Grain-Free Tortilla Chips: Keto-Friendly Snacking

Grain-free tortilla chips can be keto-friendly, but it depends on the ingredients and preparation methods used. Regular tortilla chips are typically made with corn, flour, or a combination of the two, which are not keto-friendly due to their high carbohydrate content. However, it is possible to make keto-friendly tortilla chips using alternative ingredients such as almond flour, coconut flour, or cheese, and preparation methods like baking or frying. These recipes usually result in chips that are crispy, crunchy, and hold their shape well, making them a great low-carb alternative for those following a keto diet.

Keto tortilla chip recipes

Baked Keto Tortilla Chips

This recipe for keto tortilla chips is a low-carb, high-fat take on traditional tortilla chips. They are designed for followers of a ketogenic diet and can be seasoned to your liking.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of shredded mozzarella cheese
• 1 cup of almond flour
• 1 teaspoon of seasonings of your choice (e.g. salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, or chili powder)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 350°F/180°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add your almond flour and any desired spices to a large mixing bowl and set aside. Place your mozzarella cheese in a microwave-safe bowl and microwave for 1-2 minutes until melted. Transfer the melted cheese into the bowl of almond flour and mix until a thick dough remains. Place the dough onto a piece of parchment paper and lightly flatten it. Place another piece of parchment paper on top and use a rolling pin to roll out the dough until it is approximately 1/6 inch thick. Use a sharp knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into triangular chip shapes. Place the uncooked tortilla chips onto the lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until golden brown around the edges. Allow the chips to cool completely on the baking sheet.

Fried Keto Tortilla Chips

This recipe for keto tortilla chips involves frying rather than baking, resulting in an extra crispy texture.

Ingredients:

• 5 keto-friendly tortillas (about 8 inches in diameter)
• 2 tablespoons of avocado oil (or another oil of your choice)
• 2 tablespoons of seasoning of your choice (e.g. taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, or just salt)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 350°F/176°C. Stack 5 tortillas on a cutting board and cut them into eighths to form triangular chip shapes. Grease 2 half sheet pans with avocado oil. Place the cut tortillas in a single layer on the pans and coat the tops with another tablespoon of oil. Season both sides of the chips with your chosen seasonings. Bake in the oven for 7-10 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Alternatively, you can fry the chips by heating 1/4 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil reaches 350°F/176°C, add a single layer of cut tortillas and fry for 1-2 minutes, flipping occasionally, until golden brown. Remove the chips from the oil and season as desired.

Vegan Keto Tortilla Chips

This recipe for keto tortilla chips is vegan and gluten-free, made with almond flour, chia seeds, olive oil, and spices.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon of chia seeds
• 1 cup of almond flour
• 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon of salt
• 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of nutritional yeast (optional, for a cheesy flavor)

Method:

Preheat your oven to 400°F/200°C. In a small bowl, combine the chia seeds with water and set aside for 10 minutes to form a gel-like texture. In a large mixing bowl, add the almond flour, olive oil, spices, and chia seed gel. Knead the dough by hand until it forms a ball. Place the dough between two pieces of parchment paper and roll out as thinly as possible. Remove the top layer of parchment paper and cut out tortilla chip shapes using a pizza cutter or sharp knife. Transfer the dough with parchment paper onto a baking sheet. Bake for 6-9 minutes, checking regularly to avoid burning, until the chips are golden brown. Remove from the oven and let cool for 5 minutes before serving.

Keto tortilla chip nutrition

Keto tortilla chips are a low-carb, high-fat alternative to traditional tortilla chips. They are typically made with almond flour, protein powder, and spices, and are baked or fried until crispy. Here is a detailed breakdown of the nutrition facts and ingredients for keto tortilla chips.

Ingredients:

• Almond flour: This low-carb, high-fat flour serves as the base ingredient and provides a nutty flavor.
• Protein powder: This ingredient adds crunch and crispiness to the chips.
• Xanthan gum: It helps bind the dough together and makes it pliable for rolling and frying.
• Spices: Salt, pepper, garlic powder, chili powder, paprika, and cumin are commonly used to add flavor.
• Cheese: Some recipes include shredded mozzarella cheese or nutritional yeast to enhance the flavor and texture.

Nutritional Information:

The nutritional values may vary depending on the specific recipe and serving size, but here is an example of the nutrition facts for a serving of keto tortilla chips:

• Calories: 163 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Protein: 9 g
• Fat: 13 g
• Sodium: 176 mg
• Potassium: 21 mg
• Fiber: 2 g
• Vitamin A: 189 IU
• Calcium: 171 mg
• Iron: 1 mg
• Net Carbs: 2 g

It's important to note that the carb content of keto tortilla chips can vary depending on the ingredients used. Some recipes may have higher carb counts due to the addition of cheese or other ingredients. Therefore, it's always a good idea to calculate the nutritional information based on the specific recipe you are following.

