Fresh corn tortillas take any meal to the next level, but have you seen corn tortillas straight out of the package? They are a crumbly mess! Learn how to heat corn tortillas on the stovetop, in the oven, and on the grill in the easiest way possible to make all your taco night dreams come true.
Are Corn Tortilla Supposed to be Heated?
Warming corn tortillas before eating them draws out the flavor and makes them more durable and less likely to break – better flavor and better texture for all your breakfast, lunch, or dinner recipes.
What is the Best Way to Heat Corn Tortillas for Tacos?
The dry-heat method is my go-to method of preparing corn tortillas for tacos. If you happen to be making tacos for a crowd, try oven-baking them instead. Pan-fried corn tortillas are better if you’re going for flavor or want to make tostadas. And grilling corn tortillas is a fast way to warm them up while you grill the meat for the tacos.
How to Heat Corn Tortillas
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
1. Dry-Heat Corn Tortillas
Here’s the simplest way to warm up corn tortillas.
How do you cook corn tortillas so they don’t break? The answer is using dry heat! This method is easy and my preferred way to warm corn tortillas. All you need is a flat, warm surface like a cast-iron skillet, and your corn tortillas will come out soft and perfect every time – without using oil!
Step 1: Set a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add a corn tortilla; cook for 15-30 seconds.
Step 2: Flip and cook the other side for 15-30 seconds. You will know they’re done when they begin to smell toasty and brown spots appear.
2. Baked Corn Tortillas
The oven is the best way to heat corn tortillas for a crowd!
Pop the tortillas in the oven for 10 minutes; they will steam inside the foil, and this is how to cook corn tortillas in the oven to get perfectly soft but durable tortillas for your recipes. However, if you want to make crispy tortillas in the oven, increase the heat and roast them unwrapped for 10 minutes.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Then, wrap 5 corn tortillas in foil. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
Step 2: Set the wrapped tortillas onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
3. Pan-Fried Corn Tortillas
Heat corn tortillas in a pan for the most flavorful tortillas.
For crispy and flavorful tortillas, heat the corn tortillas in oil on the stovetop. This method is also the perfect way to make crispy tortillas or corn tostadas. You will need to cook them longer in the oil until they turn golden brown.
Step 1: Set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet. Then, warm ¼ cup of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Once the oil is smoking, add the corn tortilla and cook for 15-30 seconds. Flip and cook the other side for about 10 seconds.
Step 2: Using tongs, set the tortilla to dry on the wire rack or paper towel. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
4. Grilled Corn Tortillas
An easy way to warm corn tortillas while grilling your meat.
Step 1: Spray the tortillas with oil and place them directly on the grill grates. Warm them for 30 seconds per side.
Step 2: Flip, and warm for 30 seconds.
Expert Tips
- For perfectly crispy pan-fried corn tortillas, it’s best to allow them to dry on a wire rack or blot them with paper towels after cooking.
- When preparing corn tortillas on the stovetop in oil, you should warm the corn tortillas individually – one at a time.
- To ensure the tortillas retain their warmth, transfer them to a cloth or a tortilla keeper.
You know how to heat corn tortillas, so pair them with one of these dinner favorites!
Serving Suggestions
You might have a meal planned already, or perhaps you need some inspiration for how to use warm corn tortillas. Here are a few suggestions!
- Breakfast Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Homemade Tacos with Ground Beef, Birria Con Consume
- Homemade Tortilla Chips
- Tostadas
- Chilaquiles
- Tortilla Soup
- Instant Pot Carnitas
- Enchiladas
- Nachos
- Picadillo Con Papas
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you fry corn tortillas?
For best results, fry corn tortillas for 15-30 seconds, flip, and cook them for 10 seconds to get them warm and ready for your meal.
What’s the best oil for frying corn tortillas?
I use avocado oil because of its high smoking point, making it perfect for frying. But use what you have.
What do you cook corn tortillas on?
The materials you need to prepare corn tortillas depend on the warming method you choose.
For dry-heat and pan-fried tortillas, use a nonstick, cast-iron, or stainless steel skillet. For baked corn tortillas, you need a baking sheet.
More Mexican Recipes:
How to Heat Corn Tortillas
- 10 corn tortillas
- ¼ cup avocado oil, for the pan-fried tortillas
For Dry-Heat Corn Tortillas:
- Set a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat, then add a corn tortilla; cook for 15-30 seconds.
- Flip and cook the other side for 15-30 seconds. You will know they’re done when they begin to smell toasty and brown spots appear.
For Oven-Baked Corn Tortillas:
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (176°C). Then, wrap 5 corn tortillas in foil. Repeat with remaining ingredients.
- Set the wrapped tortillas onto a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes.
For the Pan-Fried Corn Tortillas:
- Set a wire rack into a rimmed baking sheet. Then, warm ¼ cup of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is smoking, add the corn tortilla and cook for 15-30 seconds. Flip and cook the other side for about 10 seconds.
- Using tongs, set the tortilla to dry on the wire rack or paper towel. Repeat with the remaining tortillas.
For the Grilled Corn Tortillas:
- Spray the tortillas with oil and place them directly on the grill grates. Warm them for 30 seconds per side. Flip, and warm for 30 seconds.
- For perfectly crispy pan-fried corn tortillas, it’s best to allow them to dry on a wire rack or blot them with paper towels after cooking.
- When preparing corn tortillas on the stovetop in oil, you should warm the corn tortillas individually – one at a time.
- To ensure the tortillas retain their warmth, transfer them to a cloth or a tortilla keeper.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.
Daniel Thompson
Friday 26th of May 2023
I stumbled upon this article while searching for a solution to my corn tortilla dilemma, and boy, am I glad I did! I had no idea that heating corn tortillas could make such a huge difference. The stovetop way worked like a charm and don't crumble apart.
Tressa Jamil
Tuesday 26th of September 2023
Yes, heating corn tortillas makes all the difference! I am so happy you found a method that will elevate all your taco nights.
Julia Cooper
Friday 26th of May 2023
Wow, I can't believe I didn't know about this before! As a lover of Mexican cuisine, I've always struggled with the crumbly texture of store-bought corn tortillas. But thanks to you, I know how to heat them perfectly. The step-by-step instructions were clear and easy to follow for someone like me.
Tressa Jamil
Tuesday 26th of September 2023
I am overjoyed you found this article helpful! Here's to many more taco nights in the future with tasty corn tortillas.
Nanie
Saturday 14th of May 2022
Excellent
Tressa Jamil
Sunday 12th of June 2022
I'm glad this was helpful for you.