Air Fryer Tortilla Nachos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer nachos are a quick and easy snack, perfect for game day or a movie night. They are also a great way to use up any leftover tortillas or taco meat. You can make them with either corn or flour tortillas, and load them up with your favourite toppings and cheese. The air fryer ensures that you get crispy, crunchy tortilla chips and perfectly melted cheese in just a few minutes.

Choosing the right tortillas

Type of Tortillas

The type of tortilla you choose will impact the overall taste, texture, and crispiness of your nachos. Corn tortillas and flour tortillas are the two most common options. Corn tortillas are gluten-free and tend to produce a crispier chip, making them an excellent choice for nachos. Flour tortillas, on the other hand, have a softer texture and a milder flavour. They are also more pliable, making them easier to cut and layer in your air fryer. If you want a healthier option, opt for whole wheat flour tortillas, which contain more fibre and nutrients than their refined flour counterparts.

Freshness

Always choose fresh tortillas for your nachos. Check the expiration date before purchasing, and look for packages with a later "best before" date. Fresh tortillas will yield crispier chips and have a better flavour. Avoid tortillas that feel dry or brittle, as they are likely stale and will not produce the desired texture for your nachos.

Size and Shape

Tortillas come in various sizes and shapes, and your selection will depend on your preference and the size of your air fryer. Larger tortillas can be cut into triangle or rectangle chips, which are perfect for layering and topping. Smaller tortillas may be more suitable if you have a compact air fryer, as they can be cut into smaller pieces that fit better in the basket. You can also find specialised tortilla chip shapes like scoops, but these may stack unevenly in your air fryer.

Ingredients

When choosing tortillas, pay attention to the ingredient list. Opt for tortillas with simple, natural ingredients like corn, flour, water, and salt. Avoid those with excessive preservatives or artificial additives. If you want a more authentic Mexican flavour, look for tortillas made with masa harina, which is a type of corn flour that gives a distinct flavour. Additionally, consider any dietary restrictions you may have. For example, if you are gluten intolerant, ensure the tortillas are gluten-free.

Thickness

The thickness of the tortillas will impact the cooking time and crispiness of your nachos. Thicker tortillas may take longer to cook and might need to be cooked at a lower temperature to ensure even cooking. Thinner tortillas will cook faster and produce a crispier chip. If you want a heartier nacho, go for thicker tortillas, but if you prioritize crispiness, then thinner ones are the way to go.

Remember, the key to making fantastic nachos in your air fryer is selecting fresh, high-quality tortillas that meet your taste preferences and dietary needs. Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of tortillas to find the ideal match for your ultimate nacho creation!

Preparing the tortillas

Sourcing and Selecting Tortillas:

Start by choosing the right tortillas for your nachos. You can use either corn tortillas or flour tortillas, depending on your preference. Corn tortillas will give you a crispier texture, while flour tortillas can be a bit chewier. Look for fresh tortillas, preferably around 5 to 6 inches in diameter, to ensure they fit well in your air fryer.

Cutting the Tortillas:

Before you start cutting, gather your tortillas and a sharp knife or a pizza cutter. Stack the tortillas on top of each other to cut them into triangular chip shapes all at once. You can cut each tortilla into 6-8 equal pieces, depending on their size. This will give you plenty of tortilla chips for layering in your nachos.

Seasoning the Tortillas:

For a classic flavour, brush both sides of each tortilla lightly with olive oil or cooking spray and sprinkle with coarse salt. You can also experiment with different seasonings to spice things up. Try ground chipotle chili pepper, nutritional yeast, smoked paprika, or even cinnamon and sugar for a sweet twist. Mix your chosen seasonings with the oil and brush the tortillas for even distribution.

Air Frying the Tortillas:

Preheat your air fryer to 350°F. Place the seasoned tortilla pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Cook for 3-7 minutes, depending on your desired crispness. Keep an eye on them, as they can burn quickly. Flip the tortillas halfway through the cooking process and give them another light spray of oil if needed.

Cooling and Storing:

Once your tortillas are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool completely. They will continue to crisp as they cool. Store your homemade tortilla chips in an airtight container or a resealable bag at room temperature. They should stay fresh for up to two weeks.

