Cover the bottom of a skillet with about 1/2 inch of vegetable or canola oil. Heat it over medium heat.
While the oil is heating, cut the corn tortillas into the desired chip shape - strips, triangles, squares, etc.
Take one of the "chips" and put one end of it into the oil. If the oil bubbles around the chip, the oil is hot enough. If it doesn't, give it a few more minutes to heat up.
Place a plate with a paper towel on top beside your cooking area.
Once the oil is hot, carefully lower a few chips into the oil, making sure they don't overlap. Flip the chips after about 20-30 seconds. Once the chips are LIGHTLY browned and feeling crispy, remove them and place them on the paper towel. Immediately sprinkle the chips with course sea salt.
** NOTE - this is a very fast process. Make sure not to let the chips burn. Take them out of the oil when they are lightly browned and beginning to feel crispy. Overcooked chips will taste bitter. **