Totopos (Tortilla Chips)

Totopos are crispy, crunchy, and so addictive!

More commonly known as “tortilla chips” in the US, they are a party must-have for dipping into salsas.  

Smother them in salsa to make Chilaquiles Verdes or serve on Tostadas de Tinga. 

These tasty treats create an unforgettable snacking experience and good eats!

🥘 Ingredients

• Corn tortillas (No flour tortilla here)
• oil for frying (as needed)
• salt 

These triangular-shaped corn tortillas are cut, fried, and seasoned to create a crispy and crunchy corn snack. They’re often served as a compliment to dishes at nearly every Mexican restaurant in the form of corn tortilla chips. 

However, they can also be used to create more elaborate dishes when dressed up with different seasonings or toppings.

🥣 Instructions

• Cut the tortillas on a cutting board into triangles before frying.  
• Make batches of 4 tortillas piled and cut them into 6 wedges wedges, like a pie.

👩🏼‍🍳 Pro Tips:

For the best results, use a cast iron skillet and a high smoke point oil like sunflower oil or canola oil. 

Stale tortillas? Don’t throw them out. They can easily be transformed by dusting them with corn flour and adding some seasoning before frying.

For a twist, sprinkle some chili powder, garlic powder, or ground cumin and salt all over them.

• Line a baking tray with 2 or 3 layers of kitchen paper towels and set aside.
• This will help you to remove the excess oil.

Frying requires all your attention. Do this step ahead of time.

The name itself is a tongue twister, derived from the Nahuatl words for toasted tortillas (tlaxcalli) and noisy (totopochtli). Totopos are a classic in Mexican cuisine. 

• Heat 1 cup oil in a frying pan (about 340°F/170°C).
• Add the triangles of corn tortillas into the oil. 
• Carefully, fry for about 1 minute, flip halfway through.

Baking Instructions: 

• Place uncooked tortilla chips on a well-oiled baking sheet. Spray oil, or brush oil, on them. Sprinkle with salt. Bake at 375 degrees F for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden and crispy. Flip halfway through. 

Air Fryer Instructions: 

• Lightly spray uncooked tortilla chips with cooking spray (or brush oil on them) on both sides. Place them in the air fryer basket. Make sure they do not overlap. Cook for 3 mins at 350°F. Flip and cook for another 2-3 mins or until crispy.

• Remove from the hot oil with a strainer.
• Place on a sheet pan or tray that’s been lined with paper towels. 
• Repeat until there are no more tortilla wedges. 

Because these have a very short lifespan, make them in small batches and eat right away.

If you really want to take it up a notch, try using blue corn tortillas to make blue corn tortilla chips.

• Season them with a pinch of salt while they are still hot.
• The oil acts like glue for the salt.

However, leave the totopos plain if you intend to use the chips for other recipes. Or sprinkle with salty cotija cheese or queso fresco. Another great idea, serve with melted cheese to make chorizo cheese dip. Yum!

Storing Instructions

• Let the totopos cool down completely. Storing while still hot will create condensation, making them soggy and not very crispy.
• Once cooled, store in an airtight container or resealable bag. Remove as much air as possible from the bag. Consume within a day or two.

🙋🏻‍♀️ Frequently Asked Questions

😋 Serve With

• Taqueria-Style Salsa Serrano
• Chile Morita Salsa
• Refried Beans
• Pico de Gallo

Once you try this Totopos recipe, your taste buds will be hooked. Bonus – Your family and friends will think your food is equal to or better than a Mexican restaurant.

Transform your simple corn tortillas into golden, crispy treasures perfect for your salsas, guacamoles, and more.

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