Pin it There's something magical about the moment when a tortilla transforms into something entirely different. I discovered these cinnamon sugar chips by accident on a lazy Sunday afternoon when my air fryer was finally dusted off after weeks of neglect, and I was determined to make it earn its counter space. What started as a casual experiment became the snack I now make whenever friends drop by unannounced, because nothing says welcome quite like warm, crispy chips that smell like cinnamon and taste like dessert.
My neighbor brought over a bottle of wine one evening, and I made a batch of these on the spot. The way her face lit up when she bit into one and tasted that perfect balance of butter, cinnamon, and crisp tortilla made me realize some of the best moments happen when you're not trying to impress anyone, just sharing something warm and good.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas (6 medium, 8-inch): These are your canvas, and medium ones give you the perfect size for those satisfying chips without being too floppy to handle.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Use real butter here because it browns beautifully in the air fryer and creates that golden, toasty color you're after.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): This is what makes them taste like a real treat, so don't skimp or substitute with something artificial.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): The soul of these chips, and worth buying fresh if yours has been sitting around for a year.
- Salt (pinch): Just a tiny bit to make the sweetness pop and remind your taste buds this is intentional.
Instructions
- Get Your Air Fryer Ready:
- Preheat to 350°F for about 3 minutes so it's hot and ready to crisp your chips evenly.
- Mix Your Sweet Coating:
- Combine the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl, stirring until everything is evenly distributed so no chip goes without flavor.
- Butter Up the Tortillas:
- Using a pastry brush, coat both sides of each tortilla with melted butter, working gently so the tortilla stays intact.
- Cut Into Chips:
- Stack the buttered tortillas and slice them into 6 wedges each like you're cutting a pizza, creating about 36 chips total.
- Season Generously:
- Sprinkle the cinnamon sugar mixture on both sides of every wedge, being generous because this is where all the magic happens.
- Air Fry Until Golden:
- Spread the chips in a single layer in your air fryer basket (working in batches if needed) and air fry for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through until they're golden and crispy.
- Cool and Serve:
- Let them rest on a wire rack for a few minutes so they firm up completely, then serve warm or at room temperature.
Pin it The first time I made these for my kids' school event, I watched a room full of tired parents suddenly perk up when they reached for one. That's when I understood these aren't just a snack—they're a small moment of joy that happens to taste like cinnamon and butter.
Storage and Make-Ahead Options
If you somehow have leftovers (which rarely happens in my house), store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days, though they're best eaten within a few hours when they're still snappy. You can prep the tortilla wedges with their cinnamon sugar coating a few hours ahead of time and air fry them just before serving, which makes this recipe perfect for gathering days when you want something warm and fresh without the last-minute stress.
Ways to Serve and Enhance
These chips are delicious on their own, but they become something special when you set them alongside a small bowl of chocolate sauce for dipping, or a dollop of whipped cream on the side. I've also stirred together a quick fruit salsa with diced strawberries, a splash of lime juice, and a touch of honey that transforms these into something almost elegant.
Air Fryer Tips for Perfect Results
The air fryer is your best friend here because the circulating heat makes every chip equally crispy without any soggy edges, which is something a traditional oven struggles with. One small thing I learned the hard way is that stacking tortillas before brushing actually wastes butter since the inner sides don't get coated, so brush them individually even though it takes an extra minute.
- If you notice the chips browning too quickly, lower the temperature to 325°F and add a minute or two to the cooking time.
- A pizza cutter makes slicing the tortillas faster and cleaner than a knife, and your chips will have more uniform edges.
- Don't crowd the basket because chips need space to get crispy all over, and overlapping ones will steam instead of fry.
Pin it These chips have become my answer to the question what can I make in five minutes that actually tastes like I tried, and that's a gift any home cook can appreciate. Make them once, and they'll become a regular on your rotation.
Recipe FAQs
- → What tortillas work best for these chips?
Medium 8-inch flour tortillas provide the ideal size and texture, ensuring crispiness when air fried.
- → Can I make these chips vegan?
Yes, substituting melted butter with coconut oil or plant-based butter creates a vegan-friendly version.
- → How long should I air fry the tortilla wedges?
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway for even crispness.
- → Are there alternative toppings to cinnamon sugar?
While cinnamon sugar is classic, experimenting with other spices or sweet dustings can offer varied flavor profiles.
- → What dipping options complement these chips?
Pair them with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruit salsa to enhance the sweet and crunchy experience.