Air-Fryer Nachos: A Quick, Easy, And Delicious Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make nachos, and you can put a variety of toppings on them. You can use tortilla chips, ground beef, cheese, and seasoning. You can also add toppings such as tomatoes, onions, black olives, jalapenos, cilantro, and guacamole. To make nachos in an air fryer, you should layer the ingredients and cook them for around 5 minutes at 320-375 degrees Fahrenheit.

Air fryer nachos recipe

Ingredients

• Ground beef
• Tortilla chips (triangle or rectangle)
• Cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend)
• Tomato
• Sour cream
• Fresh cilantro
• Taco seasoning
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and pepper
• Black beans
• Salsa
• Green onions
• Guacamole
• Red onion
• Black olives
• Jalapenos

Method

• Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat with taco seasoning, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Drain and set aside.
• Preheat the air fryer to 320-375°F.
• Line the air fryer basket with foil or parchment paper.
• Add a layer of tortilla chips to the basket, then sprinkle with cheese, ground beef, tomato, and any other desired toppings.
• Repeat the layers, starting with the chips.
• Air fry the nachos for 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Top the nachos with scallions, cilantro, and any other desired toppings.
• Serve immediately with sour cream, salsa, and guacamole on the side.

Tips

• Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure each tortilla chip stays crispy.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by filling it no more than halfway full.
• Preheat the air fryer to ensure the nachos get crispy.
• Air fryer nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but any leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

Best cheese for nachos

Yes, you can definitely put nachos in an air fryer!

Now, onto the best cheese for nachos. There are a few factors to consider when selecting the perfect cheese for your nachos: taste, texture, and meltability. While you can use a variety of cheeses, some are better suited for nachos than others.

First, let's talk about the types of cheese that don't work well for nachos. Hard cheeses like Parmesan, Pecorino, feta, and blue cheese are best avoided. These cheeses have a high oil content, which prevents them from melting evenly. They also tend to have a strong flavour that can be overpowering and clash with the other toppings.

So, what are the best cheeses for nachos? Well, you want to look for cheeses that melt well and have a mild to medium flavour. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, and American cheese are all excellent options. Combining these cheeses can give you even better results. American cheese, in particular, is highly meltable due to its processed nature and will give you that extra smooth, creamy texture. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add a blend of Mexican cheeses or throw in some shredded mozzarella or Oaxaca cheese for a stretchy, gooey texture.

One important tip to remember is to shred your own cheese instead of using pre-shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese often contains preservatives like potato starch and natamycin, which can affect its melting ability and cause clumping. So, a little extra effort in grating your own cheese will definitely pay off in the end!

Additional toppings

There are endless possibilities when it comes to topping your nachos. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Meats

• Chicken: Bake or grill chicken, then chop it up and sprinkle it over your nachos.
• Pork: Pulled or chopped pork adds a tasty twist, especially if it's BBQ-style.
• Ground Chorizo: Cook this in the same way you would ground beef for a spicy kick.
• Ground Chicken or Turkey: For a leaner option, use ground chicken or turkey instead of beef.

Cheeses

• Queso: Drizzle this creamy nacho cheese sauce over your nachos for an indulgent treat.
• Cotija Cheese: This Mexican version of feta can be crumbled over the nachos for a tangy, salty kick.

Vegetables

• Bell Peppers: Cooked or fresh, bell peppers add a pop of colour and a crunchy texture.
• Jalapeno Peppers: Fresh or pickled jalapenos will add some extra spice to your nachos.
• Onions: Fresh, cooked, or pickled red onions will give your nachos a punch of flavour.
• Lettuce: Shredded lettuce adds a fresh, crunchy element to your nachos. Just be sure to dry it thoroughly before adding.
• Beans: Refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans are all great options for adding protein and fibre to your nachos.

Salsas and Dips

• Salsa: Try a chunky pico de gallo or a restaurant-style salsa, or get creative with mango or pineapple salsa.
• Guacamole: Avocado is a must-have for any nacho platter.
• Sour Cream: This cool, creamy dip is the perfect contrast to spicy nachos.
• Tomatillo Salsa: Tangy and fresh, this salsa will brighten up your nachos.
• Tabasco Sauce: For those who like it hot, a few dashes of Tabasco will do the trick.

Feel free to get creative and experiment with different combinations of toppings to find your perfect nacho platter!

How to air fry nachos

Air-fried nachos are a quick, easy, and delicious snack that can be made in a few simple steps. Here is a detailed guide on how to make the perfect air-fried nachos.

Ingredients

You can use a variety of ingredients to make air-fried nachos, including:

• Tortilla chips (triangle or rectangle-shaped)
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, Mexican blend, or any good melting cheese)
• Toppings of your choice (e.g., cooked chicken, ground beef, pulled pork, beans, guacamole, sour cream, diced tomatoes, onions, salsa, cilantro, jalapeños)

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 320-375°F (160-190°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This step may be skipped, but preheating helps the nachos get crispier.

Step 2: Layer the Chips and Toppings

Line the air fryer basket with aluminum foil or parchment paper. Start with a layer of tortilla chips, spreading them out slightly so the melted cheese won't drip through the gaps. Sprinkle shredded cheese over the chips, followed by your desired toppings. Repeat the layers, ending with a layer of cheese.

Step 3: Air Fry

Place the basket in the air fryer and cook the nachos for 5-10 minutes at 320-375°F (160-190°C), or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.

Step 4: Serve

Once done, carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Top with additional toppings like sour cream, salsa, or guacamole, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Air-Fried Nachos:

• Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure each chip stays crispy.
• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by filling it no more than halfway full.
• Overlapping the chips keeps the cheese from dripping through the tray.
• Choose thicker, restaurant-quality chips for better results, as they hold up better under layers of toppings.
• For the best cheese melt, grate your own cheese, as pre-shredded cheese may not melt as evenly due to anti-clumping coatings.
• Serve immediately, as air-fried nachos are best enjoyed while still hot and crispy.

Enjoy your delicious, crispy, and cheesy air-fried nachos!

How to store and reheat nachos

Leftover nachos are best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. To prevent soggy chips, it is important to let them cool completely before storing. If there are many cold toppings (like diced tomatoes, pico de gallo, sour cream, or guacamole), it is best to scoop them into a separate container.

When it comes to reheating nachos, there are several methods you can use, each with its own pros and cons:

• Microwave: Place the desired amount of nachos on a microwave-safe plate and heat in 20-second intervals until the cheese is melted. This method is quick and convenient but won't restore the crispy texture of the chips.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 300°F (150°C). Spread the nachos on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the toppings are hot and the chips are crispy. This method is great for large or small portions and helps restore crispness.
• Toaster Oven: Preheat the toaster oven to 300°F (150°C). Place the nachos in a single layer on a baking dish and bake for 15-20 minutes. This method is ideal for individual portions and yields decently crispy chips.
• Skillet: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the nachos in a single layer and cook covered for 2-3 minutes. If there is too much moisture, uncover and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. This method is time-efficient but not suitable for large portions.
• Air Fryer: Place the nachos in a single layer in the air fryer basket and set it to 300°F (150°C) for 5 minutes, checking halfway through. This method helps restore crispness to the chips and works well for small to medium portions.

Frequently asked questions