Fat and rest make them soft and foldable: lard rubbed into the flour shortens the gluten so they stay tender, and a 30-minute rest lets the dough relax enough to roll paper-thin. Cook them on a dry, ripping-hot comal just until brown freckles and a few puffs appear, no longer, or they turn to crackers.
The ratio3 cups flour + ⅓ cup lard + 1 cup warm water. Rest 20 min, then griddle hot and fast.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook15 min
Makes12 tortillas
CuisineMexican
Cost$
Dairy-free
Contains gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for12tortillas
Lard
Rendered lard shortens the gluten for the softest, most pliable tortilla.
Hot water at about 120F brings the dough together supple and smooth.
1 cup water
Local / market
The Rundown
Greedometer●●●●●Barely a splurge
A light hand — your arteries say thanks.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Stovetop
The Method
Cut in the fatWhisk the flour, baking powder, and salt, then rub in the lard until it looks like damp sand. The fat coating the flour is what keeps them tender.
Add hot waterStir in the hot water and knead 3 to 4 minutes to a soft, smooth dough. It should be tacky but not sticky.
Rest oiled ballsDivide into balls, coat lightly with oil, cover, and rest 30 minutes. Resting relaxes the gluten so they roll thin without springing back.
Roll and cookRoll each paper-thin and cook on a dry comal over medium-high 30 to 45 seconds a side, until freckled and puffing. Stack under a towel to keep them soft.
Can you make Flour Tortillas in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze Flour Tortillas? — Yes
Yes — cool it, portion into airtight containers, and freeze; thaw in the fridge and reheat.
Can you make Flour Tortillas ahead of time? — Partly
The components hold — prep the parts ahead and finish it close to serving for the best texture.
Is Flour Tortillas gluten-free? — Not as written
Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free flour blend (check the other labels too).
Is Flour Tortillas vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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