Halloween Chips

Is It Best To Bake or Deep Fry Halloween Chips?

Baking is lighter, easier, and mess-free—great for a healthier option that won't involve hot oil and still delivers a crunchy skull chip.

Deep frying, however, gives your skull chips that visually puffy, slightly curved shape —something baking just can't replicate.

If you're after maximum visual appeal and texture, go for frying. But if you are looking for a simple and easy approach, baking will still give you tasty results.

What type of tortillas to use to make Halloween chips?

I usually use standard flour tortillas for a more authentic, skull-like appearance—think Halloween skull cookies or Halloween caprese toast. That said, feel free to experiment!

Wheat, whole wheat, gluten-free tortillas can still work, and white corn tortillas are also a good alternative if you prefer a corn flavor. Just avoid yellow corn tortillas, as their golden color can tint your skull shapes and detract from the spooky-white skull-like appearance.

Why You’ll Love These Halloween Chips and Dip

• Spooky, fun, and effortlessly impressive — perfect as a unique appetizer or snack for your Halloween gathering.
• Super simple to make — whether you prefer deep-frying for that puffed-up wow factor or baking for a lighter, crunchier finish.
• A unique Halloween party snack that's sure to get your guests buzzing and the conversation rolling.
• Make ahead — they hold up well when prepared one to two days in advance, so you’re party-ready.
• Totally nut-free — perfect for school Halloween parties!

• Tortillas — Use any flour tortillas you have on hand, of any size. For dietary swaps, gluten-free or white corn tortillas work just as well.
• Skull Cookie Cutter — One of my most-loved seasonally essential tools, especially around Halloween! You’ll find them in stores like Michaels or Amazon.
• Small Circle Cutter — I use the back of a small piping tip; it’s quick, precise, and ensures your “eyes” are proportionate to the skull shapes. Of course, any small round tool works just as well.
• Fluted Round Cookie Cutter — A round cookie cutter will work just as fine, but the mouth won't have those ridges.

How to make Halloween chips at home (step-by-step photos)?

You can find full printable recipe below, but here is a quick overview of the procedure along with step-by-step photos.

1 & 2. Cut skull shapes from tortillas, using the skull cookie cutter.

Tip: I was able to cut 4 skulls from each 7-inch tortilla.

3. Make eyes - Using the back end of the piping tip or any very small round cutter, punch two holes for eyes. 

4. Make mouth - Using a small round fluted cutter, cut mouth without cutting all the way through (refer video).

Deep Frying Instructions

5 & 6. Pour oil into a small skillet or saucepan, until it measures to about ½ to ¾-inch up the sides. Place skillet over medium heat and let it reach about 325 degrees or moderately hot. Cook 2 to 3 chips at a time, until it gets golden brown on both sides, about 1 minute each side.

Drain on a paper towel and continue cooking remaining chips.

Tip: Avoid cooking at high heat, as it can cause the chips to brown too quickly, preventing them from crisping up properly.

Serve these spooky chips with your favorite salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, avocado crema or buffalo chicken dip as an appetizer for Halloween party.

💀 Pro tip: Make it spooky and mix a dash red food coloring to your salsa to give a bloody effect!

Make ahead - Let the chips cool completely and then store in a tightly sealed air-tight container for up to 2 days.

More Spooky Halloween Party Snack Ideas

Looking for spooky, simple, and crowd-pleasing Halloween snacks to serve at your party?

• Halloween Pop Tarts: With just two ingredients (pie crust and jam), these ghost-shaped pastries are a breeze to make.
• Halloween Breadstick Snakes: Slightly twisted, crispy, and just the right amount of eerie—these savory snacks add crunch and suspense to your snack table.
• Halloween Clementines: These clever little clementine “pumpkins,” assembled with Oreos, are mess-free fun—great for school parties or trick-or-treaters.
• No-Bake Halloween Pumpkins: Made from almond flour, chocolate dough, and maple syrup, these adorable, healthy treats are as fun to shape as they are to eat.
• Halloween Breadstick Snakes are a unique Halloween-themed snack idea for parties. They’re crispy, crunchy, and so delicious to eat! Fun and easy to make, they’re sure to be the talk of your Halloween party.