Tortilla chips are a quintessential snack that can be found at most parties and gatherings. Whether they are served with salsa, guacamole, or cheese dip, tortilla chips always seem to disappear quickly. The salty, crunchy texture of tortilla chips makes them hard to stop eating. However, sometimes the seasoning or flavoring on the chips does not seem to stick very well. The seasoning powder falls off with the slightest bump or touch, leaving you with a bland and flavorless chip. So how do you get seasoning to really adhere to tortilla chips?
Use the Right Type of Seasoning
The first key is using the proper type of seasoning. Fine powders or dusts will simply fall right off the chip. You need to use coarser seasonings or small flakes that can grip to the surface of the chip better. Some good options include:
- Coarse kosher salt
- Garlic salt or garlic powder
- Chili powder flakes
- Crushed red pepper flakes
- Parmesan cheese flakes
- Taco seasoning
Avoid super fine seasoning powders like onion powder, cayenne pepper powder, or paprika powder. While they have great flavor, the tiny particles will not hold onto the tortilla chips.
Season While the Chips are Still Hot
The best time to season tortilla chips is right after they come out of the oven or fryer while they are still very hot. The heat helps the seasoning adhere better to the surface of the chips. Sprinkle or toss the chips with the coarse seasoning as soon as they come out of cooking. The seasonings will melt slightly and bind to the hot surface of the chips. If you wait until the chips have cooled completely, it is much harder to get the seasonings to stick.
Use Just a Little Oil
Using a small amount of oil when seasoning can also help the flavoring stick to the chips. Try tossing the freshly cooked hot tortilla chips with just a teaspoon or two of oil. Then immediately add your seasonings and toss again to disperse evenly. The light coating of oil helps the seasoning granules hold onto the surface of the chips.
Double Up on Seasoning
Sometimes you really want to pack a strong flavor punch on your tortilla chips. In that case, double up on the seasoning. First, sprinkle some coarse seasoning over the hot tortilla chips right after cooking. Then after they have cooled for 5-10 minutes, shake on another dose of seasoning. The second round of seasoning will hold tighter now that the surface of the chips has had time to harden and crisp up. Just be careful not to over-season, or the flavor can become unpleasantly intense.
Consider Baked Seasoning
For really intense seasoning that holds extremely well, you can bake seasoning right onto the tortilla chips. After cutting the corn tortillas into wedges, arrange them in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet. Lightly spray or brush both sides with oil and sprinkle liberally with your desired seasoning. Bake at 350°F for 5-10 minutes until crispy. The seasoning will adhere tightly and the flavor will permeate throughout the chips.
Try Using Adhesive Spray
If all else fails, break out an adhesive spray like PAM cooking spray. Lightly coat one side of the tortilla chips with adhesive spray. Immediately sprinkle on the seasoning of your choice and it will stick quite well. Be very careful not to use too much spray though, or it can give the chips an unpleasant chemical taste.
Store Seasoned Chips Properly
To maintain crispness and seasoning, store seasoned tortilla chips correctly. Let them cool completely first before storing. Place the chips in an airtight container or sealable bag. Try to minimize exposed air space to prevent staleness. Store seasoned tortilla chips at room temperature in a pantry or cupboard. Avoid humid areas like the refrigerator which can make them soggy.
What Kind of Oil is Best for Frying Tortilla Chips?
When making homemade tortilla chips, selecting the right frying oil can make all the difference. The oil contributes significant flavor and also affects the color and crispness of the chips.
| Oil | Flavor | Color | Smoke Point |
|---|---|---|---|
| Canola | Neutral | Light golden | 400°F |
| Vegetable | Neutral | Golden | 450°F |
| Peanut | Nutty | Golden brown | 450°F |
| Olive | Fruity, peppery | Yellow-golden | 375°F |
| Coconut | Coconut | Light golden | 350°F |
| Lard | Rich, meaty | Golden | 370-400°F |
For the lightest color and most neutral flavor, canola or vegetable oil are great choices. Olive oil and coconut oil will impart more distinct flavors. Peanut oil adds a nice nuttiness. Lard gives irresistible richness and meatiness. In terms of smoke point, you want an oil with a point around 400°F so the chips brown without burning.
Key Considerations:
- Flavor – Pick a neutral oil like canola if you don’t want flavor impact. Go for olive, coconut or peanut if you want more flavor.
- Color – Vegetable, canola, peanut oils give light golden color. Olive oil lends a more yellow tone.
- Smoke Point – You need a high smoke point around 400°F. Oils with lower smoke points will burn.
What Are Some Popular Seasoning Combinations for Tortilla Chips?
Tortilla chips are the perfect blank canvas for all kinds of delicious seasoning blends and flavors. Take plain chips to new heights with these creative combinations:
1. Chili-Lime
For a double hit of heat and citrus, try mixing chili powder and lime zest or juice. Sprinkle with salt too for the perfect balance of flavors.
2. Cheesy Ranch
Mix dried ranch seasoning powder with parmesan cheese and garlic powder. Great for dipping in cool ranch dip.
3. Pizza Spice
Bring the flavor of pizza night to your chips with a blend of dried oregano, basil, garlic powder, and parmesan cheese.
4. Cinnamon Sugar
For a sweet dessert-inspired chip, coat with a mixture of cinnamon and sugar. Warm the tortilla chips first to help the seasoning adhere.
5. BBQ Chipotle
Smoky chipotle chile powder and paprika makes these savory chips perfect for scooping up BBQ pulled pork or beans.
6. Greek Seasoning
A Mediterranean blend of garlic, dried lemon, oregano, parsley, and black pepper is delicious on chips.
7. Taco Spice
Of course classic taco seasoning with chili powder, cumin, onion powder, garlic and salt always makes a crowd-pleasing chip.
The options are endless for seasoning up your tortilla chips! Get creative with spice blends from around the world or make up your own signature mixture.
Conclusion
With the right seasoning choices and techniques, you can easily get delicious flavor to adhere to your tortilla chips. Be sure to use coarse seasonings rather than fine powders, and coat the chips while freshly cooked and still hot. A bit of oil or adhesive spray can also help the seasoning stick better. Store chips properly to retain maximum crispness and flavor. With so many seasoning possibilities, experiment to create your own signature tortilla chip flavors. Get creative with spices and let your tastebuds enjoy these crunchy, flavor-packed snacks.