Comparison to Regular Tortilla Chips:

Traditional tortilla chips are typically made with corn or flour, which are high in carbohydrates. A serving of regular tortilla chips (13 chips) can contain up to 14 grams of net carbs. In contrast, keto tortilla chips aim to keep the carb count low by using alternative ingredients like almond flour and protein powder. This makes them a suitable snack option for those following a ketogenic diet.

Keto tortilla chip toppings

If you're looking for some keto-friendly toppings for your tortilla chips, look no further! Here are some ideas to get you started:

Dips

• Guacamole
• Buffalo chicken dip
• Pumpkin cream cheese dip
• Baba ganoush
• Vegan spinach avocado dip
• Salsa

Other Toppings

• Avocado mixed with tiny tomatoes and a bit of mint with lemon
• Cheese dip – mix cheese with cream cheese, crushed garlic, and seasonings
• Creamy salsa dressing
• Plain yoghurt with turmeric
• Pine cone cheese ball
• Cinnamon-sugar (for sweet tortilla chips)

Keto tortilla chip storage

Storing keto tortilla chips depends on whether they are homemade or store-bought.

Storing Homemade Keto Tortilla Chips

Homemade keto tortilla chips should be stored in an airtight container at room temperature. They will keep fresh for at least a week, and often longer. It is not recommended to refrigerate or freeze them, as this will affect their texture and they will no longer be crispy.

Storing Store-Bought Keto Tortilla Chips

Store-bought keto tortilla chips can be stored in the pantry, just like traditional tortilla chips. Check the packaging for the best-before date and storage instructions.

Storing Different Brands of Store-Bought Keto Tortilla Chips:

• Hilo Life: These can be found at Costco and are a good deal. Each serving is 150 calories and 3 net carbs.
• Beyond Chips: These are 160 calories and 2g net carbs per serving.
• Quest Protein Chips: These are a great source of protein, with 140 calories and 4 net carbs per serving.
• Siete Sea Salt Tortilla Chips: These are not keto-friendly due to their high carb content.

Storing Different Types of Keto Chips:

It is also worth noting that there are different types of keto-friendly chips available, such as:

• Keto Cheese Pops: A crunchy, low-carb snack made with only one and a half ingredients.
• Keto Goldfish Crackers: Crispy crackers made with just one ingredient.
• Keto Cheese Puffs: A crunchy, low-carb snack made with only 1 and a half ingredients.
• Keto Crackers: Crunchy, cheesy crackers made with fathead dough and various seasonings.

These chips can be stored in an airtight container and will stay fresh for a few days. It is not recommended to freeze them, as this will affect their texture.

Keto tortilla chip alternatives

Regular tortilla chips are not keto-friendly, as they are typically made from corn or flour, which are high in carbs. However, there are several alternatives you can try that are low in carbs and suitable for a keto diet. Here are some ideas for keto-friendly tortilla chip alternatives:

Keto Tortilla Chips Made with Almond Flour

One popular alternative is to make your own keto tortilla chips using almond flour. These chips are typically made with a combination of almond flour, spices, and cheese, such as mozzarella or cheddar. You can also add an egg to help bind the ingredients together. Simply mix the dry ingredients, melt the cheese, combine everything into a dough, roll it out, and cut it into triangles. Bake in the oven until golden and crispy. These chips are a great option as they have a light, crispy texture and can be seasoned to your taste.

Cheddar Cheese Cracker Chips

Cheddar cheese cracker chips are another keto-friendly option. These chips are made primarily from cheese and are baked or fried until crispy. They are a good source of fat and protein and pair well with various dips and salsas.

Pink Himalayan Salt Cracker Chips

Similar to the cheddar cheese cracker chips, these chips are made with cheese and seasoned with pink Himalayan salt. They offer a crunchy texture and a savoury flavour.

Keto Crackers

Keto crackers are a versatile option that can be made with various ingredients such as almond flour, coconut flour, or sesame flour. They are typically seasoned with herbs and spices and can be baked or fried. Keto crackers are a great option for dipping and can also be used as a base for toppings.

Pork Rinds

Pork rinds, also known as chicharrones, are a zero-carb chip option that is perfect for a keto diet. They are made from fried pork skin and have a crispy, crunchy texture. Pork rinds can be enjoyed on their own or used as a dip for salsas or cheese dips.

Pepperoni Chips

For a simple and savoury chip option, pepperoni chips are a great choice. Place pepperoni slices on a paper towel and microwave for about 30 seconds until they become crispy. These chips are high in fat and protein and pair well with dips or salsas.

Parmesan Crisps

Parmesan crisps are a crunchy, salty keto chip option. They are made with shredded parmesan cheese that is baked or fried until crispy. These crisps are naturally low in carbs and can be enjoyed on their own or with dips.

Frequently asked questions