These crispy and fresh homemade air fryer pita chips require 4 ingredients and are ready in 12 minutes. They’re flavorful, vegan, customizable, and healthier than store-bought options—perfect for a quick appetizer or snack. No deep frying!
The crispiest 12-minute air fryer pita chips
Once you try these freshly air-fried pita chips, you’ll never be able to go back to the stale, bland, and boring store-bought ones. This recipe is a GAME CHANGER!! They’re just as delicious as these viral Air Fryer Gnocchi.
Air fryer pita chips are not only super easy to make in 12 minutes with just 4 ingredients but also super crispy, warm, flavorful, fresh, and delicious. Plus, you can use any type of pita bread you have on hand… fresh, stale, mini, large, whole wheat, gluten-free, or regular.
The pita chips are generously coated with a delightful Mediterranean and Middle Eastern-inspired seasoning blend. The flavor is so delicious that you might be tempted to devour the entire batch. We use the classic Za’atar spice blend, readily available at local grocery stores. However, if a trip to the store isn’t on your agenda, don’t worry! Check out the six simple flavor variations below for an easy and equally tasty alternative.
Homemade pita chips are not only healthier than store-bought ones, but they are so much yummier. Why? Well, store-bought ones are super-processed and, in my opinion, stale. They are not fresh. If you have 12 minutes to spare, try this air fryer version—it’s worth every bite!
Why you’ll love this air fryer recipe:
- Fresh & Crisp: They’re warm, crispy, and super fresh, unlike store-bought pita chips.
- Quick & Easy: Minimal ingredients and so easy to prepare.
- 12 Minutes: The perfect quick snack or appetizer.
- Healthy: Crispy texture with less oil, offering a healthier twist on traditional fried snacks.
- Customizable: I left over six flavor variations with instructions below!
- Perfect for Dipping: We love hummus, tzatziki, guacamole, and salsa.
- Easy Cleanup: You only need a small bowl and air fryer.
- Diet-Friendly: They’re vegan, vegetarian, dairy-free, and option to make them gluten-free.
- No Deep Frying: A healthier, better-for-you pita chip recipe.
- Try these Air Fryer Pasta Chips or these Zucchini Fritters next!
Ingredients needed
This is seriously the best-ever air fryer pita chip recipe because it’s so customizable, and you only need four ingredients. Here is a list of everything you need so you are prepared:
- Pita Bread: Any brand will work! You can use full-size or mini ones. You can even use stale pita bread, so nothing goes to waste.
- Olive Oil: To achieve the perfect crispiness. You can also use olive oil spray or avocado oil.
- Za’atar: Infuses the best Middle Eastern flavor, enhancing the overall taste. If you don’t have Za’atar, don’t worry; I left the easiest substitute in the recipe card made from common spices.
- Garlic Powder and Salt: For the best flavor and seasoning.
Kitchen tools needed
Here is a quick list of kitchen utensils you’ll need to make this easy 12-minute air fryer pita chips recipe.
- Air Fryer
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Tools + Cups
How to make air fryer pita chips
These homemade air fryer pita chips take under 12 minutes to prepare! It’s the best way to use up stale or leftover pita bread. Here are detailed step-by-step instructions with pictures for visual reference so any level cook can make them; make sure to scroll to the bottom of this post for the full recipe and ingredient measurements.
Step 1:
First, preheat your air fryer to 320°F.
Step 2:
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and seasonings.
Step 3:
Cut each pita bread into triangles. For an 8-inch pita bread, cut into 8 or 10 triangles; for mini pita bread, cut into quarters.
Step 4:
Brush the olive oil mixture on each side of the pita triangles. Then, arrange the pita chips in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You may need to do two batches if you have a small air fryer.
For an extra crispy texture, spray them with avocado oil spray.
Step 5:
Finally, air fry at 320°F for 6 – 9 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be crisp, golden, and firm but not burnt. Every air fryer is different; check at the 6-minute mark and see if you need more time.
Allow them to cool for a few minutes before enjoying! Serve with hummus, tzatziki, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Expert tips for perfectly crispy air fryer pita chips
- Use Any Pita: Fresh, stale, small, large, whole wheat, classic… all types of pita work!
- No Olive Oil Option: If you’re avoiding oil, opt for an avocado oil spray. Ensure the chips are coated and seasoned before air frying.
- Single-Layer Placement: Arrange the pita chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. To avoid uneven cooking, work in batches if necessary.
- Substitute Za’atar with Commn Spices: Create a blend using 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt as a substitute for Za’atar.
- All Air Fryers are Different: Keep an eye on the temperature; air fryer brands and models vary. Adjust the temperature or cooking time slightly if needed to achieve the desired crispiness without burning.
Variations & substitutions:
Ingredient substitutions:
- Pita Breads: Substitute with naan or any flatbread of your choice.
