The broth is everything: toasted dried chiles and good canned tomatoes blended and fried down, not a thin brothy pour. The technique that matters is frying the blended puree in hot oil before you add liquid, which concentrates the flavor.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep20 min
Cook30 min
Makes6 servings
CuisineMexican
Cost$$
Gluten-free
Contains dairy
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for6servings
Dried pasilla chiles
Pasilla gives the broth a dark, slightly bitter depth; guajillo also works.
A light hand — your arteries say thanks. · plan ahead — needs marinating, soaking, or resting time
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Instant PotSlow cookerOne-pot
The Method
Fry the tortilla stripsCut tortillas into thin strips and fry in 1/2 inch of oil over medium-high until golden and crisp, about 2 minutes. Drain on paper towels and salt.
Blend the baseToast and soak the pasillas, then blend with the tomatoes, onion, and garlic until smooth.
Fry the pureePour the puree into 2 tablespoons of hot oil and fry, stirring, 6 to 8 minutes until it darkens and thickens. This is the flavor step.
Finish the brothAdd 6 cups of chicken stock and the pulled chicken, simmer 15 minutes, then ladle over crisp strips and top with queso, avocado, and lime.
Can you make Tortilla Soup in an air fryer? — Yes, with an insert
Not on its own — an air fryer can’t hold a pool of liquid. You can simmer it in an oven-safe dish or a silicone insert made to fit the basket, but the broth won’t reduce or brown the way it does on the stove, and that insert comes out scorching, so use oven mitts. For real depth, a pot on the stove wins.
Can you freeze Tortilla Soup? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make Tortilla Soup ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it holds well and often tastes better the next day. Make it ahead and reheat gently before serving.
Is Tortilla Soup gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is Tortilla Soup vegan? — No
No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.
Community Notes
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