Save My daughter came home from a birthday party raving about these cinnamon sugar tortilla chips, and I was skeptical until I made them myself. The first batch came out of the air fryer golden and crackling, and within minutes they had vanished. Now they're my go-to when I need something that feels like a treat but takes barely any time at all.
Last week I made a double batch for my son's soccer team, and the parents actually asked for the recipe. There's something about warm cinnamon sugar chips that brings people together in a way fancy desserts never quite do.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas (6 medium, 8-inch): These are your canvas, and their quality matters more than you'd think; thinner ones crisp up beautifully while thicker ones stay chewy inside.
- Unsalted butter, melted (2 tablespoons): This creates the perfect grip for the cinnamon sugar coating and helps everything turn golden.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): White sugar caramelizes faster than other types, giving you those crispy edges.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Don't skimp here; good cinnamon makes all the difference between a nice snack and something memorable.
- Salt (pinch): Just a whisper of salt rounds out all that sweetness and keeps things from tasting one-dimensional.
Instructions
- Get your air fryer ready:
- Preheat to 350°F for 3 minutes while you gather everything else. This matters because a properly heated basket gives you even browning from the first chip.
- Mix your coating:
- Combine sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl and give it a good stir to break up any clumps. Uneven cinnamon distribution is a quiet tragedy in the making.
- Butter every surface:
- Brush both sides of each tortilla generously with melted butter using a pastry brush. You'll feel like you're actually cooking when you do this.
- Cut into wedges:
- Stack the tortillas and slice them into six wedges each like you're cutting a pizza. A sharp knife or pizza cutter makes this satisfying rather than frustrating.
- Season generously:
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar on both sides of each wedge with abandon. This is not the moment for restraint.
- Arrange and air fry:
- Place chips in a single layer in the basket (you'll likely need two batches) and air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through. You'll know they're done when they're golden and make a satisfying crunch when you bend one.
- Cool and enjoy:
- Let them rest on a wire rack for a minute so they finish crisping up. They're best warm but honestly taste incredible at any temperature.
Save I served these at a casual family dinner last month, and my usually picky nephew ate eight of them straight from the cooling rack. That moment when you realize you've created something people genuinely want is the whole reason I love cooking.
Flavor Combinations to Try
Once you master the basic version, the door opens to endless variations. I've experimented with adding a tiny pinch of nutmeg for warmth, using brown sugar for a deeper molasses note, and even sprinkling a few flakes of sea salt on top just before serving. The best discovery came when I mixed in a quarter teaspoon of vanilla powder with the cinnamon sugar, which added an almost pastry-like quality that felt unexpectedly elegant.
Dipping Sauces and Pairings
These chips want company, and you have options. Melted chocolate works beautifully, especially if you stir in a tiny bit of cinnamon to echo the coating. Whipped cream transforms them into something almost dessert-like, while a fruit salsa with diced strawberries and a hint of lime juice adds brightness and keeps things from feeling too heavy. Even a simple yogurt and honey drizzle works in a pinch.
Storage and Make-Ahead Magic
These are best eaten the day you make them, but life isn't always ideal. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days, and they'll stay reasonably crispy. If they lose their crunch, a quick 2-minute session in the air fryer at 300°F brings them back to life beautifully. You can also prepare your tortillas and cinnamon sugar mixture hours ahead, then air fry them right before serving.
- Assemble tortillas and coat them up to 4 hours early, then air fry fresh when you need them.
- Let them cool completely before storing to avoid moisture buildup.
- Refresh day-old chips at 300°F for just 2 minutes if they've softened.
Save These little chips remind me why I cook in the first place: to make something simple that brings real joy. They've become my secret weapon for unexpected guests and quiet afternoons when everyone needs a little sweetness.
Recipe FAQs
- → What type of tortilla is best for these chips?
Medium 8-inch flour tortillas work best to achieve a crispy yet tender texture after air frying.
- → Can I make these chips vegan?
Yes, substitute melted butter with plant-based alternatives like coconut oil or vegan butter.
- → How is the cinnamon sugar applied?
Brush tortillas with melted butter, then sprinkle cinnamon sugar generously on both sides before frying.
- → What air fryer settings are recommended?
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crispiness.
- → Are there any suggested accompaniments?
Serve warm chips with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fruit salsa for enhanced flavor.