Nachos in Air Fryer
These Nachos in the Air Fryer are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Just layer tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, and all your favorite toppings, then let the air fryer work its magic. Perfect for a quick snack or game-day treat — ready in minutes!
Nachos in Air Fryer
I’ll never forget the first time I made nachos in the air fryer. It was a last-minute snack idea, and I was blown away by how perfectly they turned out — crunchy chips and gooey, melted cheese in just 5 minutes!
Air fryer nachos have become my go-to for quick snacks, game days, or easy party appetizers. For more irresistible air fryer recipes, don’t miss my Air Fryer Tater Tots, Bacon Wrapped Shrimp, and Air Fryer Carrot Fries!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- So easy to make: Just layer your chips, add toppings, and pop them in the air fryer. That’s it!
- Super versatile: Swap in your favorite proteins, cheeses, or toppings to make them your own.
- Perfectly crunchy: The air fryer gets those chips nice and crispy without drying everything out.
- Minimal cleanup: Fewer pans, less mess, and way less stress after snack time.
How to Make Perfect Nachos in The Air Fryer
Prepare the Ground Beef: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with taco seasoning and a pinch of salt until everything’s evenly combined. Heat a bit of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then cook the beef until it’s fully browned and no longer pink. Set aside.
Preheat the Air Fryer: While the beef is cooking, set your air fryer to 325°F and let it preheat. This helps everything cook evenly.
Layer the Nachos: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Add a layer of tortilla chips, making sure they’re spread out so they crisp up nicely.
Add the Toppings: Sprinkle the cooked beef over the chips, then add black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and green onions — or your favorite toppings!
Cook the Nachos: Air fry for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted, bubbly, and starting to brown around the edges.
Finish and Serve: Carefully lift the nachos out of the basket (tongs or a spatula help!). Top with sour cream, fresh cilantro, and any extras you’re craving. Serve right away and dig in!
Pro Tips
- Layer Ingredients Evenly: This ensures each tortilla chip stays crispy and is topped with all the delicious ingredients.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Only fill the basket about halfway to make sure the hot air can circulate and cook everything evenly.
- Customize Your Toppings: Make it your own with salsa, guacamole, pico de gallo, or any of your favorite extras.
- Serve Right Away: Nachos are best when the cheese is gooey and the chips are still crunchy, so dig in while they’re hot!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Cheese: I used a mix of sharp cheddar and mozzarella for the perfect balance of flavor and meltiness. A Mexican blend also works great—use whatever melty cheese you love!
Tortilla Chips: Use your favorite tortilla chips, and if you need a gluten free version, just make sure to pick chips that are labeled gluten free.
Jalapeño: If you don’t have a jalapeño, swap in a serrano pepper or add a few drops of hot sauce for a bit of heat. For a milder flavor, simply leave it out.
Ground Beef: Seasoned ground beef brings a rich, savory flavor to the nachos. To make it vegetarian, skip the meat and load up on veggies like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers. For a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works just as well.
Taco Seasoning: I used store-bought taco seasoning for convenience, but homemade works too! Feel free to adjust the amount to match your taste.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get the tortilla chips crispy in the air fryer?
To keep the chips crispy, layer the nachos evenly and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. Preheating the air fryer helps them cook evenly and crisp up nicely.
How do I know when the nachos are done?
They’re ready when the cheese is fully melted and bubbly, and the chips are crisp around the edges. This usually takes about 5 minutes at 325°F. Keep an eye on them so they don’t overcook.
How do I store leftover nachos?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They’re best fresh, but you can keep them for 2–3 days.
How do I reheat nachos?
Reheat in the air fryer at 325°F for 3–4 minutes to bring back the crunch and melt the cheese. Skip the microwave — it tends to make the chips soggy.
Nachos in Air Fryer
These Nachos in the Air Fryer are crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor! Just layer tortilla chips, seasoned ground beef, and all your favorite toppings, then let the air fryer work its magic. Perfect for a quick snack or game-day treat — ready in minutes!
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups Nachos
- ½ lb Ground Beef
- 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Roma Tomato
- ½ cup Black Beans
- 1 cup Cheese shredded
- 1 Green Onion sliced
- 1 Jalapeno sliced
- 2 tbsp Sour Cream
- Handful of Fresh Cilantro
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the ground beef with taco seasoning and a pinch of salt.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and cook the beef until browned and fully cooked.
- Set your air fryer to 325°F and let it preheat.
- Line the bottom of the air fryer basket with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Spread a layer of tortilla chips across the basket.
- Sprinkle the cooked beef over the chips, then add black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sliced jalapeños, and green onions.
- Air fry for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
- Carefully remove the nachos from the basket and finish with a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro.
Notes
- If you don’t have a jalapeno, use a serrano pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add your favorite vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
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