When I want to indulge in junk food, I make these homemade cool ranch Doritos. They’re so easy to whip up in just 30 minutes with only a handful of pantry staples. I cut corn tortillas into wedges, deep fry them, and toss them in a tangy blend of ranch seasoning and savory spices to recreate the flavor of my favorite chips at home. I don’t think I’ll ever go back to buying the bag!
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Pat almost died when I made these homemade cool ranch Doritos. I mean, this is his version of heaven. And since they’re homemade, we are telling ourselves they are healthy. Of course, they’re fried, which means they are not actually healthy, but… we are in denial. And I’m okay with that! Besides, I’ll always take a homemade version, where I know exactly what’s in them, over a bag of chips made in a factory.
What’s in This Cool Ranch Doritos Recipe?
- Oil: I like peanut or canola oil for their neutral flavors and high smoke points.
- Corn Tortillas: Make the crunchiest chips. You can also use flour, but the taste and texture will be quite different. I think the small (5-inch) tortillas are the perfect size for these chips!
- Ranch Seasoning: A classic blend of tangy flavors that forms the base of the seasoning.
- Spices: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and kosher salt amp up the flavor to create that classic cool ranch taste!
Tips for Success
- Use a thermometer to ensure your oil temperature stays constant. If the oil gets too hot, the chips will burn, and if it gets too cold, they’ll turn out greasy.
- Don’t try to fry too many chips at once, as this will reduce the oil temperature.
- I pulsed my seasoning blend in a food processor so it was super fine like the real thing. This is optional, but I really liked the result.
- I like to drain the chips on paper towels to absorb any excess grease.
How to Store and Reheat
My homemade cool ranch Doritos recipe makes about 4 dozen chips, so plenty to snack on. Store them in an airtight container or resealable plastic bag, and they will last up to 2 weeks (assuming you don’t eat them all!).
Serving Suggestions
I love snacking on these while watching reality TV, and they are the perfect snack for the Super Bowl or any big game day. My kids love them, and I will feel good knowing exactly what’s in them. They’re also great for making Dorito casserole!
5-Star Review
“OMGGGGG I just found this recipe yesterday and I knew I had to try them. I bought all the ingredients today and make them and OMGGGG I’M OBSESSED!!!!!!! I can’t stop eating them. I also make them but dredged them in cinnamon and sugar and I almost lost my mind they were so good. PEOPLE DON’T WALK RUN TO MAKE THESE!” -Trisha Higgins
Homemade Cool Ranch Doritos Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- Peanut or canola oil for frying
- 8 (5-inch) corn tortillas (1 package)
- 2 ounces ranch seasoning (2 envelopes)
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Heat the oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer and heat to 350°F. You want about 2 inches of oil minimum.Peanut or canola oil
- Cut the tortillas into wedges, like pizza slices.8 (5-inch) corn tortillas
- In a medium bowl, mix together the ranch seasoning, paprika, garlic, onion, and salt. The seasoning works best super fine, so you can pulse in a blender if you would like, but its optional.2 ounces ranch seasoning, 1 tablespoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Working in batches, fry the tortillas until crispy, about 3 minutes per batch. I used a wooden spoon to press the tortillas down one at a time to let some of the air out, otherwise they can puff up very easily. Be careful with this step because the oil can bubble up.
- Place the fried tortillas on a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with seasoning. Toss to combine, then sprinkle the flip side. You want to do this right after removing from the oil. Allow to cool.
- Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.
Video
Becky’s Tips
- Any leftover seasoning will keep well in an airtight container.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did you make this? Leave a comment!
How to Make Cool Ranch Doritos Step by Step
Cut the Tortillas: Heat peanut or canola oil in a Dutch oven or deep fryer and heat to 350°F. You want about 2 inches of oil minimum. Cut 8 (5-inch) corn tortillas into wedges, like pizza slices.
Mix the Spices: In a medium bowl, mix together 2 ounces (2 envelopes) of ranch seasoning, 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of ground garlic, 1 teaspoon of ground onion, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. The seasoning works best super fine, so you can pulse in a blender or food processor if you would like, but it’s optional.
Fry the Chips: Working in batches, fry the tortillas until crispy, about 3 minutes per batch. I used a wooden spoon to press the tortillas down one at a time to let some of the air out, otherwise they can puff up very easily. Be careful with this step because the oil can bubble up.
Season the Chips: Place the fried tortillas on a paper towel lined plate and sprinkle with seasoning. Toss to combine, then sprinkle the flip side. You want to do this right after removing from the oil. Allow to cool.
Repeat: Repeat with the rest of the tortillas.
I’ve been using up my tortillas like this for years only just salting them. I very, very rarely buy any kind of chips so I never connected my fried tortillas to Doritos. I fry them & put them on a rack in the oven as I finish a batch. Drains a lot of the residual oil while I’m finishing. I also truly enjoy them salted & warm.
Happy to hear you enjoyed this recipe!
Hello Becky! Could flour tortillas be used for this recipe?
Thanks
You definitely could use flour, but corn will give you a more authentic Doritos flavor!
Is ground onion and garlic the same as onion and garlic powder?
The powder is finer! Think of powdered sugar versus granulated sugar.
OMGGGGG I just found this recipe yesterday and I knew I had to try them. I bought all the ingredients today and make them and OMGGGG I’M OBSESSED!!!!!!! I can’t stop eating them. I also make them but dredged them in cinnamon and sugar and I almost lost my mind they were so good. PEOPLE DON’T WALK RUN TO MAKE THESE!
Thanks for sharing with us, Trisha!
I had some stale corn tortillas to use up…and powdered milk, but no Ranch or buttermilk, so I improvised, using this recipe as a base, and WOW!!!! I added some smoked paprika, extra garlic powder, white pepper, sugar, and coriander to the seasoning mix and ehrmagherd. Ultra-low-sodium Cool ranch Doritos for pennies. Thank you So Much <3
How awesome!! I’m glad you loved it so much!
I rolled wings in the seasoning mix. They were a hit.
That sounds so yummy!!
have you thought about using an air fryer instead of deep frying? might make it healthier and air drying gets it crispy as well…just a thought
I just got an air fryer for Christmas and I’ve really been wanting to revamp some recipes. This one might be great!! I LOVE the air fryer so far!!