Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

I’ve included some videos below for those who prefer to watch rather than read.

Looking to make delicious and crispy nachos in just minutes? Using an air fryer, you can whip up cheesy, perfectly cooked nachos that are sure to impress.

Air fryer nachos are quick, easy, and highly customizable to fit your taste. Whether you like them simple with just cheese and salsa or loaded with toppings like ground beef, black beans, and sour cream, the possibilities are endless.

Get ready to enjoy nachos as a snack, appetizer, or even a full meal. The air fryer delivers that perfect crunch, making each bite satisfying and delicious. Dive in and see how easy it is to make your favorite nachos right in your kitchen!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here are the exact ingredients you will need for making air fryer nachos:

Tortilla Chips:
You need a bag of tortilla chips. Substitute: Corn chips work fine too.

Shredded Cheese:
Use 1-2 cups of shredded cheese like cheddar or Monterey Jack. Substitute: Any meltable cheese you prefer.

Ground Beef:
Brown 1 pound of ground beef. Substitute: Shredded chicken, pork, or beans for a vegetarian option.

Taco Seasoning:
1-2 tablespoons of taco seasoning for flavor. Substitute: Mix your spices like cumin, chili powder, and paprika.

Parchment Paper:
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Substitute: Air fryer liners are also useful.

Optional Add-ins:

• Bell Peppers: Diced for extra crunch. Substitute: Onions or corn.
• Jalapeños: For a spicy kick. Substitute: Pickled jalapeños or fresh chili slices.
• Olives: Sliced black olives add a nice salty element. Substitute: Omit if you don’t like olives.
• Onions: Diced red or white onions. Substitute: Green onions or shallots.

Toppings:

• Sour Cream: For a creamy finish. Substitute: Greek yogurt.
• Salsa: Adds freshness and flavor. Substitute: Pico de gallo or diced tomatoes.
• Guacamole: Creamy and rich. Substitute: Sliced avocados.
• Cilantro: Chopped for garnish. Substitute: Parsley or omit if you don’t like cilantro.

Instructions

1. Prep Your Air Fryer

Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or an air fryer liner. This prevents the nachos from sticking.

2. Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking.

3. Cook the Ground Beef (Optional)

If using ground beef, brown it in a skillet with taco seasoning. Drain and set aside.

4. Assemble the Nachos

Layer the bottom of the air fryer basket with tortilla chips. Add cheese and your favorite toppings like beans, jalapeños, and olives.

5. Layering Tip

For best results, create two layers. Put half the chips, cheese, and toppings first, then repeat.

6. Air Fry

Cook for 3-5 minutes or until the cheese is melted.

7. Add Final Toppings

Once your nachos are cooked, top with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, and cilantro.

8. Serve Immediately

Nachos are best enjoyed right away while the cheese is still gooey and the chips are crispy.

Enjoy your snack!

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Tips & Tricks

1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Always preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for even cooking.

2. Layering
Start with a layer of tortilla chips. Add cheese and your choice of toppings like beans, onions, and cooked ground beef. Finish with another layer of cheese to get that gooey texture.

3. Use Parchment Paper or Foil
Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil to make cleanup easier and prevent sticking.

4. Don’t Overload
Avoid overloading the basket. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and soggy nachos.

5. Keep it Quick
Most nachos will be ready in 3-5 minutes. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

6. Add Fresh Toppings Last
Add fresh toppings like tomatoes, lettuce, and avocado after cooking to keep them crisp and fresh.

Storing

1. Remove Cold Toppings
Before storing, remove any cold toppings and sauces. This helps keep the nachos from getting soggy.

2. Use Airtight Containers
Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

3. Reheating
To reheat, place the nachos on parchment paper in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes. This will melt the cheese and warm up the toppings.

4. Re-add Cold Toppings
Once reheated, you can add any cold toppings back to the nachos before serving.

Recipe Variations & Serving Suggestions

Different Cheese Options

Try using cheddar, mozzarella, or pepper jack cheese. Mixing different cheeses can add more flavors.

Meat Choices

Use ground beef, chicken, or pulled pork. Cook your meat with your favorite seasonings before adding to the nachos.

Vegetarian Options

Add black beans, corn, diced tomatoes, and bell peppers. These veggies add color and taste.

Toppings

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Jalapeños
• Green onions
• Cilantro

Serving Suggestions

Serve your nachos with salsa or hot sauce on the side. They go great with a cold drink like soda, lemonade, or even a mocktail.

Unique Twists

Try adding pineapple for a sweet and savory mix. Another idea is topping nachos with a drizzle of barbecue sauce for a smoky flavor.