Air-Fried Nachos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer nachos are a quick, easy, and delicious snack that can be whipped up in minutes. They are versatile, customisable, and perfect for any occasion, whether it's a party appetizer, a fun family meal, or a late-night snack. With an air fryer, you can enjoy crispy, cheesy nachos without the mess and long cooking times of traditional oven-baked nachos.

Layering tortilla chips

First, it is important to choose the right type of tortilla chips. Look for thicker, restaurant-quality chips that are sturdy enough to hold up under the layers of toppings and cheese. Avoid thin chips as they may break easily. You can also make your own tortilla chips by cutting a low-carb wrap into triangles, brushing them with olive oil, and cooking them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

When layering the chips, it is recommended to overlap them slightly to prevent the cheese from dripping through the gaps. You can also add a layer of parchment paper or foil at the bottom of your air fryer basket to catch any cheese that melts through. Start by placing a single layer of tortilla chips in the basket, making sure there are no gaps. Then, top with your desired toppings, such as shredded cheese, beans, meat, or vegetables.

Repeat the layering process, adding another layer of chips followed by more toppings. You can do up to three layers, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Just be careful not to overcrowd it, as this can cause the nachos to become soggy.

Once you're happy with your layers, place the basket in the air fryer and cook at a temperature between 325°F and 350°F for 3 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Keep a close eye on your nachos to ensure they don't burn.

Finally, remove the basket from the air fryer and top with your favorite garnishes, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or fresh herbs. Serve immediately and enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of your perfectly layered air-fryer nachos!

Melting cheese

For the best nachos, grate your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch to prevent clumping, which can affect how evenly it melts. A Mexican blend of cheese, or a blend of sharp cheddar and mozzarella, are good options. You could also use Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican or Tex Mex cheese.

To melt the cheese, layer your tortilla chips with your chosen cheese and other toppings in your air fryer basket, finishing with a layer of cheese on top. Air fry at between 320°F and 390°F for 3 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and golden brown.

Adding toppings

Meat

Ground beef, shredded chicken, pulled pork, chicken fajita, or even bacon bits can be a great addition to your nachos. If you want to keep it vegetarian, you can add vegan chorizo or beef crumbles.

Beans

Black beans, refried beans, or pinto beans can add a nice texture and flavour to your nachos.

Vegetables

You can add sliced black olives, diced tomatoes, green onions, red onions, avocado, or scallions. If you like spicy food, you can also add pickled or fresh jalapeños or other chilli peppers.

Sauces and Dips

Salsa, sour cream, guacamole, queso, or homemade restaurant-style salsa are all great options for adding some extra flavour to your nachos.

Cheese

While you've likely already added cheese to your nachos before air frying, you can also add extra cheese as a topping. Try shredded Colby jack, cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.

Herbs

Fresh herbs like cilantro or green chillies can add a nice finishing touch to your nachos.

Cooking time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for making nachos in an air fryer depend on the quantity of the ingredients, the number of layers, and the type of air fryer being used.

For a single layer of tortilla chips with cheese, a cooking time of 3-5 minutes at 325°F to 350°F is recommended. The nachos are done when the cheese has melted.

For multiple layers of tortilla chips, cheese, and other toppings, the cooking time remains fairly consistent at 3-6 minutes, but the temperature varies between 350°F and 360°F. Again, the nachos are done when the cheese has melted, and you may also want to wait for the edges to turn slightly brown.

It is important to note that cooking times may vary depending on the size and brand of the air fryer, and it is recommended to keep a close eye on the nachos to prevent burning.

Serving suggestions

Air fryer nachos are a versatile dish that can be served as an appetizer, a snack, or a meal. They are perfect for any occasion, whether it's a game day, a family get-together, or a quick dinner. Here are some serving suggestions to make the most of your air fryer nachos:

Customization

Allow your guests to customize their nachos by setting up a nacho bar with a variety of toppings, similar to a taco bar. This way, everyone can build their own nachos according to their preferences. You can provide a variety of toppings, such as:

• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Green onions or scallions
• Black olives
• Jalapenos
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Cilantro
• Ground beef or shredded chicken
• Refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans
• Chili
• Bacon bits
• Cheese sauce
• Pico de gallo

Presentation

For a fun and interactive presentation, serve the nachos on a large platter or board, allowing guests to take their desired amount and add toppings. You can also serve them in individual portions, placing the nachos on a bed of lettuce or in a nacho bowl, and providing small bowls of toppings on the side.

Accompaniments

To enhance the flavour and experience of your air fryer nachos, consider serving them with some refreshing drinks and side dishes. Here are some ideas:

• Spicy margaritas or non-alcoholic Mexican horchata
• Fire-roasted salsa and cilantro
• Homemade guacamole
• Chilli con carne
• Mexican rice
• Salad

Reheating and Storage

If you have any leftover nachos, you can reheat them in the air fryer at 320°F (162°C) for 2-3 minutes. However, they are best served fresh, as leftovers tend to become soggy. If you want to store leftover toppings or meat, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Frequently asked questions