Tortilla strips are the ultimate way to add a satisfying crunch to soups, salads, and Mexican-inspired dishes. Whether sprinkled over a warm bowl of tortilla soup, tossed into a fresh taco salad, or enjoyed as a crispy snack, these homemade tortilla strips are easy to make and far better than store-bought versions. With just a few simple ingredients and multiple cooking options, you can achieve perfectly golden, flavorful tortilla strips in minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Crunchy – Light, airy, and golden brown, they provide the perfect texture.
- Easy to Make – Three simple cooking methods: frying, baking, or air frying.
- Versatile – Great for soups, salads, tacos, or even as a snack.
- Customizable – Add seasonings like chili powder, lime, or garlic for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 corn tortillas (or flour tortillas for a different texture)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or olive oil for a lighter option)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon chili powder (optional, for extra flavor)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
- Tortilla strips, like their close relatives tortilla chips, have deep roots in Mexican cuisine. The origin of tortilla strips can be traced back to traditional methods of using leftover tortillas. Rather than wasting extra tortillas, early Mexican cooks would fry or toast them to extend their shelf life. This practical solution gave birth to several iconic dishes, including chilaquiles (tortilla strips soaked in salsa) and totopos (early versions of tortilla chips).
In pre-Columbian times, corn tortillas were a staple food among the Aztecs and Mayans. When tortillas became stale, they were repurposed into crispy elements for soups or stews. As Mexican cuisine spread across the world, tortilla strips gained popularity as a topping for tortilla soup, taco salads, and other Tex-Mex dishes.
In the mid-20th century, commercial tortilla chips became widely available, leading to variations like thinner, crispier tortilla strips. Today, they are commonly served in restaurants as a garnish or snack, with many people preferring homemade versions for their fresher taste and customizable seasonings. Whether used in traditional Mexican dishes or as a modern crunchy topping, tortilla strips remain a beloved part of Latin American and Southwestern cuisine.
The Best Tortillas for Making Tortilla Strips
Choosing the right tortillas is key to getting the best crunch.
- Corn Tortillas – The best choice for authentic tortilla strips. They crisp up beautifully and develop a rich, toasted corn flavor. Yellow corn tortillas are slightly sturdier, while white corn tortillas offer a more delicate crisp.
- Flour Tortillas – These produce a lighter, slightly softer texture. They still crisp up well, but they don’t get as crunchy as corn tortillas. Ideal if you prefer a milder taste.
- Homemade Tortillas – If you make your own tortillas, they’ll produce the best-tasting strips. Let them dry slightly before cutting for a better crunch.
For the best results, use day-old tortillas. They dry out slightly, which helps them absorb less oil and crisp up faster when cooked.
How to Make Crispy Tortilla Strips
Step 1: Prepare the Tortillas
- Stack the tortillas and slice them into thin, uniform strips (about ¼-inch wide). Cut them into 3-4 inch lengths if you want longer strips.
Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method
Method 1: Frying (Crispiest Option)
- Heat ¼ cup of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add tortilla strips in batches, frying for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with salt and seasonings while hot.
Method 2: Baking (Healthier Option)
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Toss tortilla strips with oil and seasonings.
- Spread in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crisp.
Method 3: Air Frying (Quickest & Lightest Option)
- Toss tortilla strips with oil and seasoning.
- Spread in an even layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Tortilla Strips vs. Tortilla Chips – What’s the Difference?
While similar, tortilla strips and tortilla chips differ in texture, shape, and purpose.
- Shape – Tortilla strips are long and thin, perfect for sprinkling over dishes. Tortilla chips are larger and triangular for dipping.
- Texture – Strips are lighter and crispier, while chips are thicker and crunchier to hold up to dips.
- Usage – Strips work as a topping, whereas chips are meant for snacking and dipping.
How to Use Tortilla Strips in Recipes
Tortilla strips can be used in a variety of creative ways:
- Topping Soups & Salads – Adds the perfect crunch to tortilla soup, chili, or taco salads.
- Breakfast Dishes – Toss into huevos rancheros or breakfast burritos for texture.
- Casseroles – Use as a crispy topping for Mexican casseroles or enchiladas.
- Snack Mixes – Mix with nuts, popcorn, and spices for a crunchy snack.
- Tortilla Strip Nachos – Arrange strips on a baking sheet, top with cheese and toppings, and bake.
- If you’re looking for a healthier version of tortilla strips, there are plenty of ways to reduce fat and carbs while still keeping them crispy and flavorful.
