Save My kids discovered these by accident one afternoon when I was clearing out the pantry. I'd bought a pack of flour tortillas that were getting close to their expiration date, and rather than toss them, I thought, why not make something fun? Twenty minutes later, the kitchen smelled like a cinnamon dream, and they were fighting over the last chip. Now it's their go-to request when friends come over, and honestly, I make them more often than I care to admit.
I brought a batch to a neighborhood potluck once, thinking they'd be a small side. They vanished in minutes, and three people asked for the recipe. That's when I realized these simple chips had crossed over from a weeknight snack into something people actually talk about.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas, 6 medium (8-inch): The foundation of everything. Fresh ones work best, but even slightly older tortillas crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Unsalted butter, 2 tablespoons melted: Helps the cinnamon sugar stick and creates that golden, crispy exterior. Melting it first makes brushing easier.
- Granulated sugar, 1/4 cup: The sweetness that makes these addictive. Don't skip this or reduce it thinking it'll be too much.
- Ground cinnamon, 1 1/2 teaspoons: The star flavor. Use quality cinnamon if you have it; the difference is noticeable.
- Salt, pinch: A tiny bit of salt balances the sweetness and makes the cinnamon taste deeper and more complex.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. This ensures the chips crisp up evenly without burning.
- Mix your cinnamon sugar:
- In a small bowl, stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt until well combined. If you smell that warm spice aroma, you're on the right track.
- Butter the tortillas:
- Brush both sides of each tortilla generously with melted butter. Don't be shy here; the butter helps everything turn golden and crispy.
- Cut into wedges:
- Stack the tortillas and cut each one into 6 wedges, like you're slicing pizza. You'll end up with about 36 pieces, which is more than enough for snacking.
- Coat generously:
- Sprinkle both sides of each wedge with the cinnamon sugar mixture. Use your fingers to make sure the coating sticks to all the surfaces.
- Air fry in batches:
- Arrange wedges in a single layer in your air fryer basket (they might overlap slightly, which is fine). You'll likely need two batches. Air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they're golden brown and crispy.
- Cool and serve:
- Transfer to a wire rack so they can crisp up completely as they cool. Serve warm or at room temperature, though they taste best within a few hours of making them.
Save There's something magical about watching someone take their first bite of these. Their eyes light up, and they immediately reach for another. It's become the kind of snack that brings people together in the most unpretentious way.
Why the Air Fryer Works Best
I've tried making these in a regular oven, and they either burn on the bottom or don't get crispy enough. The air fryer's circulating heat does something special here, getting every chip evenly golden and snappy in just a few minutes. Plus, your kitchen doesn't heat up like it does with the oven.
Dipping Ideas and Add-Ons
While these are fantastic on their own, a little dipping sauce transforms them into something even more special. I've found that people are drawn to the contrast of something warm and crispy with something cool and creamy or rich.
Variations Worth Trying
Once you master the basic recipe, it's fun to experiment. Whole wheat tortillas add a subtle nuttiness, and swapping in coconut oil makes them completely vegan-friendly. You could even try a pinch of cardamom or nutmeg mixed into your sugar for a different flavor profile.
- For a vegan version, use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter in place of regular butter.
- Serve with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or even a fresh fruit salsa for dipping.
- Make extra and store cooled chips in an airtight container for up to two days, though they're best eaten fresh.
Save These chips have become the kind of recipe I make without thinking, but that never gets old. They're simple proof that the best things to eat don't need to be complicated.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of tortillas work best?
Flour tortillas, especially 8-inch size, provide an ideal balance of texture and crispiness after air frying.
- → Can I make these chips vegan?
Yes, replacing the melted butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter creates a dairy-free, vegan-friendly version.
- → How should I store leftover chips?
Keep cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature to maintain crispness for up to two days.
- → What dipping sauces pair well?
Chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruit salsa complement the sweet, cinnamon-coated chips beautifully.
- → Is air frying necessary?
Air frying ensures even crisping with minimal oil, but chips can also be baked until golden and crisp.