Fried Tortilla Strips

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Cuisine: Mexican

Crispy fried tortilla strips offer a crunchy, savory snack or topping, perfect for adding texture to soups, salads, or enjoying with dips. Versatile and easy to customize.

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Ingredients

  • corn or flour tortillas
  • vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Cut the tortillas into thin strips.
  2. Fry in 360°F (182°C) oil in a skillet or deep fryer until golden brown.
  3. Drain on paper towels.
  4. Serve with your favorite soup.
  5. May add sour cream and thinly sliced jalapeños to complete this tasty garnish.

Tips & Substitutions

For crispier strips, use corn tortillas as they hold up better when fried. If you prefer a lighter option, try baking the strips at 350°F (175°C) with a light spray of oil instead of frying. Consider seasoning the strips with salt, chili powder, or paprika for added flavor. These fried strips can be a great addition to Mexican recipes, enhancing your favorite soups or salads.

Serving Suggestions

Fried tortilla strips are perfect for garnishing soups, such as tortilla soup or chicken pozole. They also make a great side for dips like Foltz'S Salsa or Mexican Relish Dip. For a more complete dish, serve them alongside a salad or as a crunchy topping on nachos with melted cheese and jalapeños.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftover fried tortilla strips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to two days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 5-7 minutes until they regain their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Fried Tortilla Strips contains roughly 9 calories, with 0g protein, 1g carbohydrates, and 1g fat.

9 kcal
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 0.1g
Total Fat 0.7g 1% DV
Carbs 1.1g
Fiber 1g 4% DV
Sugar 0g

Electrolytes

Sodium 7.4mg
Potassium 0.6mg
Cholesterol 0.7mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 10.3mcg 1% DV
Calcium 0.6mg
Iron 0mg
Diet fit Keto-friendly Under 400 cal
Contains Wheat/Gluten

Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.

* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use flour tortillas instead of corn for the strips?

Yes, you can use flour tortillas, but keep in mind that they may not be as crisp as corn tortillas once fried. If using flour, cut them thinner and fry in smaller batches to ensure even cooking.

What is the best oil to use for frying tortilla strips?

Vegetable oil is a great choice for frying due to its high smoke point. You can also use canola or peanut oil for a slightly different flavor, but avoid olive oil, as it has a lower smoke point and may burn.

How can I make the strips spicy?

To add spice to your tortilla strips, sprinkle them with chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of hot sauce immediately after frying. You can also serve them with thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra kick.

Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).

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