Homemade tortilla strips are a crunchy, salty garnish that tastes way better than the store-bought alternative! This simple recipe is made with only three ingredients – tortillas, oil, and salt – making them a quick and easy way to elevate your favorite soups or salads.
Tortilla strips are one of the easiest recipes I have ever made. They’re the perfect topping because they’re crispy, crunchy, and salty and hold their texture and shape well in soups and salads.
Anytime I find myself making homemade tortilla chips (or baked tortilla chips or air fryer tortilla chips for that matter), I also go ahead and make these tortilla strips.
All of these recipes use similar ingredients, with the main difference being their shape. One is a triangle used for dipping, and the other is a strip shape used usually as a topping. However, tortilla strips taste great on their own, so you can always just snack on them!
Tortilla Strips Ingredients
- Tortillas: Corn tortillas are best since they fry well and hold their shape beautifully. I recommend using high-quality store-bought corn tortillas. Avoid using the “thin” kind. They tend to fall apart easily and burn.
- Oil: I used canola oil for frying, but feel free to use your preferred vegetable oil.
- Salt: Flaky sea salt or table salt adds is best.
How to Make Tortilla Strips
Cut into strips: Cut the tortillas in half, then cut them into ½-inch strips along the short end and set aside.
Fry: Heat the vegetable oil to 350°F in a large skillet over medium heat. Fry the tortilla strips for about 45-90 seconds until lightly browned.
The fry time will vary depending on the thickness of the tortillas.
Season: Remove the tortilla strips with a slotted spoon and transfer them to a baking sheet lined with paper towels to help drain off any excess oil. Sprinkle salt on top of them immediately and allow to cool.
Recipe Tips
- Slicing tip. You can use a pizza cutter to cut the tortillas into perfect strips.
- Watch the heat. Don’t let your oil get too hot, or the strips will burn (over 350°F is too hot). My favorite way to measure the temp of the oil by using an instant-read thermometer.
- Add some spice. For a spicy kick, sprinkle chili powder or cayenne along with the salt.
How to Make Tortilla Strips in the Oven
If you prefer to avoid frying, try baking for a lighter version.
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray each side of the tortillas with olive oil, cut them into strips, and then place them on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
- Sprinkle with salt, and bake for 5-10 minutes, or until lightly browned.
Ways to Use Tortilla Strips
These tortilla strips are perfect as toppers on soups, chilis, and even salads! Try adding them to:
How to Store Tortilla Strips
Got leftovers? You can place the cooled tortilla strips in a paper bag and store them in a cool, dry place for up to 1 week.
More Mexican Recipes
Tortilla Strips
Ingredients
- 12 corn tortillas
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Olive oil spray, for baking
- Flaky sea salt or fine salt, to taste
Instructions
To Fry
- Cut the tortillas in half, then cut them into ½-inch strips along the short end.
- Heat ½-inch of vegetable oil to 350°F in a large skillet or saute pan over medium heat.
- Working in batches, fry a handful of the tortilla strips for about 45-90 seconds or until lightly browned. If the strips are browning too quickly, turn down the heat.
- Transfer the strips to a baking sheet lined with paper towels using a slotted spoon. Immediately season with flaky sea salt and allow to cool before serving.
To Bake
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Spray each side of the tortillas with olive oil. Cut them in half and then into ½-inch strips along the short end.
- Place the strips on a foil-lined baking sheet in a single layer. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt and bake for 5-10 minutes or until lightly browned.
Notes
- If the tortilla strips are browning too quickly during tfrying turn down the heat.
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