You can have fresh, crispy homemade air fryer pita chips in just 15 minutes flat. We’re not talking sad leftover pita triangles from last week’s gyro order or flimsy slices straight from the bag. But between you and me, those store-bought guys often leave you high and dry. What I’m serving up here is your new go-to when the craving for pita chips strikes. And you might find these quick air-fried numbers replacing reconstituted potato crisps as your Netflix-binging vehicle of choice.
All you really need is fresh pita bread, your trusty air fryer, and 10 minutes later you’re ready to eat the entire batch of air fried pita chips.
So skip the store bought pita chips and let’s jump into making our own pita chips at home.
Air Fryer Pita Chips Ingredients
– 4 pita breads
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tsp sea salt
– 1 tsp Smoked Paprika or Sumac, optional
How To Make Pita Chips In The Air Fryer
1. Preheat air fryer to 325°F for 3-5 minutes.
2. Stack pita bread and use a sharp knife to cut into 6-8 triangles.
3. In a small bowl, mix together olive oil and salt. Gently toss the pita triangles in oil, making sure they are all evenly coated.
4. Working 2 batches, place pita triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
5. Air fry for 4-5 minutes, flip (or give the basket a good shake).
6. Air fry for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
7. Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dip.
8. Keep extra pita chips in an air tight container. Pita chips keep for 3-5 days.
Homemade Pita Chips: Flavor Variations
Italian Herb: Use Italian seasoning instead of garlic powder.
Cinnamon Sugar: Brush pitas with melted butter instead of olive oil. Mix 1 tsp cinnamon and 2 tbsp sugar as seasoning.
Parmesan: After air frying, toss hot chips with 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese.
Za’atar: Brush pitas with olive oil and sprinkle with 2 tsp za’atar seasoning before air frying.
Ranch: Mix 2 tbsp ranch seasoning into oil before brushing pitas.
Buffalo: Toss air fried chips with 2 tbsp hot sauce.
Barbecue: Brush pitas with barbecue sauce instead of oil before air frying.
Lemon Pepper: Use lemon pepper seasoning instead of plain salt.
Chili Lime: Mix 2 tsp chili powder and zest of 1 lime into oil.
Everything Bagel: Use everything bagel seasoning instead of plain salt.
Fresh Herbs: Add any chopped leftover herbs and sprinkle salt
Air Fryer Pita Chips: Substitution
Pita bread
You can use different types of bread in place of pita bread, like naan, lavash, or tortillas. If you want a healthier alternative, you can use whole wheat pitas instead.
Olive oil
A great option would be any kind of oil that can handle high heat, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil. You can use coconut oil but it might impart some flavor.
Sea Salt
You can use any salt you have on hand as a substitute for sea salt, mainly table salt, kosher salt, garlic salt, or himalayan pink salt.
What to serve with Pita Chips?
While freshly make pita chips are so good on their own. Some of my favorite ways to serve them are with my Avocado Crema, Paprika Dip, or Jalapeno Artichoke Dip.
Other options
Hummus – Classic and probably the most popular dip for pita chips. Go with traditional chickpea hummus or get creative with flavors like roasted red pepper or olive hummus.
Baba ganoush – This tasty eggplant dip pairs nicely with the lighter flavor of pita chips.
Tzatziki – The cool cucumber yogurt sauce makes a refreshing dip for pita chips
Labneh – This thick, strained yogurt cheese dip has a texture similar to soft cheese and goes well with pita chips for dipping.
Muhammara – A Middle Eastern roasted red pepper and walnut dip that packs a punch of flavor to enjoy with pita chips.
Tapenades – Olive, roasted garlic, or roasted red pepper tapenades all make good dips for pita chips.
Salsas – For a fresh, vibrant dip try chunky tomato salsa, mango salsa, or black bean and corn salsa with pita chips.
I also love air fryer pita chips served with salad as a crunchy topping.
Equipment
Air fryer: I’m using the Instant® Vortex® Slim 6-quart Air Fryer
Pizza cutter / knife
Cutting board
Large bowl
How to store and reheat air fryer pita chips
To keep your homemade pita chips fresh and crispy, allow them to cool completely. Store them in an airtight container or a sealed ziplock bag, making sure to remove excess air. When stored properly, they can stay fresh for up to one week at room temperature or up to three weeks in the refrigerator.
