Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Salsa

Featured in: Simple Home Meals

This dish features crispy tortilla chips made effortlessly in an air fryer, offering a golden, crunchy texture without deep frying. Complemented by a fresh, zesty salsa blending ripe tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and lime juice, it delivers vibrant flavors and a refreshing bite. With simple seasoning and quick preparation, it makes an ideal snack or appetizer that’s budget-friendly, vegan, and dairy-free. Try adding spices like cumin or smoked paprika for extra depth or customize the salsa with avocado or corn to suit your taste preferences.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 16:41:00 GMT
Golden, crispy air-fryer tortilla chips piled next to vibrant, chunky homemade salsa ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Golden, crispy air-fryer tortilla chips piled next to vibrant, chunky homemade salsa ready to enjoy. | lovelyserena.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 made these tortilla chips using my air fryer when I wanted to surprise my guests with something crunchy and fresh. Making both the chips and salsa from scratch added a special homemade touch that everyone loved.

Ingredients

  • For the Tortilla Chips: 8 small corn tortillas, 2 tbsp olive oil or spray oil, ½ tsp sea salt, ½ tsp chili powder (optional)
  • For the Homemade Salsa: 4 medium ripe tomatoes (diced), ½ small red onion (finely chopped), 1 jalapeño (seeded and minced, optional), 1 clove garlic (minced), ¼ cup fresh cilantro (chopped), juice of 1 lime, ½ tsp salt, ¼ tsp black pepper

Instructions

Preheat Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 180°C (350°F).
Prepare Tortillas:
Cut the corn tortillas into wedges (6 or 8 per tortilla).
Season:
Lightly brush or spray the tortilla pieces with olive oil on both sides. Sprinkle with sea salt and chili powder if using.
Air Fry:
Arrange the tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking about halfway through, until chips are golden and crispy. Cool on a rack.
Make Salsa:
In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let sit for 5 to 10 minutes so flavors meld.
Serve:
Enjoy the crispy tortilla chips with fresh salsa.
Close-up of freshly made air-fryer tortilla chips, perfect for dipping into a flavorful salsa. Save to Pinterest
Close-up of freshly made air-fryer tortilla chips, perfect for dipping into a flavorful salsa. | lovelyserena.com

We often make this recipe for movie nights with the family. Everyone loves dipping the warm chips into the bright salsa and talking about their day.

Required Tools

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

Allergen Information

Contains corn. For gluten-sensitive guests, check that your corn tortillas are certified gluten-free.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

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

Air-fryer tortilla chips, warm and seasoned, are served alongside a colorful bowl of homemade salsa. Save to Pinterest
Air-fryer tortilla chips, warm and seasoned, are served alongside a colorful bowl of homemade salsa. | lovelyserena.com

Enjoy these homemade tortilla chips and salsa while they're fresh for maximum crunch and flavor. They make any gathering a little more festive.

Ask About This Recipe

How do I get the chips crispy in the air fryer?

Brush or spray the tortilla wedges lightly with oil and arrange them in a single layer. Air-frying at 180°C (350°F) for 5–7 minutes, shaking halfway, ensures even crispiness.

Can I customize the salsa ingredients?

Absolutely. You can add diced avocado, corn kernels, or black beans to the salsa for extra texture and flavor.

Is chili powder necessary for the chips?

No, chili powder is optional; it adds a mild heat but you can omit it or adjust to your spice preference.

How long can I store the chips and salsa?

Chips are best eaten fresh for maximum crispness but can be kept in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Salsa flavors develop after 5–10 minutes and can be refrigerated for a day or two.

Are there any allergen concerns?

These chips use corn tortillas, which are generally gluten-free but check packaging if gluten-sensitive. No dairy or animal products are included.

Air Fryer Tortilla Chips Salsa

Golden tortilla chips air-fried to crispness, served with fresh, zesty salsa for a flavorful snack.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Cook Duration
10 minutes
Overall Time
20 minutes
Created by Serena Moore


Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Mexican-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Details Plant-Based, No Dairy, Wheat-Free

What You Need

Tortilla Chips

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

How To Make It

Step 01

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

Step 02

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

Step 03

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

Step 04

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

Step 05

Air-Fry Chips: Air-fry for 5 to 7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through cooking, until chips are golden and crisp. Transfer to a cooling rack.

Step 06

Mix Salsa Ingredients: In a bowl, combine diced tomatoes, red onion, jalapeño, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let rest for 5 to 10 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 07

Serve: Serve the freshly prepared crispy tortilla chips alongside the homemade salsa.

Tools You'll Need

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

Allergy Details

Review ingredients for allergens and speak to your healthcare provider if you have concerns.
  • Contains corn. Verify corn tortillas for gluten content if sensitive, as most are gluten-free but packaging should be checked.

Nutrition per Portion

Details are for reference and aren't a substitute for expert medical guidance.
  • Energy: 170
  • Lipids: 6 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 3 g