Air Fryer Nachos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer nachos are a quick and easy snack, perfect for game day or a movie night. They take as little as 5 minutes to cook, and can be loaded up with your favourite toppings, from cheese and salsa to ground beef and pulled pork. So, how long do they take?

How to make nachos in an air fryer

Ingredients

You can use a variety of ingredients to make nachos in an air fryer. Here are some common options:

• Tortilla chips (corn tortilla chips are recommended)
• Cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, Mexican blend, mozzarella, or a mixture of sharp cheddar and mozzarella)
• Ground beef or other meats (e.g. chicken, pulled pork, ground chorizo, ground turkey)
• Taco seasoning
• Vegetables (e.g. bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, onions, tomatoes, cilantro, lettuce)
• Beans (e.g. black beans, refried beans)
• Sour cream
• Salsa
• Guacamole
• Avocado

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 320-375°F.
• Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper, foil, or an air fryer liner.
• Layer the tortilla chips, cheese, and any desired add-ins in the basket, finishing with a layer of cheese. Avoid overcrowding the air fryer by filling it more than halfway full.
• Air fry the nachos for 3-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.
• Remove the nachos from the air fryer and add any desired toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or avocado.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips

• Layer the ingredients evenly to ensure each tortilla chip stays crispy.
• Overlapping the chips can help prevent the cheese from dripping through the tray.
• For best results, use freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese instead of pre-shredded cheese, as it melts more evenly.
• You can also make individual portions or a larger batch to share, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days and reheat in the air fryer when needed.

Air fryer nachos ingredients

Air fryer nachos are a quick and easy snack, perfect for a game day or a fun family meal. You can use a variety of ingredients to make them, but here is a list of common ingredients used:

Ingredients:

• Tortilla Chips: These form the base of your nachos. Choose thicker, restaurant-quality chips that can hold up under layers of toppings. Avoid heavily flavoured chips like Doritos as they may burn.
• Cheese: Shredded cheese is the best option for nachos. You can use a Mexican or Tex Mex blend, or a mixture of sharp cheddar and mozzarella. Other melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or a blend of Mexican cheeses also work well.
• Meat: Ground beef, cooked chicken, pulled pork, or beans are popular choices. You can also use leftover taco meat or shredded chicken.
• Vegetables: Onions, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, and olives are classic nacho toppings. You can also add corn, peppers, or avocados.
• Seasonings: Chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper are commonly used to season the meat. You can also use store-bought taco seasoning or combine sweet and spicy flavours with honey and chili powder.
• Toppings: Sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and green onions are all great choices to top off your nachos. You can also add refried beans, black olives, or cilantro/coriander for extra flavour and colour.

You can customize your air fryer nachos to your preference, adding or removing ingredients as desired.

Air fryer nachos toppings

Air fryer nachos are a versatile dish that can be customised with your favourite toppings. Here are some ideas for toppings to add to your air fryer nachos:

Cheese

A good melting cheese is essential for nachos. Cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, and Mexican or Tex Mex blends are all great options. Pre-shredded cheese is convenient, but shredding your own cheese will give you better melting consistency.

Meat

Ground beef, chicken, steak, pulled pork, or shredded chicken are all delicious options to add protein to your nachos. You can also use leftover taco meat or beans for a vegetarian option.

Vegetables

For classic nachos, try adding olives, green onions, tomatoes, jalapeno peppers, or chili. Other options include corn, peppers, and onions.

Dips and Sauces

Guacamole, sour cream, salsa, and hot sauce are all great choices to add flavour and creaminess to your nachos. Don't forget the queso!

Other Toppings

Other toppings to consider include black olives, avocado, refried beans, green chilis, bacon bits, and cilantro/coriander.

Air fryer nachos temperature and timing

Air fryer nachos are a quick and easy snack that can be made in minutes. The temperature and timing will depend on the type and brand of air fryer you have, as well as the quantity of nachos you are making. However, here is a general guide to help you get perfectly cooked nachos every time.

Temperature

Most recipes recommend cooking air fryer nachos between 320°F and 390°F (160°C and 200°C). The higher temperatures are usually recommended for reheating nachos, while the lower temperatures are better for cooking them from scratch. This is because you want to melt the cheese without burning the tortilla chips.

Timing

The cooking time for air fryer nachos will vary depending on the quantity of nachos you are making and the power of your air fryer. However, most recipes recommend cooking them for 3 to 6 minutes. It is important to keep an eye on your nachos while they are cooking, as they can go from perfectly melted to burnt very quickly.

Tips for the Best Results

• Preheat your air fryer for a few minutes before adding your nachos. This will help ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Layer your ingredients evenly to allow each tortilla chip to stay crispy while being filled with toppings.
• Avoid overcrowding your air fryer by filling it no more than halfway full.
• Use thicker tortilla chips as they will hold up better to the weight of the toppings and are less likely to break.
• Choose a good melting cheese, such as Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend.
• Add your desired toppings and enjoy your nachos while they are still hot and crispy!

Reheating and storing air fryer nachos

When you're ready to reheat your nachos, place them back in the air fryer at 320–390°F for 2 to 5 minutes. Preheat the air fryer first for best results.

It's worth noting that reheated nachos may not be as crisp as when they were first cooked, and they can become a little chewy or soggy.

Frequently asked questions