Lime Tortilla Chips are so easy to make! Corn tortillas are fried and sprinkled with salt, chili powder and a hint of lime while still hot. Snack perfection!
When it comes to snacking, it doesn’t get much better than crispy, salty chips. Something about the crunch and the salt makes them difficult to resist. Especially when they have a touch of lime.
And did you know that you can make your own Lime Tortilla Chips right at home with ridiculously little work or ingredients? That’s right! It is so easy to make and I’m going to show you exactly how.
Let’s talk about what you’ll need to make them:
Lime Tortilla Chips Ingredients:
- CORN TORTILLAS: I prefer to use white corn tortillas when I’m making tortilla chips. With that said you can also use yellow corn tortilla chips if that is what you prefer.
- LIME JUICE: You’re going to want to use fresh lime juice for this recipe. It will taste better than the bottle kind. Just a squeeze from half a lime will be fine.
- KOSHER SALT: I prefer to use kosher salt when making chips because the flakes are bigger than iodized salt and add even more crunch.
- CHILI POWDER: Chili powder adds a touch of smokiness and heat to these chips. It is optional but adds a great additional flavor.
How to make Lime Tortilla Chips Step by Step Photos and Instructions:
Like I said above making your own fried tortilla chips is super easy! I’ve included step by step photos here to help you along the way.
Cut the tortillas into triangles. 
Fry tortillas. 
Squirt with lime, sprinkle with salt and chili powder.
STEP #1: Cut the tortilla chips into triangles. I did this by cutting the tortillas in half and then cutting those halves into thirds.
STEP #2: Heat 1 inch of oil in a large pot over medium heat to 350 degrees. Once hot, working in batches, add some of the tortillas and cook until crisp and golden, about 2 – 3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat until all chips are fried.
STEP #3: Squeeze the lime juice over the top of the chips, sprinkle with salt and chili powder. Gently toss and serve warm.
Storage and Leftovers:
I prefer to eat these fresh when they are still warm. Store them in a resealable bag for a few days.
Yes! Because these tortilla chips are made with corn, they are naturally gluten free.
When frying food, you want the food to have enough space around it so that it can get crispy. If you overcrowd the pan, the food will steam rather than fry.
And while these Lime Tortilla Chips are great to snack on on their own, they are pretty good to dip too. Here are some of our favorites:
If you like things spicy, you’ve GOT to try Habanero Salsa!
Want something a little less spicy, Pico de Gallo is always a favorite!
And of course, guacamole is ALWAYS a must!
Note: This recipe was originally published in 2009. It was updated in 2023 with new photos, nutrition information and step by step photos.
Servings
Ingredients
- 12 6 inch corn tortillas cut into small triangles
- juice of 1/2 lime
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- canola oil for frying
Instructions
Heat about 1 inch of canola oil over medium heat to 350 degrees in a large sauce pan. Once hot add some of the tortillas and fry until crisp and golden. About 2-3 minutes. Transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Repeat until all of the chips are fried.
Transfer hot chips to a bowl. Squeeze lime over the top, sprinkle with salt and chili powder. Toss to coat. Serve.
Kevin: Thanks Kevin! It is surprisingly easy and you can make some really delicious chips!
I like the sound of making your own lime tortilla chips!
These looks great! I’m saving this…
NAOmni
You’re welcome finsmom!
Rita: I bet this would be delicious on corn, I’ll have to give that a try next time I get my hands on some fresh corn. I haven’t tried to make these in the oven, but I have heard that it is pretty easy. All you need to do is lightly brush them with a little olive oil and bake them in a single layer at 350 degrees until they are crispy.
Thanks Debbie!
The tortilla chips look great. I’ve had some with lime before and they are the best!
Hum, sounds good, I actually like my corn on the cob like that, with lime and chilli. I wonder, have you ever tried to do these chips in the oven?
My goodness! I need to make these ASAP! The chili lime combo sounds amazing! They are my fav part of eating at Mexican restaurants as well! Yum! Thanks for sharinG!