Tortilla Strips
Golden, crunchy strips of corn tortilla, perfectly seasoned and fried to perfection. They add an irresistible crunch to any soup, chili, or salad. Ready in under 15 minutes!
For 4 servings
4 steps. 7 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Tortillas
- b.Stack the 6 corn tortillas on a cutting board.
- c.Using a sharp knife, cut the entire stack in half.
- d.Slice each half crosswise into thin, 1/4-inch wide strips. Set aside.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Heat the Oil
- b.Pour the vegetable oil into a medium, heavy-bottomed skillet to a depth of about 1/2 inch.
- c.Heat the oil over medium-high heat. To test if it's ready (around 350°F / 175°C), drop a single tortilla strip in. It should sizzle immediately and float to the top.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Fry the Strips in Batches
- b.Carefully add about one-third of the tortilla strips to the hot oil, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan.
- c.Fry for 1-2 minutes, using a slotted spoon or tongs to gently move them around for even cooking.
- d.Once the strips are light golden brown and crisp, remove them with the slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drip back into the skillet.
- e.Transfer the fried strips to a large plate lined with paper towels.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Season and Repeat
- b.Immediately sprinkle the hot strips with salt and chili powder (if using). Tossing gently to coat.
- c.Repeat the frying and seasoning process with the remaining tortilla strips in two more batches.
- d.Let the tortilla strips cool completely on the plate; they will become even crispier as they cool.
- e.Serve as a topping for soups and salads, or enjoy as a snack.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use day-old or slightly stale tortillas. They contain less moisture and will fry up much crispier.
- 2Do not overcrowd the pan. Frying in batches ensures each strip has enough space to cook evenly and get crispy.
- 3Season the strips the moment they come out of the hot oil. The residual oil helps the seasoning adhere perfectly.
- 4Ensure your oil is at the right temperature. If it's too cool, the strips will be greasy; if it's too hot, they'll burn before they crisp up.
- 5Store completely cooled tortilla strips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 5 days.
Adapt it for your goals.
Healthier Baked Version
For a lower-fat option, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss the tortilla strips with 1-2 tablespoons of oil and seasonings. Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
Seasoning VariationsSeasoning Variations
Customize the flavor by adding other spices along with the salt, such as 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, or a pinch of cayenne for extra heat.
Different TortillasDifferent Tortillas
While corn tortillas provide the most authentic crunch, you can also use flour tortillas. They will result in a softer, more bubbly texture, similar to a fried wonton strip.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Control Over Ingredients
Making tortilla strips at home allows you to choose a high-quality frying oil, control the amount of salt, and completely avoid the preservatives and additives often found in packaged versions.
Made from Whole Grain
Corn is a whole grain, and corn tortillas provide a source of dietary fiber and essential nutrients like magnesium and phosphorus, contributing to overall health when consumed as part of a balanced diet.
Frequently asked questions
A single serving of this recipe (about 1/2 cup) contains approximately 150-160 calories, primarily from the tortillas and the absorbed oil.