Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips

Crispy, salty, shatteringly fresh — and ready in 17 minutes with a fraction of the oil of the bagged kind. Once you taste a warm homemade tortilla chip, the store bag tastes like cardboard. They were born to scoop my spider taco dip (or any dip in your rotation).

Stack of golden baked tortilla chips in a basket with small bowls of salsa and guacamole on a dark table
Prep time5 min
Cook time12 min
Total17 min
Yield6 servings
CuisineAmerican
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🧺Ingredients

  • 12 corn tortillas
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp lime zest (optional)
  • Salsa, guacamole, or queso, for serving
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder

👩‍🍳Instructions

  1. Heat the oven. Preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line two baking sheets with parchment.
  2. Oil and season. Brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with olive oil. Stack them, then cut the stack into 6 wedges each.
  3. Arrange. Spread the wedges in a single layer on the baking sheets — no overlapping. Sprinkle evenly with salt, chili powder, cumin, paprika, garlic powder, and lime zest if using.
  4. Bake. Bake 10-12 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden at the edges and crisp.
  5. Cool to crisp. Cool on the pans 5 minutes — they crisp further as they cool. Serve with your favorite dips.

🌮 Chip craft

A single layer is mandatory — overlapping wedges steam instead of crisping. Bake in batches if needed; it's worth it. They keep 3 days in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Revive soft chips with 3 minutes back in a hot oven. Flour tortillas work too but bake faster — check at 8 minutes.

❓Common questions

Can I use flour tortillas?

Yes — they puff into lighter, bubblier chips. Reduce the bake to 8-10 minutes and watch closely.

Why aren't my chips crispy?

Usually overcrowding or underbaking. Give them space, flip once, and pull them when the edges are golden — they finish crisping as they cool.

What seasonings work?

Chili-lime, garlic-parmesan, ranch powder, or cinnamon-sugar for a dessert chip. Season right after oiling so it sticks.

Can I air fry them?

Yes — 350°F for 6-8 minutes in a single layer, shaking once. Work in small batches.

Stack of golden baked tortilla chips in a basket with small bowls of salsa and guacamole on a dark table
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