To reheat
Oven
In a preheated oven at 300°F, arrange the homemade pita chips in a single layer on a baking sheet. Reheat the chips for 2-3 minutes until they become crispy again, be careful to avoid burning.
Quicker Alternatives
Microwave
Reheat the pita chips in 30 second intervals, checking frequently.
Stovetop
You can quickly pan fry the chips in a skillet and add a bit of oil to make them crispy once more.
Top 3 tips to success
Use fresh, good quality pita bread – Old or stale pita will not get as crispy and crunchy. Look for pillowy soft pita pockets.
Use only a light coating of oil. Brush both sides of the pita wedges with olive oil or cooking spray so they get crispy, not too oily.
Do not overload the pita pieces in the air fryer basket – Air flow is crucial for crisping, so leave space between the pieces
Air Fryer Pita Chips: FAQ
How do you heat up pita bread in the air fryer?
Preheat the air fryer to 325°F, place the pita bread in the basket, cook for 1-2 minutes, flipping halfway if necessary, and check for desired crispiness before serving.
Why are my air fryer chips not crispy?
Pat potato slices or chips dry before air frying to remove excess moisture. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook chips in smaller batches. Spray or toss chips with just a teaspoon or two of oil before cooking.
Are pita chips not healthy?
If you’re wondering “are homemade pita chips healthy?” Here’s the scoop: Pita chips, especially when homemade, can be a healthier alternative to other snack options, but it’s important to consider their nutritional profile. The use of olive oil, a healthier fat, and the ability to control the amount of salt and seasonings can make air fryer pita chips a better choice than many store-bought varieties, which often contain higher levels of sodium and preservatives. However, moderation is key, as pita chips are still a form of processed carbohydrate and can be high in calories, particularly if consumed in large quantities. Opting for whole wheat pitas can add fiber and nutrients, making them a slightly more nutritious option. Ultimately, while homemade pita chips can be part of a healthy diet, they should be enjoyed in moderation as part of a balanced approach to eating.
Can I make pita chips in oven if I don’t have an air fryer?
Yes, here is how to make pita chips in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer:
Preheat oven to 400°F.
Cut pita breads into wedges, like cutting a pizza.
Arrange pita wedges in a single layer on a baking sheet.
Lightly brush wedges with olive oil or spray with cooking spray.
Bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy and golden brown, flipping halfway through.
Optionally season with salt, garlic powder, or other spices before or after baking.
Easy Homemade Air Fryer Pita Chips Conclusion
In conclusion, these homemade air fryer pita chips are not only a quick and easy snack to prepare, but they also offer a healthier and customizable alternative to store-bought chips. With a variety of flavor options and the ability to substitute ingredients based on dietary needs or personal preference, these pita chips cater to a wide array of tastes and lifestyles.
Whether you’re hosting a gathering, looking for a snack to accompany your favorite dips, or simply seeking a healthier option for your snack cravings, these air fried pita chips are an excellent choice. They can be stored conveniently and reheated to regain their crispiness, ensuring you can enjoy them at their best anytime. So next time you’re in the mood for a crunchy, satisfying snack, remember that your air fryer and a few simple ingredients are all you need to whip up these delicious homemade pita chips.
Recipe:
PrintEasy Homemade Air Fryer Pita Chips (10 minutes!)
With barely any effort, you can ditch the mediocre store-bought pita chips for these quick and delicious homemade ones. Your favorite dips are about to get upgraded.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
4 pita breads
2 tablespoons olive or avocado oil
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon Smoked Paprika or Sumac, optional
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 325°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Stack pita bread and use a sharp knife to cut into 6-8 triangles.
- In a small bowl, mix together olive oil and salt. Gently toss the pita triangles in oil, making sure they are all evenly coated.
- Working 2 batches, place pita triangles in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry for 4-5 minutes, flip (or give the basket a good shake).
- Air fry for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
- Transfer to a bowl and let cool slightly before serving with your favorite dip.
- Keep extra pita chips in an air tight container. Pita chips keep for 3-5 days.
