Save My daughter came home from a birthday party one afternoon with cinnamon sugar tortilla chips on her breath, and she wouldn't stop talking about them. I'd never thought to air fry tortillas that way before, but watching her devour them made me curious. That evening, I grabbed some flour tortillas from the pantry and started experimenting—within minutes, I had a batch that tasted even better than what she'd described. Now these are the first thing people ask me to bring to gatherings.
Last summer, I made a massive batch for a pool party when I realized I'd forgotten dessert. I was nervous they wouldn't feel fancy enough, but people were fighting over the last few chips. One friend asked for the recipe right there by the deep end, and I realized these simple little things had become my secret weapon.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas (6 medium, 8-inch): These are the canvas for everything—softer varieties work better than stiff ones because they fold without cracking as you cut them into wedges.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): This helps the cinnamon sugar stick and browns slightly in the air fryer to create that toasted flavor.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): Regular sugar caramelizes better than brown sugar, which can burn in the high heat of the air fryer.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Don't skimp here—this is where the magic lives, and fresh cinnamon makes a surprising difference in taste.
- Salt (pinch): This tiny bit balances the sweetness and makes the cinnamon flavor pop in an unexpected way.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C) for 3 minutes so the tortillas start crisping immediately when they hit the basket. This temperature is the sweet spot—any hotter and the edges will char.
- Mix the cinnamon sugar:
- Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl, breaking up any lumps with a fork so the mixture coats evenly. You'll use about half on the first pass and the rest afterward.
- Butter the tortillas:
- Brush both sides of each tortilla generously with melted butter using a pastry brush, making sure you get into the corners. This is where people often get stingy, and that's the difference between chips and leathery circles.
- Cut into wedges:
- Stack the buttered tortillas and cut them like you would a pizza into 6 wedges each, creating 36 chips total. A sharp knife or pizza cutter makes this quick and clean.
- Coat generously:
- Sprinkle both sides of each wedge with the cinnamon sugar mixture, pressing it slightly so it sticks to the butter. Don't be timid—the more coating, the better.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Place the wedges in a single layer in your air fryer basket, standing them up slightly like little sails if they overlap. You'll likely need to work in two batches depending on your basket size.
- Fry until golden:
- Air fry for 5–7 minutes, flipping halfway through (around the 3-minute mark), until the edges are deep golden and crispy. They should sound crunchy when you tap them.
- Cool on a rack:
- Transfer to a wire rack so they don't steam and lose their crispness, and resist eating them immediately since they're genuinely hot. They firm up even more as they cool.
Save One night, my son brought these to school for a potluck and came home glowing because someone's parent asked him to make a batch for their book club. I realized that these weren't just a quick snack anymore—they'd become his signature contribution.
Why the Air Fryer Changes Everything
A regular oven will make tortilla chips crispy on the outside but chewy in the middle, but the air fryer's intense circulating heat creates that perfect shatter when you bite down. The butter browns faster, the cinnamon toasts without burning, and the whole process takes less time than it takes to set a table. Once you taste the difference, you'll never go back to oven-baked versions.
Dipping and Serving Ideas
These are perfect on their own, but they shine when paired with something to dip into. Chocolate sauce turns them into an indulgent treat, whipped cream makes them feel almost dessert-like, and a bright fruit salsa cuts through the sweetness with tartness. I've even served them with a honey-cinnamon drizzle that made people think I'd spent hours in the kitchen.
Variations Worth Trying
Once you master the basic recipe, the door opens to endless possibilities. Brown sugar creates deeper caramel notes, while a sprinkle of sea salt heightens the sweetness. For a vegan batch, coconut oil works beautifully and adds a subtle toasted flavor that feels intentional rather than like a substitute.
- Whole wheat tortillas add nutty fiber and pair wonderfully with a pinch of nutmeg mixed into the cinnamon sugar.
- For a grown-up version, dust them with a tiny amount of cayenne pepper underneath the cinnamon sugar for an unexpected heat.
- Store any leftovers in a glass container with a paper towel, and they'll stay crispy for up to two days if your kitchen humidity cooperates.
Save These chips remind me that sometimes the best recipes come from paying attention to what made someone's eyes light up. They're proof that you don't need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something memorable.
Recipe Help & Answers
- → How do I achieve crispiness in these cinnamon sugar chips?
Brushing the tortillas with melted butter before air frying ensures a golden, crispy texture that holds the cinnamon sugar coating well.
- → Can I use whole wheat tortillas for this snack?
Yes, whole wheat tortillas can be used for added fiber and a heartier flavor without compromising crispness.
- → Is it possible to make a vegan version?
Substitute melted butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil to create a vegan-friendly alternative.
- → What are good accompaniments for these chips?
Try serving them with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or a fruity salsa to enhance their sweet cinnamon flavor.
- → How long should I air fry the chips for best results?
Air fry the chips at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crisping.