- Low-Fat Crunchy Topping
- Traditional tortilla strips are often fried in oil, but baking or air frying significantly reduces the fat content while still achieving a crunchy texture. Here’s how:
- Bake at a Lower Temperature – Instead of frying, bake at 350°F (175°C) for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway. This prevents burning while still making them crispy.
- Use Cooking Spray Instead of Oil – Lightly mist the strips with olive oil spray to cut down on excess fat.
- Skip the Salt and Add Spices – Reducing sodium intake? Use cumin, smoked paprika, or garlic powder instead of salt for extra flavor.
- Low-Carb Tortilla Strips
- If you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, you can still enjoy crunchy tortilla strips with a few modifications:
- Use Low-Carb Tortillas – Many brands make almond flour, coconut flour, or cheese-based tortillas with fewer carbs. These work well for baking or air frying.
- Make Cheese Crisps Instead – If avoiding tortillas altogether, bake shredded cheese in thin strips until crispy for a similar crunch.
- Try Baked Jicama Strips – Thinly sliced jicama (a Mexican root vegetable) can be seasoned and baked to create a crunchy, tortilla-like substitute.
- By making simple adjustments, you can enjoy tortilla strips without the guilt, whether you’re reducing fat, carbs, or sodium.
Creative Ways to Flavor Tortilla Strips
Elevate your tortilla strips by adding seasonings before or after cooking:
- Spicy Chili-Lime – Toss with lime zest, chili powder, and sea salt.
- Garlic Parmesan – Sprinkle with garlic powder and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Smoky Paprika – Add smoked paprika and cumin for a deeper flavor.
- Sweet Cinnamon Sugar – Toss with cinnamon and sugar for a dessert-style snack.
Making Tortilla Strips for a Crowd
If serving a large group, follow these tips:
- Prep Ahead – Slice tortillas in advance and store them in an airtight container.
- Bake in Large Batches – Use multiple baking sheets to cook more at once.
- Keep Warm – Store cooked tortilla strips in a low oven (200°F) to stay crispy.
- Serve Buffet Style – Let guests sprinkle tortilla strips on soups, salads, or nachos.
- While tortilla strips are commonly used as a topping, they also make a delicious snack when paired with the right dips and salsas. Their light, crispy texture makes them ideal for scooping up flavorful dips without being too heavy like traditional tortilla chips.
- Best Dips for Tortilla Strips
- Guacamole – The smooth, creamy avocado pairs perfectly with crunchy tortilla strips. Add a squeeze of lime for extra zing.
- Queso Dip – A warm, cheesy dip with a hint of spice makes a great pairing. Tortilla strips soak up the flavor while staying crisp.
- Refried Bean Dip – Layered with cheese and jalapeños, this dip adds a protein-packed option.
- Best Salsas for Crispy Strips
- Pico de Gallo – A fresh mix of tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and lime juice that balances the crispiness of the strips.
- Roasted Salsa Roja – A smoky, slightly spicy salsa that complements baked tortilla strips.
- Mango Salsa – The sweetness of mango, combined with chili and lime, adds a delicious contrast to salty tortilla strips.
- Salsa Verde – Made with tomatillos, this tangy green salsa adds a bright, refreshing kick.
- Unique Serving Ideas
- Chili Lime Golden Snack with Mango Salsa – The combination of citrus, spice, and fruit makes for a flavorful snack.
- Garlic Parmesan Strips with Queso – Adding a twist to classic cheese dip by using seasoned tortilla strips.
- Cinnamon Sugar Golden Snack with Chocolate Sauce – A dessert-style pairing that turns tortilla strips into a sweet treat.
- No matter how you enjoy them, pairing tortilla strips with the right dip or salsa enhances their flavor and makes them a fun and crunchy alternative to regular chips.
Storage Tips
- Room Temperature – Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
- Re-Crisping – If they soften, bake at 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use flour tortillas? Yes, but they will be slightly softer and less crispy than corn tortillas.
How do I make them extra crispy? Make sure they are in a single layer while baking or frying, and use slightly stale tortillas.
Can I add different seasonings? Absolutely! Try cumin, smoked paprika, lime zest, or even cinnamon and sugar for a sweet version.
Final Thoughts
Homemade tortilla strips are an easy way to add crunch and texture to your favorite dishes. Whether fried, baked, or air-fried, they bring a light, crispy element that makes every bite more enjoyable. From their rich history in Mexican cuisine to their modern versatility in soups, salads, and snacks, tortilla strips remain a favorite for many. With healthier variations, flavorful seasonings, and endless dipping options, they can be tailored to fit any diet or meal. Try this recipe today and elevate your meals with the perfect crispy topping!