Save The smell of cinnamon hitting hot butter still takes me back to late nights in my first apartment, figuring out that dessert didnt have to be complicated or expensive. My roommate stumbled in with a stack of leftover tortillas and a hungry look, and somehow we ended up air frying them until they turned into these golden, sugary shards of happiness.
Ive made these for everything from desperate midnight cravings to impromptu dinner parties, and people always hover around the air fryer like its magic. Theres something irresistible about watching them transform from pale tortillas into glistening chips while the cinnamon scent fills the whole room.
Ingredients
- 6 medium flour tortillas: Standard eight inch ones work perfectly, slightly stale tortillas actually get crispier
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted: Coconut oil works too but butter gives that classic flavor we all crave
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: This coats thirty six chips generously without being overwhelmingly sweet
- 1 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Freshly opened cinnamon makes a huge difference in aroma and taste
- Pinch of salt: Dont skip this, it makes the cinnamon pop and balances the sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer:
- Set it to three fifty degrees and let it run for three minutes while you prep everything else
- Mix the coating:
- Whisk sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl until evenly combined
- Brush the tortillas:
- Lightly coat both sides of each tortilla with melted butter using a pastry brush
- Cut into wedges:
- Stack the buttered tortillas and slice each into six pieces like a pizza
- Add the magic dust:
- Sprinkle cinnamon sugar over both sides of the wedges, pressing gently to help it stick
- Air fry in batches:
- Arrange chips in a single layer and cook for five to seven minutes, flipping halfway through
- Cool completely:
- Let them rest on a wire rack for two minutes, they keep getting crispier as they cool
Save These became my go to contribution to potlucks after a friend literally ate half the batch before I could even serve them. Now I double the recipe automatically because they disappear faster than any fancy dessert Ive ever attempted.
Serving Ideas That Actually Work
Warm chocolate sauce takes these from great to unforgettable, but vanilla ice cream creates this perfect temperature contrast while the chips are still hot. Fresh berries add brightness that cuts through the sugar, and Ive even caught people dipping them into tangy Greek yogurt for breakfast.
Making Them Yours
Whole wheat tortillas add nutty depth and extra fiber, though they need an extra minute or two in the air fryer. A pinch of cayenne or chili powder in the sugar mixture creates this incredible sweet heat that keeps people reaching for just one more. Sometimes I add a drop of vanilla extract to the butter before brushing for that bakery vibe.
Storage And Make Ahead Tips
They lose their crunch overnight thanks to the sugar, so I strongly recommend making them fresh. You can brush and cut the tortillas up to a day ahead, storing them between parchment paper in the fridge.
- Keep the sugar mixture in a jar for instant dessert emergencies
- Reheat leftovers in a three fifty degree oven for three minutes to refresh them
- Freeze unbuttered, uncut tortillas specifically for this recipe so youre always ready
Save Some of the best desserts come from simple ingredients and a little creativity, and these chips prove it every single time. Make them once and youll understand why theyve become legendary in my house.
Recipe Guide
- → How do I make the tortilla chips crispy?
Brushing tortillas with melted butter and air frying them at 350°F for 5–7 minutes ensures a golden, crunchy texture.
- → Can I substitute the butter for a vegan option?
Yes, plant-based butter or melted coconut oil works well as a vegan-friendly alternative.
- → What’s the best way to coat the chips evenly?
Brush both sides of the tortilla slices with melted butter before sprinkling the cinnamon sugar mixture to help it stick evenly.
- → Can I use whole wheat tortillas for this snack?
Absolutely, whole wheat tortillas add extra fiber and a nuttier flavor while maintaining crispiness.
- → What dips pair well with these cinnamon sugar chips?
They pair beautifully with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruit salsa for added flavor contrast.