Now that you have prepared your tortillas, you can start assembling your nachos by layering the tortilla chips, cheese, and your favourite toppings in your air fryer. Enjoy the crispy, cheesy goodness of your freshly made air fryer nachos!

Layering the nachos

Layering nachos is an art form. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving the perfect, mouth-watering air fryer nachos:

Step 1: The Base Layer

Start by lining your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper or foil. This will make clean-up easier and ensure that your nachos don't stick. Then, lay down a bed of tortilla chips, slightly overlapping them to prevent the melted cheese from dripping through.

Step 2: Cheese, Please!

Evenly sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese over your tortilla chips. A sharp cheddar or a Mexican blend are great options, but any melting cheese will work. Don't skimp on the cheese—it's what holds your nachos together!

Step 3: Get Creative with Add-Ins

This is where you can really make your nachos your own. Add a layer of your favourite ingredients, such as cooked ground beef, chicken, pulled pork, beans, or a Mexican corn mix. If you're feeling adventurous, try something unique like BBQ pulled pork or ground chorizo.

Step 4: Repeat for More Layers

Repeat steps 2 and 3 to add more layers of deliciousness. Just make sure to keep the top of your nachos below the rim of the air fryer basket. You don't want your masterpiece touching the heating element!

Step 5: Finish with Cheese

For the final touch, sprinkle a final layer of cheese on top. This will ensure that your nachos come out of the air fryer with a perfectly melted, golden-brown topping.

Tips for Layering:

• Layer evenly: Distribute your ingredients evenly over the tortilla chips to ensure that each bite is loaded with flavour.
• Avoid overcrowding: Don't fill your air fryer more than halfway full. This will help your nachos cook evenly and prevent sogginess.
• Keep it simple: While it's tempting to load up on toppings, too many ingredients can weigh down your nachos and make them soggy. Stick to a few key layers for the best results.
• Make it melty: For the cheesiest nachos, use freshly grated cheese. Pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch to prevent clumping, which can affect how evenly it melts.

Now that your nachos are layered to perfection, it's time to pop them into the air fryer and let the magic happen!

Melting the cheese

A mixture of sharp cheddar cheese and mozzarella works well, but any good melting cheese can be used. Layer the tortilla chips with cheese and your desired add-ins, finishing with a layer of cheese on top.

For best results, ensure the air fryer is preheated to a temperature between 350°F and 375°F. Cook the nachos for around 5-10 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure the cheese melts evenly and nothing burns.

Once the cheese is melted, remove the nachos from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favourite toppings.

Adding toppings

The best part about making nachos is customising them with your favourite toppings. You can use different meats, cheeses, and vegetables to create your perfect plate of nachos. Here are some ideas for toppings:

Meats

• Chicken: Bake or grill your chicken and then chop it up.
• Pork: Pulled or chopped pork is a great option. Try BBQ pulled pork or pork carnitas.
• Ground beef: Brown the beef in a skillet with seasonings like chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper.
• Ground chorizo: Cook it the same way you would cook ground beef.
• Ground chicken or turkey: You can use either of these instead of beef.

Cheese

• Cotija: This Mexican version of feta can be crumbled over the nachos.
• Cheddar: Sharp cheddar is the standard cheese for nachos, but you can also use a Mexican blend or Monterey Jack. Grate it yourself for the best melting.
• Queso: Drizzle this creamy nacho cheese sauce over your nachos.

Vegetables and Salsas

• Bell peppers: Cook them or sprinkle them on fresh for a little crunch.
• Jalapeno peppers: Fresh or pickled jalapenos will add some spice.
• Onions: Use fresh, cooked, or pickled red onions for a punch of flavour.
• Cilantro: Sprinkle on some fresh cilantro for colour and flavour.
• Lettuce: Dry it thoroughly and thinly slice it, adding it to your nachos right before serving.
• Beans: Refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans are all great options.
• Salsa: Make a chunky pico de gallo or drizzle on a restaurant-style salsa, or try something fruity like mango or pineapple salsa.

Other toppings

• Sour cream
• Guacamole
• Avocado
• Black olives
• Green onions
• Tomatoes
• Corn
• Peppers
• Cilantro or coriander
• Hot sauce

Now that you've loaded up your nachos with toppings, it's time to enjoy your delicious creation!

Frequently asked questions