- Olive Oil: Use avocado oil, melted butter, vegetable oil, or coconut oil as an alternative.
- Za’atar: If you don’t have sumac or marjoram, make a simple blend of 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
- Garlic Powder: Replace with onion powder or your favorite dried herbs for added flavor.
Homemade pita chip variations:
- Parmesan Herb Pita Chips: Skip the Za’atar and sprinkle 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 teaspoon of dried Italian herbs on the pita triangles before air frying.
- Cinnamon Sugar Pita Chips: Brush the pita triangles with 2 tablespoons of melted butter and dust with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and 2 tablespoons of sugar. A dessert-like chip.
- Spicy Paprika Pita Chips: Dust the pita triangles with a mixture of 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder.
- Everything Bagel Pita Chips: Combine 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds, 1 teaspoon of poppy seeds, 1 teaspoon of dried garlic, 1 teaspoon of dried onion, and a pinch of salt.
- Chili Lime Pita Chips: Mix 1 teaspoon of chili powder, zest of one lime, and a pinch of cayenne pepper for a zesty flavor.
- Ranch Seasoned Pita Chips: Create a ranch-flavored blend with 1 teaspoon of dried dill, 1 teaspoon of onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder, and a pinch of salt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What other seasonings can I use?
I love using Za’atar or serving these plain (with garlic powder, salt, and pepper)! But you can also try one of the variations I listed above or in the recipe card, like cinnamon sugar, chili lime, ranch, parmesan herb, paprika, or EBTB seasoning.
What can I substitute for Za’atar if I don’t have it?
If you don’t have Za’atar, you can pick another flavor variation (listed above or in the recipe card) OR create your own blend using a combination of dried thyme, oregano, sesame seeds, sumac, and salt. Here is a quick recipe: 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (toasted, if possible), 1 tablespoon sumac, 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
Can I substitute Za’atar without sumac and marjoram?
You can still create a flavorful substitute using more common spices if you don’t have sesame seeds, sumac, and marjoram. Here’s an alternative blend: 1 tablespoon dried thyme, 1 tablespoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt.
Can I make these pita chips without using oil?
While the olive oil adds flavor and helps with crispiness, you can try using a minimal amount or omitting it altogether. I recommend using olive oil or avocado oil spray to ensure the entire chip is coated before air frying.
Can I freeze the pita chips?
Freezing may affect the texture of the pita chips, making them less crispy. It’s best to enjoy them fresh, but if you need to freeze them, ensure they are in an airtight container and thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Can I make these pita chips in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the pita chips in advance and store them in an airtight container. However, for the best texture, it’s recommended to serve them shortly after air frying.
What do you serve with air fryer pita chips?
Air fryer pita chips pair perfectly with various dips. Try classic hummus, simple tzatziki, smoky baba ganoush, olive tapenade, guacamole, cheesy feta dip, roasted red pepper dip, or a cheesy spinach artichoke dip. All these are great, yummy options!
Can I make them in the oven?
Yes, you can! Preheat the oven to 375ºF and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Add the seasoned and oiled pita chips to the baking sheet and bake for 10-15 minutes. Remember to flip halfway through so they are crispy on both sides!
How to store pita chips:
Store leftover pita chips in an airtight container at room temperature. If they lose their crispiness, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their texture.
If you love this recipe, try these next!
- Air Fryer Gnocchi
- Air Fryer Tortellini
- Air Fryer Halloumi
- Air Fryer Garlic Bread
- Air Fryer Quesadillas
- Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Air Fryer Pizza Rolls
Did you make this recipe?
If you make this recipe, be sure to comment and rate it down below. Also, don’t forget to tag me @healthfulblondie on Instagram and use the hashtag #healthfulblondie so I can see your delicious creation and share it with my followers!
Air Fryer Pita Chips
Ingredients
- 2 pita breads
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp Za'atar, or more to taste (READ NOTES FOR SUBS)
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt, or more to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 320°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and seasonings. To prepare plain pita chips, just use salt and garlic powder.
- Cut each pita bread into triangles. For an 8-inch pita bread, cut into 8 or 10 triangles. For mini pita bread, cut into quarters.
- Brush the olive oil mixture on each side of the pita triangles.
- Arrange the pita chips in a single layer in your air fryer basket. You may need to do two batches if you have a small air fryer.
- For an extra crispy texture, spray them with avocado oil spray.
- Air fry at 320°F for 6 – 9 minutes, flipping halfway through. They should be crisp, golden, and firm but not burnt. Every air fryer is different; check at the 6-minute mark and see if you need more time.
Notes
Nutrition
I only recommend products I love and use myself. In full disclosure, I may receive a small compensation for purchasing a product I recommend. Thank you for supporting Healthful Blondie!
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