How to Fry Tortillas
User Reviews
5
-
Cook Time
55 mins
-
Total Time
55 mins
-
Servings
4
-
Calories
66 kcal
-
Course
Main Course, Appetizer
-
Cuisine
Mexican
How to Fry Tortillas
Description
Frying tortillas involves heating corn tortillas briefly in hot oil until they become blistered but remain soft enough to fold. After folding them into taco shapes, the tortillas are turned in the hot oil until they crisp evenly and develop a golden color. The tortillas then are placed on a wire rack in a warm oven to maintain their crispness while preparing additional batches.
The method uses about a half-inch of neutral-flavored cooking oil heated to approximately 350°F. Maintaining this temperature is important for proper cooking; too low oil temperature results in soggy tortillas, while too high causes burning. It is advised to add tortillas gradually to avoid cooling the oil, frying them at a steady pace. Paper towels or clean cloths can be used to absorb excess oil from the fried tortillas.
Fried tortillas can be seasoned immediately after frying with salt or other spices like chili seasoning or lime juice to enhance flavor. Freshly fried tortillas are best served immediately for optimal crispness, but leftovers can be stored in a paper bag at room temperature and reheated in the oven to restore texture.
The choice of oil impacts flavor and smoke point, with corn oil recommended as ideal. Other suitable oils include vegetable, peanut, soybean, safflower, or sunflower oils. Using a thermometer to monitor oil temperature helps prevent overheating or undercooking.
Ingredients
- corn oil or vegetable oil
- 8 (8-inch) corn tortillas
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200 degrees. Set a wire rack over a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil for easy cleanup.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add about 1/2 inch vegetable oil and heat to 350 degrees. Add one tortilla to the skillet and cook until it is blistering but still soft, 10 to 15 seconds. Using tongs, turn tortilla over and then immediately fold to form a taco shell.
- Once the tortilla is holding its shape, turn until crisp and golden all over, 15 to 30 seconds longer. Transfer to wire rack and keep warm in oven while repeating with remaining tortillas.
Notes
- Corn oil is ideal for frying tortillas due to its neutral flavor and high smoke point; other neutral oils can also be used.
- Ensure the oil temperature is around 350°F to blister tortillas quickly without burning.
- Do not overcrowd the oil to maintain consistent temperature and crispness.
- Season fried tortillas with salt or other spices while still warm for best flavor.
- Leftover fried tortillas should be stored in a paper bag at room temperature to avoid sogginess and can be reheated in the oven to crisp them.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 66 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 66kcal | 3% |
| Carbohydrates | 1g | 0% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 7g | 11% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Sodium | 1mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 4mg | 0% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 1IU | 0% |
| Calcium | 2mg | 0% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
You'll Also Love
