Hot Harissa Pita Chips
These harissa-spiced pita chips are a bold, fiery twist on the iconic Cava chips, made at home and even better. Fried until perfectly golden with crispy edges and a tender center, then coated in a smoky, tangy spice blend. They’re perfect for scooping up your favorite dip or serving alongside a Mediterranean dinner bowl.
Servings servings
Ingredients
- 4 pita breads, cut into triangles
- vegetable oil, for frying
SPICE BLEND:
- 1 tablespoon sun-dried tomato powder
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix together the sun-dried tomato powder, sweet paprika, cayenne, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and lemon pepper. Set aside.
- Cut each pita into triangles—about 8 pieces per pita.
- Pour vegetable oil into a skillet or frying pan and heat it to around 325–350°F.
- Fry the pita triangles in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook until the edges are golden and crispy but the centers still have a bit of softness.
- Transfer the chips to a wire rack or paper towel to drain off excess oil.
- While the chips are still warm, place them in a large bowl and sprinkle the spice mix over them. Toss well to coat evenly.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dip, or let cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Notes
Q: What brand of pita bread did you use?
A: Greek-style pita is better to use to replicate the one Cava uses. It's thicker, more like a flatbread, rather than a traditonal thinner pocket-style pita. Papa Pita is a great option for a brand but any Greek style one will do. Q: Where can I buy sun-dried tomato powder?
A: You can find sun-dried tomato powder online or at specialty spice shops. I bought this one by the brand Burlap and Barrel from Amazon. Q: Can I bake the pita chips instead of frying?
A: Yes! You can bake the pita triangles at 400°F for about 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden. Baking will make them crunchier and less soft in the center. Q: What can I serve these pita chips with?
A: They’re fantastic with Mediterranean dips like hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush. They also pair well with salad bowls or even just as a spicy snack on their own. You can pair them with these Cava Copycat recipes from the blog: Crazy Feta Dip, Honey Harissa Chicken, and Spicy Lamb Meatballs. Q: How should I store leftover pita chips?
A: Store cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Q: Can I adjust the spice level?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the cayenne powder amounts to make the chips milder or hotter depending on your taste.
A: Greek-style pita is better to use to replicate the one Cava uses. It's thicker, more like a flatbread, rather than a traditonal thinner pocket-style pita. Papa Pita is a great option for a brand but any Greek style one will do. Q: Where can I buy sun-dried tomato powder?
A: You can find sun-dried tomato powder online or at specialty spice shops. I bought this one by the brand Burlap and Barrel from Amazon. Q: Can I bake the pita chips instead of frying?
A: Yes! You can bake the pita triangles at 400°F for about 7–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re crispy and golden. Baking will make them crunchier and less soft in the center. Q: What can I serve these pita chips with?
A: They’re fantastic with Mediterranean dips like hummus, tzatziki, or baba ganoush. They also pair well with salad bowls or even just as a spicy snack on their own. You can pair them with these Cava Copycat recipes from the blog: Crazy Feta Dip, Honey Harissa Chicken, and Spicy Lamb Meatballs. Q: How should I store leftover pita chips?
A: Store cooled chips in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 3 days. Q: Can I adjust the spice level?
A: Absolutely! Adjust the cayenne powder amounts to make the chips milder or hotter depending on your taste.
Did You Make This Recipe?
If you make this recipe, leave a comment below and let me know how it turns out. I love hearing from you!