Save One lazy Sunday afternoon, my neighbor popped over with a bag of flour tortillas and this wild idea: what if we treated them like dessert? We were standing in my kitchen, honestly just looking for something quick to snack on before a movie, and she suggested brushing them with butter and hitting them with cinnamon sugar. Fifteen minutes later, we were both reaching for seconds of these impossibly crispy, golden wedges. It's become my go-to move whenever I need something that feels indulgent but takes almost no time.
I made a batch for my book club last month, and honestly, they disappeared faster than the actual snacks I'd planned. Someone asked for the recipe, and I almost felt like I was sharing a secret—because even though it's absurdly simple, the combination of butter-toasted tortillas and that perfect cinnamon-sugar ratio just works. Now I make them whenever people are coming over, because they're the kind of thing that makes a small gesture feel thoughtful.
Ingredients
- Flour tortillas (6 medium, 8-inch): These are the base, and their slight chewiness becomes beautifully crispy when air-fried, almost like a cross between a chip and a churro.
- Unsalted butter (2 tablespoons, melted): Use real butter here—it toasts to a golden brown and carries the cinnamon flavor better than oil, and that's what makes these taste homemade.
- Granulated sugar (1/4 cup): This is your sweetness, and it caramelizes slightly against the heat, giving you these little pockets of crunch.
- Ground cinnamon (1 1/2 teaspoons): Don't skimp on this, and make sure it's fresh—stale cinnamon tastes flat and dusty, and that's the whole point of the dish.
- Salt (pinch): A tiny bit of salt is the secret that makes you reach for another chip without knowing why.
Instructions
- Heat your air fryer:
- Set it to 350°F and let it run for a few minutes while you prep everything else. You want it properly warm so the tortillas crisp up fast and evenly.
- Make the cinnamon sugar blend:
- Stir together the sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a small bowl so the cinnamon doesn't clump up and distribute unevenly. This step takes thirty seconds and changes everything.
- Butter the tortillas:
- Use a pastry brush to coat both sides of each tortilla with melted butter—this is what gives you that gorgeous golden color and the toast-like flavor. Don't be timid with it.
- Cut into wedges:
- Stack the tortillas and slice them like pizza into six wedges each, giving you thirty-six chips total. A pizza cutter makes this so much faster and cleaner than a knife.
- Coat generously with cinnamon sugar:
- Sprinkle both sides of each wedge with the mixture, making sure you get the edges—those are the parts that get the crispiest and sweetest. You'll know you've done it right when they look lightly sparkly.
- Arrange in the basket:
- Lay the wedges in a single layer, avoiding overlap so they cook evenly. You'll likely need two batches, and that's fine—just keep the first batch warm on a rack while you finish the second.
- Air fry and flip:
- Cook for five to seven minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch them after the flip because they go from golden to burnt faster than you'd think, and you want that sweet spot where they're crispy but not dark.
- Cool and serve:
- Transfer to a wire rack so they don't steam themselves soggy on the hot basket. They're best warm or at room temperature, and they stay good for a day or two if you can resist eating them all immediately.
Save There was this one time I made a massive batch for my daughter's school fundraiser, and watching the other parents' faces when they bit into one and realized how simple yet delicious it was made the whole day feel less like a chore. These chips have this magic ability to feel more special than they deserve to be.
Timing and Temperature Matter
The air fryer temperature of 350°F is the sweet spot because it's hot enough to crisp the tortilla quickly without burning the sugar coating. If you go much hotter, the cinnamon sugar will char before the tortilla gets crispy, and the whole texture falls apart. I learned this the hard way after trying 375°F once and ending up with something closer to burnt cinnamon chips than the delicate, golden thing you're aiming for.
The Dipping Route
While these are phenomenal on their own, I've discovered that having a dipping sauce transforms them into something almost elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. Chocolate sauce is the obvious choice, but I've had success with dulce de leche, a drizzle of honey with a pinch of sea salt, or even a quick fruit salsa made with diced strawberries and a squeeze of lime. Whipped cream is never wrong either if you're going for pure indulgence.
Variations That Work
Once you nail the basic version, you can start playing around with flavors that appeal to you. I've made batches with brown sugar instead of white for a deeper, molasses-forward taste, sprinkled a tiny bit of cayenne pepper into the mix for heat and complexity, and even tried cardamom instead of cinnamon once, which was unexpectedly lovely. If you want to go the whole-grain route or need something dairy-free, these are remarkably flexible.
- Brown sugar creates a richer, deeper sweetness that some people actually prefer to regular granulated sugar.
- A vegan version works perfectly with melted coconut oil or any plant-based butter, with absolutely no sacrifice in flavor or texture.
- Whole wheat tortillas add fiber and a subtle nuttiness that pairs beautifully with the cinnamon, though they may need thirty extra seconds in the air fryer.
Save These chips are proof that the best treats don't need to be complicated. They're the kind of snack that brings people together, whether you're making them for yourself on a quiet evening or whipping up a big batch for friends.
Recipe FAQ
- → What type of tortillas work best?
Medium 8-inch flour tortillas create the ideal size and texture for crispy, evenly cooked chips.
- → Can I use a different sweetener than granulated sugar?
Yes, brown sugar or coconut sugar can be substituted to vary the flavor profile.
- → How do I make these chips vegan?
Use melted coconut oil or plant-based butter instead of unsalted butter.
- → How long should I air fry the chips?
Air fry at 350°F for 5 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure even crispness.
- → What dipping options complement these chips?
Serve with chocolate sauce, whipped cream, or fresh fruit salsa for enhanced flavors.