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

Air fryer nachos are a quick, easy, and delicious snack that can be made in minutes. They are perfect for game day, parties, or as a midnight snack. The best part is that you can customise them with your favourite ingredients and toppings. You can make them vegetarian or load them up with meat. They are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavour. This recipe will teach you how to make the perfect air fryer nachos with step-by-step instructions.

Preheat the air fryer

Preheating your air fryer is an important step in the process of making nachos. It ensures that your nachos get crispy as soon as possible and helps to keep the chips crunchy.

To preheat your air fryer, start by setting it to the desired temperature. The ideal temperature for cooking nachos is between 320°F and 375°F. You can also preheat at 360°F for about 5 minutes. Once the air fryer has reached the desired temperature, you can proceed with the next steps of the nacho-making process.

Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil is also recommended. This will make it easier to remove your nachos from the air fryer once they are cooked and help to prevent any cheese from sticking to the basket. You can also spray the foil or parchment paper with cooking spray to create a non-stick surface.

Preheating your air fryer is a quick and easy step that will help ensure your nachos turn out crispy and delicious. By taking the time to preheat your air fryer, you'll be one step closer to enjoying a perfect snack or appetizer.

Layer ingredients

Layering ingredients is the key to getting the perfect air-fried nachos. Start with a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of the air fryer basket. It is recommended to use corn tortilla chips for these nachos. Avoid flavoured chips as the coating can burn. Try not to let the chips overlap too much, but some recipes suggest slightly overlapping the chips to prevent the cheese from dripping through the gaps. Next, sprinkle on your cheese. You can use any type of cheese, but a good melting cheese like cheddar or mozzarella works best. You can also add other ingredients between these layers, such as beans, corn, cooked chicken, ground beef, or pulled pork. Repeat the layers, starting with the chips, then add the final toppings. These toppings could include diced tomatoes, onions, salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and jalapeños.

Cook time and temperature

The cooking time and temperature for air fryer nachos will depend on the quantity of nachos you are cooking, the toppings you are using, and the size and brand of your air fryer. It is recommended to preheat the air fryer so that the nachos get crispy as soon as possible.

For a single portion of nachos, cook for 3-5 minutes at 320°F. For a larger batch, you may need to cook for up to 8 minutes. If you are cooking multiple batches, you can keep the first batch warm in the oven at 200°F while the second batch cooks.

Keep a close eye on your nachos while they cook, as they can burn easily. You will know they are done when the cheese is melted and starting to brown, and the edges of the tortilla chips are slightly browned. If your cheese hasn't finished melting, put the nachos back in the air fryer and cook for one minute at a time until done.

Toppings and sides

There are endless possibilities when it comes to toppings and sides for your air fryer nachos. The key to a good plate of nachos is to load them with toppings without making them soggy.

For toppings, you can add any type of cheese, such as cheddar, mozzarella, or any other good melting cheese. You can also add cooked ground beef, cooked chicken, pulled pork, or ground turkey. For a vegetarian option, you can add beans, such as refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans, and vegetables like corn, peppers, and onions. Other toppings include salsa, guacamole, sour cream, diced tomatoes, and sliced jalapenos. For added flavor and color, sprinkle on some fresh cilantro, scallions, or green onions.

As a side, you can serve your nachos with a variety of dips, such as salsa, sour cream, and guacamole. You can also serve them with a side of pork or chicken tacos and a mango margarita for a full meal.

Reheating and storing

Reheating nachos in an air fryer is a great option, especially if you only want to heat a small amount. Air fryers use circulating heat, so they can thoroughly warm up nachos with toppings like beans or meat.

To reheat nachos in an air fryer, first, remove any cold toppings, such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or lettuce, that you don't want to heat up or that might split or wilt. You can set these aside and add them back on top of your nachos once they're reheated.

Next, preheat your air fryer to 320–370 °F (175–187 °C). You can spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Then, spread the nachos in a single layer in the basket. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.

Reheat the nachos for 2–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Once the cheese is bubbling and the chips are crunchy, remove them from the air fryer and add your cold toppings.

Leftover nachos can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–5 days. To prevent sticking, separate any layers with parchment paper or wax paper. You can also place a paper towel at the bottom of the container to absorb any moisture.

Frequently asked questions