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

Air fryers are a great way to make nachos, and they're perfect as a snack, an appetizer, or even a meal. They're easy to make, versatile, and can be loaded with your favourite toppings. The best part is that you get the same baked-in-the-oven flavour and crispy, crunchy chips in a fraction of the time. Plus, there's minimal cleanup!

Choosing the right cheese

When it comes to making nachos, the cheese is the star of the show. It's what holds all the ingredients together and gives that signature gooey, stretchy texture that makes nachos so irresistible. But not all cheeses are created equal when it comes to this dish. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect cheese for your air-fried nachos:

Melting Ability

The key to achieving that iconic nacho cheese pull is choosing a cheese with excellent melting ability. Cheeses like cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack are known for their smooth, creamy melt. They blend well with other cheeses and are mild enough to let the other toppings shine. If you're feeling adventurous, you can also try a blend of mozzarella and Oaxaca cheese, which are also great melters.

Freshness

For the best melting ability, it's recommended to shred the cheese yourself. Pre-shredded cheese is often coated with anti-caking agents and preservatives, such as potato starch and natamycin, which can affect its melting consistency. By shredding your own cheese, you'll get a smoother, stretchier melt that coats your nachos evenly.

Flavour

While the melting ability is crucial, you also want a cheese that complements the flavours of your other toppings. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and pepper jack offer mild, tangy flavours that pair well with classic nacho toppings like salsa, jalapenos, and sour cream. If you want a little extra kick, pepper jack infuses spicy peppers into the mix. For a more complex flavour profile, you can also try blending multiple cheeses, such as cheddar and Monterey Jack, or adding a sprinkle of Cotija cheese, a Mexican version of feta, on top.

Texture

The texture of your cheese is also an important consideration. Hard cheeses like Parmesan and Pecorino, while delicious, are best avoided for nachos as their high oil content prevents them from melting properly. They also tend to have a sharper flavour that can be overpowering. Instead, opt for softer cheeses that will melt into a creamy, gooey texture.

Customization

Ultimately, the beauty of making nachos is that you can customize them to your taste. While the above recommendations provide a solid starting point, don't be afraid to experiment with different cheeses and blends to find your perfect combination. You can even try making your own cheese sauce by melting shredded cheese with evaporated milk or adding a splash of milk to create a smoother texture. Just remember, when it comes to nachos, the cheese is key, so choose wisely and enjoy!

Layering the ingredients

Choose the Right Chips:

Start by selecting the right type of tortilla chips. Go for a restaurant-quality or firm variety that can hold up under layers of toppings. Thicker chips work better than thin ones as they provide a sturdy base. Avoid heavily-flavoured chips like Doritos, as the flavour can burn or become too intense.

Overlap the Chips:

When placing the chips in the air fryer basket, overlap them slightly to ensure there are no gaps. This technique will prevent the cheese from dripping through the tray. However, don't overlap them too much, or you'll end up with soggy nachos.

Layer with Cheese:

Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over the layer of chips. You can use a Mexican blend, Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or any cheese that melts well. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but freshly grated cheese tends to melt more smoothly.

Add Your Favourite Toppings:

Now, it's time to add your favourite toppings! You can use ground beef, chicken, pulled pork, beans, veggies, or anything else you like. Just remember not to overload the nachos with too many toppings, as this can make them soggy. Some popular topping ideas include:

• Green onions
• Black olives
• Jalapeno peppers
• Tomatoes
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Beans
• Bell peppers
• Cilantro

Repeat the Layers:

Once you've added your toppings, it's time to repeat the layers. Add another layer of chips, followed by more cheese and toppings. You can do this once or twice more, depending on the size of your air fryer basket. Just make sure the top of your nachos is below the rim of the basket to avoid any mess.

Final Touches:

After layering, place the air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook your nachos at a temperature between 320-375°F for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and slightly browned. Once done, carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer and place them on a plate. Top with any desired fresh toppings, such as diced tomatoes, green onions, or sour cream, and serve immediately.

Remember, the key to successful layering is to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and to ensure even distribution of toppings. This way, you'll get crispy, crunchy, and delicious air fryer nachos every time!

Preheating the air fryer

When preparing the air fryer, it is also recommended to line the basket with aluminium foil or parchment paper. This makes it easier to remove the nachos from the air fryer once they are cooked and helps with cleanup.

It is important to avoid overcrowding the air fryer when making nachos. The ingredients should be layered evenly, and the air fryer should never be filled more than halfway full.

Avoiding overcrowding

To avoid soggy nachos, it's important to not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Here are some tips to avoid overcrowding:

• Don't stack the chips too high. The hot air needs to circulate to ensure the nachos become crispy. If you stack the chips too high, they will not crisp up.
• Only add a couple of layers of chips with cheese in between in the fryer basket, or just add a single layer and cook in batches.
• If you're making a large batch, it's better to cook in batches than to overcrowd the air fryer.
• Layer the ingredients evenly. This ensures each chip stays crispy while being filled with toppings.
• If you're using meat, cook it separately first and then add it as a topping.
• Use toppings that will not make the nachos soggy, such as shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, guacamole, sliced jalapenos, black olives, and diced onions.
• If you're using meat, spread it out evenly and avoid adding large chunks.
• Avoid adding too many liquid toppings, such as salsa, as this can make the nachos soggy.
• If you're using a lot of toppings, it's better to cook the nachos in batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness.

Serving immediately

Air fryer nachos are best served immediately, while the chips are still hot and crispy. You can add your favourite toppings and dips, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or sliced jalapenos. If you're serving a crowd, you can let your guests load up their nachos with toppings and then cook them in the air fryer for a few minutes.

If you're making a large batch, it's best to cook the nachos in smaller portions so they stay crispy. You can also add extra layers of chips, cheese, and toppings to the air fryer, ensuring the top layer is below the rim of the basket.

For an extra special touch, serve your air fryer nachos with a side of pork or chicken tacos and a frosty mango margarita.

Frequently asked questions