Tortilla Strips – Easy & Crispy!

Learn how to make tortilla strips at home with just 3-ingredients! They’re the perfect crunchy topping for chili, soups and salads. 

For years, I’ve been making these tortilla strips at home to use as a topping for my Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup, Southwest Chicken Salad, and Instant Pot White Chicken Chili. So I thought it was finally time to share the recipe with you! 

These homemade tortilla strips couldn’t be easier. You can bake or fry them, and you only need three ingredients – tortillas, oil and salt.

How to make baked tortilla strips: 

I make these using the same method as my Homemade Baked Tortilla Chips

  • Start with store bought corn (or flour) tortillas. Slice the tortillas in half, then slice them into 1/2″ strips.
  • Lightly spray or brush them with oil. Then, sprinkle them with a bit of salt. 
  • Bake them at 375-degrees for 6 minutes, rotate the pan, then bake 6 minutes longer. 
  • If your oven has a convection setting, be sure to use that. The circulation of air is a great way to boost their crispiness.
Tortilla strip on baking sheet.

How to make fried tortilla strips: 

  • Start with store bought corn (or flour) tortillas. Slice the tortillas in half, then slice them into 1/2″ strips.
  • Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough to fill the pan up to about ½”. The oil is ready when a drop of water added to the skillet sizzles immediately. 
  • Fry the tortilla strips in a single layer (working in batches) until crispy and golden, about 3-5 minutes. 
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt while still warm. 
Close up of tortilla strips sprinkled with salt.

How to serve tortilla strips: 

You can use homemade tortilla strips in so many ways! From a baked potato bar topping, to chili, to spicy soups, here are some great options: 

Overhead shot of tortilla strips in bowl.

How to store them: 

Store them in a paper bag or airtight container after they have cooled completely.

How long do they last?

Homemade tortilla strips will last for up to a week. You can also reheat them in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes.

Looking for more ways to use up tortillas? Here’s 45+ recipes that use corn tortillas!

Overhead shot of tortilla strips in bowl.

How to Make Tortilla Strips

Learn how to make tortilla strips at home with just 3-ingredients! They’re the perfect crunchy topping for chili, soups and salads.
5 from 9 votes
Print Pin
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Total Time: 17 minutes
Servings: 10 servings

Ingredients

To Bake:

To Fry:

Instructions

To Bake:

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees. (Use the convection setting if possible.)
  • Spray the tops with a light coating of olive oil spray then sprinkle with salt.

To Fry:

  • Heat vegetable or canola oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll need enough to fill the pan up to about ½”. The oil is ready when a drop of water added to the skillet sizzles immediately.
  • Slice the tortillas in half, then slice them into 1/2″ strips.
  • Fry the tortilla strips in a single layer (working in batches) until crispy and golden, about 3-5 minutes.
  • Remove with a slotted spoon and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with salt while still warm.
Did you make this recipe?Mention @platingsandpairings or tag #platingsandpairings!

Equipment

Large Skillet
Knife

Nutrition

Calories: 100kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 233mg | Potassium: 1mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

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