Fried Tortilla Chips

Directions

1. 1
   Position the racks in the center and top third of the oven and preheat the oven to 300F.
2. 2
   Spread the tortilla wedges on two baking sheets.
3. 3
   Bake, switching the positions of the sheets from top to bottom halfway through baking, until the tortillas are slightly dried, about 10 minutes.
4. 4
   Remove from the oven and let cool completely.
5. 5
   (You can skip this procedure if your tortillas are stale.)
6. 6
   Line a baking sheet with crumpled paper towels and set aside.
7. 7
   Pour enough oil into a deep Dutch oven to come about 3 inches up the sides.
8. 8
   Heat over high heat until a deep-frying thermometer reads 365F.
9. 9
   In batches, without crowding, deep-fry the tortillas until golden brown, about 1 minute.
10. 10
    Using a wire-mesh skimmer, transfer to paper towels to drain and cool, separating each layer of chips with more paper towels.
11. 11
    As soon as all of the chips are fried and drained, transfer to a large roasting pan to store.
12. 12
    (The chips can be prepared up to 8 hours ahead and stored uncovered at room temperature.)
13. 13
    Just before serving, sprinkle with salt.
14. 14
    Baked Tortilla Chips: Spread the dried (or stale) tortilla wedges in single layers on two baking sheets and spray with vegetable oil.
15. 15
    Turn and spray again.
16. 16
    Bake in a preheated 375F oven until the tortillas are crisp, 10 to 15 minutes.
17. 17
    Halfway through baking, stir the tortillas and switch the positions of the racks from top to bottom.