These homemade tortilla strips are made with just three ingredients and ready in about five minutes. Crunchy and far tastier than store-bought versions, they make a perfect topper for soups, salads, chilis and more.
Light, crispy and easy, these tortilla strips add texture and flavor to everyday meals. Use corn or flour tortillas—both work well—and finish with a sprinkle of sea salt for a simple, delicious crunch.
Tortilla Strips: Ingredients & Substitutions
- Tortillas. Choose your favorite corn or flour tortillas. Organic varieties work especially well.
- Olive oil. Substitute avocado oil or canola oil if you prefer.
- Fine sea salt. A pinch is all you need to finish them off; adjust to taste.
How to Make Tortilla Strips
This recipe is quick—about 10 minutes total. Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy strips.
1. Slice tortillas into strips roughly 1½” long and ½” wide, or cut them to the size you prefer.
2. Preheat 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute.
3. Add the tortilla strips in a single layer, stirring so they’re coated with oil.
4. Cook for 2–5 minutes over medium-high heat, stirring frequently, until the strips are golden and crispy.
5. Remove from the pan and immediately sprinkle with a pinch of sea salt while they’re still warm.
Serve
Use these crunchy strips to enhance your favorite Mexican dishes or comfort foods. Suggestions:
- Taco salad
- Chicken tortilla soup
- Taco soup
- As a topping for beef, turkey, vegetarian or chicken chili
Store
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat briefly in a nonstick pan over medium heat if you want them warm and crisp again.
Tortilla Strips Recipe FAQS
This recipe uses three simple ingredients: tortillas, olive oil and a pinch of sea salt.
Fry them in hot oil until they turn light golden brown and crisp, stirring often so they cook evenly.
Yes—use gluten-free corn or flour tortillas to make this recipe gluten-free.
If you try this recipe and enjoy it, please leave a comment and rating. I love seeing photos of your creations.
Homemade Tortilla Strips
Ingredients
- 4 6″ corn tortillas (or two 8″ or 10″ flour tortillas)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Pinch of sea salt
Instructions
- Cut the tortillas into strips about 1½” long and ½” wide.
- Preheat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat for about 1 minute.
- Add the tortilla strips and stir to coat them with oil.
- Cook in a single layer for 2–5 minutes, stirring often, until crispy and lightly golden.
- Immediately sprinkle the warm strips with salt.
- Serve on taco salad, chicken tortilla soup, taco soup, chili, or your favorite dishes.
Notes
Ingredient Substitutions
- Tortillas: Use your preferred brand and variety; both corn and flour work well.
- Olive Oil: Avocado or canola oil are good alternatives.
Store
Keep leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to five days. Reheat in a nonstick pan if needed.
Nutrition
Serving: 2 TBS | Calories: 50 kcal | Carbohydrates: 4 g | Protein: 0.5 g | Fat: 4 g | Fiber: 1 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
Try these recipes
Chicken Tortilla Soup
Taco Soup Recipe
Taco Salad
Crock Pot Chicken Tacos (Mexican Chicken)
Ground Beef Tacos
