Save My college roommate first made these during finals week when the dorm kitchen was our only therapy. We burned the first batch because we were too distracted studying, but the second batch came out golden and perfect. Now whenever I smell cinnamon and sugar together, Im back in that tiny kitchen, stress evaporating into warm, crispy happiness.
Last summer I made these for my nieces birthday party and ended up having to cook three batches because they disappeared the moment I set them out. The kids were hovering around the air fryer like it was dispensing magic. My sister finally had to shoo everyone away so I could actually finish cooking.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas: Medium ones are perfect, cut them into wedges like a pizza and they cook evenly
- Unsalted butter: Melt it completely so it brushes on smoothly and helps the cinnamon sugar stick
- Granulated sugar: This creates that perfect crunchy coating that sets these apart from plain chips
- Ground cinnamon: Fresh cinnamon makes a huge difference, check your spice cabinet
- Salt: Just a pinch elevates everything and balances the sweetness
Instructions
- Fire up the air fryer:
- Set it to 350degF and let it preheat while you prep, this step really helps with even cooking
- Mix your magic coating:
- Whisk together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt until theyre one uniform mixture
- Butter the tortillas:
- Brush both sides of each tortilla with melted butter, dont miss any spots
- Make the chips:
- Stack those buttered tortillas and slice each one into six wedges like youre cutting a pizza
- Sugar them up:
- Sprinkle that cinnamon sugar generously over both sides of every wedge
- Arrange for success:
- Lay them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, dont crowd them or theyll steam
- Crisp them up:
- Air fry for five to seven minutes, flip them halfway, and watch for that perfect golden color
- Cool and serve:
- Let them rest on a wire rack so they stay crispy, then serve them up
Save My dad claims these are better than the ones at his favorite Mexican restaurant, and hes not wrong. Last Sunday we made them during a family movie marathon and barely spoke through the entire bowl, just crunching happily while watching old comedies. Sometimes the simplest recipes create the best moments.
Serving Ideas That Work
Ive learned that what you dip these in matters as much as the chips themselves. A warm chocolate sauce takes them over the top, but dont underestimate the classics. Fresh strawberry salsa is surprisingly perfect, cutting through the sweetness with bright tartness.
Make It Your Way
Coconut oil works beautifully instead of butter if you need dairy free, and it adds a subtle tropical note. Whole wheat tortillas bring a nutty flavor and extra fiber. You can even dial up the cinnamon if youre feeling bold.
Storage And Reheating
These are best eaten the same day because humidity is the enemy of crispy chips. If you somehow have leftovers, store them in an airtight container with a piece of bread to absorb moisture. A quick 30 second air fryer refresh brings back most of the crunch.
- Let them cool completely before storing or theyll get soft
- Never store them while theyre still warm from cooking
- Reheat at 350degF for just a minute or two
Save Hope these bring as much joy to your kitchen as they have to mine over the years.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of tortillas work best?
Medium (8-inch) flour tortillas are ideal as they crisp evenly and hold the cinnamon sugar coating well.
- → Can I make these chips vegan?
Yes, substitute melted butter with plant-based butter or coconut oil to keep them dairy-free and vegan-friendly.
- → How does the air fryer affect the texture?
The air fryer crisps the tortilla chips evenly, creating a light and crunchy texture with minimal oil.
- → What are good serving suggestions?
These chips pair wonderfully with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruit salsa for dipping.
- → Can I use a different type of tortilla?
Yes, whole wheat tortillas can be used for added fiber and a heartier texture, though cooking time may vary slightly.