 small corn tortillas
02 2 tablespoons olive oil or spray oil
03 ½ teaspoon sea salt
04 ½ teaspoon chili powder, optional

Homemade Salsa

01 4 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
02 ½ small red onion, finely chopped
03 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced, optional
04 1 clove garlic, minced
05 ¼ cup fresh cilantro, chopped
06 Juice of 1 lime
07 ½ teaspoon salt
08 ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Method

Phase 01

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

Phase 02

Prepare tortilla wedges: Cut each corn tortilla into 6 or 8 wedges.

Phase 03

Season the tortilla wedges: Lightly brush or spray both sides of the tortilla wedges with olive oil. Sprinkle evenly with sea salt and chili powder if using.

Phase 04

Arrange and cook chips: Place the tortilla wedges in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary.

Phase 05

Air-fry until crispy: Air-fry the wedges for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crisp. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Phase 06

Combine salsa ingredients: In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Phase 07

Rest salsa: Allow the salsa mixture to sit for 5 to 10 minutes to develop flavor.

Phase 08

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

Tools needed

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

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and consult with healthcare providers if you're uncertain about sensitivities.
  • Contains corn from tortillas. Confirm gluten-free status of tortillas for gluten-sensitive individuals.

Nutritional information (each portion)

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