Air Fryer Nachos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryers are a great way to make nachos. They're easy to prepare, fast to cook, and you can pile on your favourite toppings. You can also make them in large batches, making them perfect for parties.

Layering the nachos

Layering nachos in an air fryer is a simple process, but there are a few tricks to ensure you get the best results. Firstly, it's important not to overcrowd the air fryer basket. Aim for just a few layers of tortilla chips, with cheese and toppings in between. You want to avoid stacking the chips too high, as this will prevent them from crisping up.

Start with a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of the air fryer basket. It's best to use a thicker, restaurant-quality chip for this recipe, as they hold up better under layers of toppings. Overlap the chips slightly to prevent the cheese from dripping through the tray, but try not to let them overlap too much.

Next, sprinkle on your chosen shredded cheese. A Mexican blend, Cheddar, or Monterey Jack all work well. You can also add some of your chosen toppings at this stage. Olives, green onions, tomatoes, and jalapenos are all tasty options.

Repeat the layers, adding more chips, cheese, and toppings. You can also add some cooked ground beef or shredded chicken at this stage for a heartier dish. Just be sure to keep the layers below the rim of the basket.

Finish with a final layer of cheese on top. Air fry at around 350-375°F/180-190°C for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden.

Once the cheese is melted, carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer and add any final fresh toppings. Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro are all excellent choices. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness!

Best cheese to use

When making nachos in an air fryer, you should opt for a cheese that melts well. Some good melting cheeses include:

• Cheddar cheese, preferably freshly grated and sharp. Pre-shredded cheese is coated in preservatives that can prevent it from melting as smoothly.
• Mozzarella
• Monterey Jack
• Mexican blend
• Tex Mex blend
• Colby
• A blend of Mexican cheeses

You can also try vegan cheese, such as the Daiya brand, which melts nicely.

For the best nachos, it is recommended to grate your own cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch to prevent clumping, but this means it may not melt as evenly. By grating your own cheese, you can ensure a beautiful layer of melted cheese that won't turn hard or rubbery too quickly.

Toppings

Air fryer nachos are a great snack, and you can add your favourite toppings. You can use any type of cheese that melts well. Here are some topping ideas:

Veggies

Olives, green onions, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, and cilantro are all great additions to nachos. You can also add bell peppers, either cooked or fresh, for some extra crunch. If you like spicy food, add some fresh or pickled jalapenos.

Meat

You can add cooked chicken, pulled pork, ground beef, or ground chicken/turkey. If you're using beef, it's best to use a leaner variety so there's less fat to drain off. You can also add ground chorizo, or even some shredded chicken or pulled pork.

Beans

Black beans, refried beans, or pinto beans are all great additions to nachos.

Sauces and Dips

Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and queso are all delicious dips for nachos. You can also add some spice with Tabasco sauce or hot sauce.

Other Toppings

Other toppings include avocado, black olives, diced tomatoes, onions, and green chilies. You can also add bacon bits, chili, or pineapple salsa for a unique twist.

Feel free to experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your favourite nacho recipe!

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer nachos will vary depending on the size and brand of your air fryer, but most recipes recommend cooking your nachos for 3-5 minutes at 350°F/180°C. This will ensure that the cheese is fully melted and that the nachos are crispy and crunchy.

Some recipes suggest cooking your nachos for slightly longer, around 8-10 minutes, especially if you are making a larger portion. However, it is important to keep an eye on your nachos while they are cooking to ensure that they do not burn.

If you are using ground beef or another type of meat in your nachos, you will need to allow additional cooking time for this. Brown the meat in a skillet or the air fryer basket before assembling your nachos. This should take around 5 minutes.

When assembling your nachos in the air fryer basket, try not to overlap the tortilla chips too much, as this can cause them to become soggy. Only add a couple of layers of chips with cheese in between, or just add a single layer and cook in batches.

Once you have assembled your nachos, place them in the air fryer and cook until the cheese is melted and starting to slightly brown on the edges. This should take around 4-6 minutes, depending on your air fryer.

If your cheese isn't fully melted after the recommended cooking time, simply put the nachos back in the air fryer and continue to cook for one minute at a time until they are done to your liking.

Reheating and storing nachos

Reheating nachos in an air fryer is a great option if you want to get crisp nachos in a short amount of time. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do it:

Reheating Nachos in an Air Fryer:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (180°C) or 375°F (190°C).
• Remove any cold toppings such as sour cream, salsa, lettuce, or other toppings that you don't want to heat up or that may split or wilt in the air fryer.
• Place the nachos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches if you have a large portion or a small air fryer.
• Place the basket in the preheated air fryer and cook for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the tortilla chips are crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
• Once done, remove the nachos from the air fryer and let them cool down for a few minutes before serving.
• Add back any fresh toppings that you removed before reheating, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or chopped onions.

Storing Nachos:

It is best to store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator. To prevent the nachos from becoming soggy, separate the layers with parchment paper or wax paper. Stored this way, nachos can last for up to 2-3 days in the fridge.

Frequently asked questions