What Tortilla Chips Are Not Fried? A Guide to Baked and Healthier Options

January 5, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the USDA, a standard 1-ounce serving of fried white corn tortilla chips contains approximately 8 grams of fat. For those looking to reduce their fat and calorie intake, finding out what tortilla chips are not fried is a key step toward a healthier snacking experience.

Quick Summary

Baked and air-fried tortilla chips provide a satisfying crunch with significantly less fat and fewer calories than their fried counterparts. This guide covers how to identify healthier store-bought options, offers simple recipes for making your own at home, and compares the benefits of different preparation methods.

Key Points

Baked Chips: Brands like Tostitos Baked Scoops offer a non-fried alternative with lower fat and calories compared to traditional fried chips.
Air-Fried at Home: Making your own chips in an air fryer is a fast and simple way to achieve a crispy texture using very little oil.
Healthier Ingredients: Choose chips made with whole-grain, nixtamalized, or blue corn for added nutrients and fiber.
Oil Matters: When selecting store-bought chips, look for those made with healthier oils like avocado or olive oil instead of conventional vegetable oils.
Homemade Recipes: With simple ingredients and an oven or air fryer, you can create delicious, oil-free or low-oil tortilla chips at home.
Mindful Snacking: Even with non-fried options, practicing portion control and pairing chips with healthy dips like salsa or guacamole is key to a balanced snack.

Baked and Air-Fried Alternatives

While most traditional tortilla chips are deep-fried for their signature crispy texture, there are several popular alternatives available for those seeking a non-fried version. Baked tortilla chips are the most common commercial option. Brands like Tostitos Baked Scoops offer a familiar flavor profile in a baked format, delivering the taste and crunch you expect with less fat and calories.

Another excellent method for a non-fried result is using an air fryer. Air-fried tortilla chips offer a homemade solution that produces a remarkably crispy chip with minimal oil. The superheated, circulating air crisps the tortilla pieces quickly and evenly, mimicking the effects of deep-frying but without the high fat content. This method is gaining popularity among home cooks for its speed and healthier outcome.

Notable brands of non-fried tortilla chips

For those who prefer store-bought convenience, several brands specialize in baked or use high-quality, healthier oils. Siete brand offers grain-free tortilla chips made with cassava flour and avocado oil, making them a popular choice for paleo and gluten-free diets. Other brands may specify they use nixtamalized corn or are baked instead of fried, which can improve their nutritional profile. When shopping, always read the ingredient list and check for terms like "baked," "air-fried," or the specific type of healthy oil used, such as avocado or olive oil.

Making Your Own Not Fried Tortilla Chips at Home

Creating your own chips is a simple and rewarding process that guarantees a non-fried product. The basic method involves cutting corn tortillas into triangles, lightly coating them with a small amount of oil, and baking or air-frying them until crispy.

Homemade baked tortilla chips recipe

Ingredients: 12 corn tortillas, 1 tbsp olive oil, salt to taste.
Preparation: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Brush both sides of the tortilla triangles with oil and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Baking: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Homemade air-fried tortilla chips recipe

Ingredients: 6-8 corn tortillas, cooking spray or a fine mist of oil, salt to taste.
Preparation: Cut the tortillas into triangles. Lightly coat them with cooking spray and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
Air-Frying: Air-fry at 350°F (175°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping once, until they are golden and crispy.

Comparison of Preparation Methods


Feature	Fried Tortilla Chips	Baked Tortilla Chips	Air-Fried Tortilla Chips
Fat Content	Higher (absorbs more oil)	Lower (minimal oil)	Lowest (very minimal oil)
Calories	Higher calorie density	Lower calorie density	Lowest calorie density
Texture	Flaky, crunchy, and oily	Very crispy, less oily	Crispy, light, and less oily
Flavor	Richer, more intense fried flavor	Subtle corn flavor, less intense	Clean, toasted corn flavor
Convenience	Most common store-bought	Available in many stores	Requires an air fryer
Health Benefits	Often associated with negative health impacts from trans fat	Better for heart health and calorie control	A very healthy homemade alternative

Choosing a Healthier Tortilla Chip

Beyond opting for non-fried versions, several other factors can help you make a healthier choice. Opting for chips made from nixtamalized or whole-grain corn can provide more fiber and essential nutrients. Nixtamalization is the process of treating corn with lime, which increases its nutritional value by improving calcium and niacin absorption. Blue corn tortilla chips are also a great choice, as they are naturally rich in antioxidants.

It's also important to consider the oil used. Healthier oils like avocado or olive oil are preferable to standard vegetable or seed oils, which may contain trans fats. Checking the ingredient list for terms like "organic," "whole grain," or the specific oil used can guide you to better options. Ultimately, portion control is key, as even the healthiest chips are calorie-dense. Pairing your chips with nutrient-rich dips like homemade salsa or guacamole also helps create a more balanced snack.

Conclusion

While the market is flooded with fried options, finding out what tortilla chips are not fried reveals a host of healthier and equally delicious alternatives. Whether you opt for baked brands like Tostitos Baked Scoops, specialty brands like Siete, or take the homemade route with an oven or air fryer, you can enjoy a satisfyingly crunchy chip with less fat. For the most control over ingredients, making your own air-fried chips is an excellent choice, but a careful look at store-bought labels can also lead you to healthier, non-fried options that fit your dietary needs. This allows you to indulge in your favorite snack without sacrificing your health goals.

A great resource for further reading on the health benefits of nixtamalized corn can be found at the Serious Eats article on nixtamalization.

Note: The article mentions the Serious Eats article on nixtamalization for further reading. I was unable to retrieve a specific URL. Please replace the placeholder link with a relevant and valid link if needed.

https://www.seriouseats.com/what-is-nixtamalization-the-secret-to-great-corn-tortillas

Frequently Asked Questions

The main difference is the cooking method. Fried chips are cooked in a deep fryer, absorbing a significant amount of oil. Non-fried versions, typically baked or air-fried, use much less oil and therefore contain less fat and fewer calories.

Baked tortilla chips are generally a healthier alternative to fried chips because they are lower in fat and calories. However, their overall healthiness depends on the ingredients, so look for options made with whole grains, healthier oils, and lower sodium content.

Yes, it is very easy to make your own non-fried chips at home using either an oven or an air fryer. You simply need corn tortillas, a little oil or cooking spray, and salt.

Several brands offer non-fried options, such as Tostitos Baked Scoops. You can also find brands that specialize in healthier alternatives, like Siete, which offers grain-free chips made with avocado oil.

Air-fried chips often have a lighter and crispier texture than baked chips, resembling the crunch of a fried chip but with a fraction of the oil. Both are healthier than deep-fried varieties, but air-frying can be slightly faster.

To add more flavor to your homemade chips, you can season them with spices like chili powder, garlic powder, or a squeeze of lime juice before baking or air-frying. Using different flavored tortillas can also enhance the taste.

Generally, most restaurant tortilla chips are deep-fried, but you can always ask if they offer a baked or air-fried option, especially if they make their own in-house. Some establishments with health-conscious menus might have non-fried alternatives.