Get ready to transform your snack game with these incredibly easy and addictive Cinnamon Tortilla Chips. Made with just a handful of pantry staples, this recipe turns simple tortillas into a warm, crispy, cinnamon-sugar delight in under 15 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a quick dessert, a sweet party snack, or a fun treat for movie night, these homemade chips are guaranteed to be a hit with everyone. Forget store-bought versions; this homemade recipe is fresher, tastier, and couldn’t be simpler to make in either your oven or air fryer.
This recipe is a fantastic way to use up leftover tortillas, turning them into something truly special. The combination of buttery richness, warm cinnamon, and sweet sugar creates a flavor profile that’s simply irresistible. Serve them with a side of fruit salsa, a creamy dip, or just enjoy them on their own. They have the perfect crunch and a satisfyingly sweet coating that will have you reaching for more.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Recipe
- Incredibly Fast: From start to finish, you can have a batch of warm, crispy chips ready in less than 15 minutes. It’s the perfect solution for last-minute cravings.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need four basic ingredients: tortillas, butter, cinnamon, and sugar. It’s a pantry-friendly recipe you can make anytime.
- Two Ways to Cook: This guide provides instructions for both baking in the oven and cooking in the air fryer, so you can choose the method that works best for you. Both yield perfectly crispy results.
- Perfectly Customizable: Easily adjust the sweetness, add different spices, or pair them with a variety of delicious dips to make them your own.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- Flour Tortillas: 8-inch flour tortillas are ideal as they are pliable and bake up with a wonderful, light crispness.
- Unsalted Butter: Melted butter helps the cinnamon-sugar mixture adhere to the tortillas and gives them a rich, delicious flavor.
- Granulated Sugar: Provides the classic sweetness that makes these chips so addictive.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star of the show! It brings a warm, comforting spice that pairs perfectly with the sugar.
How To Make Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
Making homemade Cinnamon Tortilla Chips is a breeze. Just follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time. This guide covers the classic oven-baked method.
Step 1: Prepare Your Tortillas
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). While the oven heats up, use a pastry brush to lightly coat both sides of each flour tortilla with melted butter.
Step 2: Make the Cinnamon Sugar Topping
In a small bowl, stir together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon until they are evenly combined. Sprinkle this mixture generously over both sides of the buttered tortillas, pressing gently to help it stick.
Step 3: Cut and Arrange the Tortillas
Stack the coated tortillas and use a sharp knife or a pizza cutter to slice them into 8 equal wedges, just like a pizza. Arrange the wedges in a single, even layer on a large baking sheet. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
Step 4: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 8-10 minutes, or until the chips are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them during the last few minutes, as they can brown quickly. Once done, remove them from the oven and let them cool slightly on the pan. They will continue to crisp up as they cool.
Air Fryer Cinnamon Tortilla Chips Method
Want an even faster and crispier result? The air fryer is your best friend. This is my favorite way to make these delicious treats.
- Prep the Tortillas: Prepare the tortillas exactly as you would for the oven method—brush with butter and coat with the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the tortilla wedges in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You will likely need to cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Air Fry: Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 4-6 minutes, flipping the chips halfway through. They are done when they are golden brown and perfectly crisp.
Tips for the Best Cinnamon Tortilla Chips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: For the crispiest chips, ensure they are in a single layer, whether you are baking or air frying. This allows the hot air to circulate around each chip.
- Use Flour Tortillas: While you can use corn tortillas, flour tortillas provide a sturdier yet more tender crisp that works best for this sweet snack.
- Watch Them Closely: The sugar can go from perfectly caramelized to burnt very quickly, so keep a close watch during the final minutes of cooking.
- Let Them Cool: The chips will become much crispier as they cool down. Be patient and give them a few minutes on the counter before diving in.
Flavor Variations and Fun Twists
While the classic cinnamon-sugar combination is a winner, don’t be afraid to get creative!
- Spiced Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom to the cinnamon-sugar mix for a warmer, more complex flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice: During the fall, swap the cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice. This is a perfect pairing for a creamy dip, like the one in this Pumpkin Cheesecake Bars recipe.
- Citrus Zest: Add a little orange or lime zest to the sugar mixture for a bright, fresh twist.
What to Serve with Your Chips
These Cinnamon Tortilla Chips are fantastic on their own, but they are even better with a dip! Here are some delicious ideas:
- Cream Cheese Dip: A simple mix of cream cheese, powdered sugar, and a splash of vanilla extract makes for a tangy, creamy dip.
- Fruit Salsa: A fresh salsa made with diced strawberries, kiwi, and mango offers a refreshing contrast.
- Chocolate Hummus: For a healthier but equally decadent option, try serving them with chocolate hummus. If you’re feeling adventurous, our Homemade Hummus Recipe can be a great starting point for experimentation.
- Caramel or Chocolate Sauce: A simple drizzle of warm caramel or chocolate sauce takes these chips to the next level of dessert heaven. They would also pair wonderfully with the rich flavors in a Creme Brulee Cheesecake Cupcake.
How to Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers, storing them is easy. Let the chips cool completely to room temperature first. This is crucial to prevent them from becoming soggy. Store them in an airtight container or a zip-top bag at room temperature for up to 3 days. If they lose a bit of their crunch, you can crisp them up again in the air fryer or oven for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Yes, you can use corn tortillas, but the texture will be different. Corn tortillas result in a crunchier, more cracker-like chip, while flour tortillas are a bit softer and chewier on the inside, which many people prefer for this recipe.
The key is to let them cool completely before storing them. Trapped heat will create steam and make them soft. Store them in an airtight container at room temperature, not in the refrigerator.
The chips are done when they are light golden brown and feel firm to the touch. They will continue to crisp up as they cool. Watch them carefully, as the sugar can burn quickly.
They pair wonderfully with creamy or fruity dips. Try them with a simple cream cheese dip, fruit salsa, yogurt with a drizzle of honey, chocolate hummus, or a warm caramel sauce.
You can substitute melted coconut oil for a slightly different flavor or use a neutral-flavored oil like canola or vegetable oil. A light spray of cooking oil also works well, especially for the air fryer method.
The Recipe
Cinnamon Tortilla Chips (Easy Baked or Air Fryer)
Ingredients
Equipment
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of each tortilla with the melted butter.
- In a small bowl, mix together the granulated sugar and ground cinnamon. Sprinkle the mixture evenly over both sides of the buttered tortillas.
- Stack the tortillas and use a pizza cutter or sharp knife to cut them into 8 equal wedges. Arrange the wedges in a single layer on a large baking sheet.
- Bake for 8-10 minutes, until golden brown and crispy. Let them cool on the baking sheet for a few minutes as they will crisp up further.
- Prepare the tortillas as described above, by brushing with butter and coating in cinnamon sugar.
- Place the tortilla wedges in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 4-6 minutes, flipping once halfway, until golden and crisp. Work in batches if necessary.
Notes
Reheating: To re-crisp, place them in the air fryer or oven at 350°F for 1-2 minutes.
Variations: Add a pinch of nutmeg or pumpkin pie spice to the cinnamon sugar for a different flavor profile.
Share Your Creations!
I hope you love making and eating these incredibly easy Cinnamon Tortilla Chips! They are a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special. If you try this recipe, I’d be thrilled to see your creations. Please feel free to leave a comment below with your feedback or share a photo of your masterpiece on Pinterest. Happy cooking!
