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.
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.
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:
- Salad. These are so good on this Southwest Chicken Salad or this Elote Salad with Shrimp.
- Baked Potato Bar. Try serving them as part of this baked potato bar spread.
- Tortilla Soup. Try my Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup or Instant Pot Chicken Tortilla Soup.
- Chili. Add a bit of crunch! Try them on this Spicy Beef & Beer Chili, Instant Pot White Chicken Chili or this Buffalo Chicken Chili.
- Tomato Soup. This easy 30 Minute Tomato Bisque Soup.
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!
Full Recipe
How to Make Tortilla Strips
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 12-ounce package corn tortillas
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
To Bake:
- Olive oil spray (or brush with olive oil )
To Fry:
- 1/2 – 1 cup Vegetable or canola oil
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.
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