Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Salsa

Featured in: Rustic Family Favorites

These tortilla chips, crisped to golden perfection in an air fryer, create a satisfying base for a fresh salsa bursting with tomatoes, jalapeño, and cilantro. Lightly seasoned and quickly prepared, this snack combines vibrant flavors with a crispy texture, offering a wholesome option that's vegan and dairy-free. The simple salsa adds a tangy twist, elevated by lime juice and garlic, making this easy-to-make dish perfect for sharing or a quick bite any time.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 14:55:00 GMT
Golden air-fryer tortilla chips sit next to a vibrant bowl of homemade fresh salsa. Pin It
Golden air-fryer tortilla chips sit next to a vibrant bowl of homemade fresh salsa. | lushkettle.com

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

Every time I serve these air-fried tortilla chips with homemade salsa, they disappear fast at gatherings. The crunchy chips and fresh salsa are always a hit, and everyone asks for the recipe.

Ingredients

  • Corn tortillas: Use 8 small corn tortillas for the chips.
  • Olive oil or spray oil: 2 tbsp, for brushing tortilla pieces.
  • Sea salt: ½ tsp, sprinkled over the chips.
  • Chili powder (optional): ½ tsp, adds gentle heat and flavor.
  • Ripe tomatoes: 4 medium, diced for the salsa.
  • Red onion: ½ small, finely chopped.
  • Jalapeño (optional): 1, seeded and minced.
  • Garlic: 1 clove, minced.
  • Fresh cilantro: ¼ cup, chopped.
  • Lime juice: Juice of 1 lime.
  • Salt: ½ tsp, for salsa seasoning.
  • Black pepper: ¼ tsp, for salsa seasoning.

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer:
Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Cut tortillas:
Slice the corn tortillas into wedges, either 6 or 8 pieces per tortilla.
Oil and season:
Brush or spray both sides of each tortilla piece with olive oil. Sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder if desired.
Air-fry chips:
Arrange tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed. Air-fry for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy. Cool chips on a rack.
Make salsa:
Mix tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Let sit for 5–10 minutes to meld flavors.
Serve:
Enjoy crispy tortilla chips with fresh homemade salsa.
Crispy air-fryer tortilla chips perfect for dipping into a fresh salsa, ideal snack. Pin It
Crispy air-fryer tortilla chips perfect for dipping into a fresh salsa, ideal snack. | lushkettle.com

These chips have become a family favorite movie night treat, especially when everyone gets to help make the salsa together. The fresh flavors bring us all to the table in no time.

Required Tools

Air fryer, knife and cutting board, mixing bowls, and tongs or spatula are needed for this recipe.

Allergen Information

This recipe contains corn from tortillas. Verify gluten content by checking tortilla packaging if sensitive.

Nutritional Information

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

Close-up of golden, crunchy air-fryer tortilla chips ready to be enjoyed with salsa. Pin It
Close-up of golden, crunchy air-fryer tortilla chips ready to be enjoyed with salsa. | lushkettle.com

Make these chips and salsa for your next gathering, and watch them disappear. Enjoy the crunch and fresh flavors with every bite.

Recipe Questions & Answers

How do I ensure the tortilla chips turn out crispy?

Brush them lightly with oil and air-fry at 180°C (350°F), shaking halfway through for even crisping.

Can I customize the salsa flavors?

Yes, adding ingredients like diced avocado, corn, or black beans can add texture and taste to the salsa.

Are these chips suitable for a vegan diet?

Absolutely, using corn tortillas and fresh vegetable ingredients keeps the snack vegan and dairy-free.

How long do the chips stay fresh after cooking?

Store them in an airtight container to maintain crispness for up to 2 days.

Can I use different spices for the chips?

Adding cumin or smoked paprika enhances flavor and adds a smoky depth to the seasoning.

What tools are needed to prepare this dish?

An air fryer, a knife, cutting board, mixing bowls, and tongs or spatula are sufficient for preparation.

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Salsa

Crunchy tortilla chips with vibrant salsa, ready in minutes for a flavorful, vegan-friendly snack.

Time to Prep
10 mins
Time to Cook
10 mins
Full Prep Time
20 mins
Created By Samantha Reeves


Skill Level Easy

Culinary Tradition Mexican-Inspired

Portion 4 Serving Size

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, No Gluten

What You Need

Tortilla Chips

01 8 small corn tortillas
02 2 tablespoons olive oil or cooking spray
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

Steps

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

Season Tortilla Chips: Brush or spray both sides of the tortilla wedges lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle sea salt and chili powder evenly over them.

Step 04

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

Step 05

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

Step 06

Combine Salsa Ingredients: In a bowl, mix diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper thoroughly.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Serve: Present the crispy tortilla chips accompanied by the fresh salsa.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Info

Review every ingredient for allergens and reach out to your doctor with concerns.
  • Contains corn from the tortillas.
  • Verify gluten content on tortilla packaging if gluten-sensitive.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Details offered for informational purposes, not as a substitute for professional health guidance.
  • Calories: 170
  • Fats: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g