Air-Fryer Doritos Nachos: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

Air fryer nachos are a quick, easy, and tasty snack that can be made in just a few minutes. Using Doritos in your air fryer nachos is a great way to add some extra flavour and crunch. In this blog post, we will guide you through the steps to make delicious nachos with Doritos in your air fryer. So, get your ingredients ready and let's begin!

Layering the nachos

Layering nachos is a simple process, but there are a few tricks to ensure your nachos are cooked to perfection. Firstly, it's important to use a good melting cheese, such as cheddar, chilli cheese, Red Leicester, or a Mexican blend. You can also use pre-shredded cheese, which works well and saves time.

Secondly, when layering the nachos, it's best to use thicker, firmer tortilla chips or corn chips, as these will hold up better under the weight of the toppings. Overlapping the chips is a good idea, as this will prevent the cheese from dripping through the tray. You can add up to three layers of chips, with plenty of cheese in between.

For the first layer, start with a single layer of chips in your air fryer basket. Top this with half of your grated cheese, and any other ingredients you like—for example, salsa, refried beans, ground beef, or chicken.

Repeat this process for the second layer, adding more chips, followed by the remaining cheese, and any other toppings you prefer. Finish with a final layer of cheese, as this will help everything bind together.

Finally, cook your nachos in the air fryer at around 200°C for 2-5 minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure they don't burn. Once the cheese is melted, they're ready to serve!

Air fryer temperature and time

The temperature and time for making nachos in an air fryer vary depending on the specific recipe and air fryer model. However, the general temperature range is between 320°F to 390°F (160°C to 200°C). The cooking time can be anywhere from 2 to 10 minutes.

For example, one recipe suggests preheating the air fryer to 320°F and cooking the nachos for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted. Another recipe recommends cooking at 375°F/190°C for 8-10 minutes until the toppings are golden brown and melted.

It's important to note that different air fryers may have varying temperature settings and cooking times. Therefore, it's always a good idea to refer to the manufacturer's instructions or guidelines for your specific air fryer model. Additionally, it's recommended to keep a close eye on the nachos while they're cooking and check them frequently to prevent overheating or burning.

When layering the ingredients, it's best to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. Leave enough space for air to circulate and ensure even cooking. It's also a good idea to overlap the chips slightly to prevent cheese from dripping through the tray.

Once the nachos are cooked, it's essential to remove them from the air fryer promptly to prevent overcooking. You can then add your desired toppings, such as guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or fresh herbs, and serve them immediately while they're still hot and crispy.

Choosing the right cheese

The cheese is the star of the show when it comes to nachos, so choosing the right one is essential. You'll want a cheese that melts well, has a mild flavour, and won't overpower the other ingredients. Here are some of the best cheeses to use for nachos:

Cheddar Cheese

Cheddar is a classic choice for nachos. It has a mild, tangy flavour and is known for its excellent melting ability, making it perfect for nacho cheese sauce. You can shred it and sprinkle it on top of your Doritos or melt it in a saucepan for a dip.

Monterey Jack Cheese

Monterey Jack is another popular option for nachos. It has a mild flavour and melts well, making it ideal for nacho cheese sauce. It's often combined with cheddar cheese for a balanced flavour and texture.

Pepper Jack Cheese

If you like your nachos with a kick, pepper jack cheese is a great choice. It's infused with spicy peppers, giving it a bold flavour. Like the previous two cheeses, it melts well, making it perfect for nacho cheese sauce.

Queso Blanco

Queso Blanco is a white cheese commonly used in Mexican cuisine. It has a mild, slightly salty flavour and is known for its melting ability, making it a popular choice for nacho cheese sauce. It's often combined with other types of cheese for a more complex flavour.

Other Options

Other cheeses that melt well and could work for nachos include mozzarella, Oaxaca cheese, American cheese, and a blend of shredded cheddar and colby-jack.

Tips for Melting Cheese

To get the perfect melted cheese for your air fryer nachos, follow these tips:

• Shred the cheese yourself—pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can affect its melting ability.
• Use low heat to prevent the cheese from burning and ensure even melting.
• Add a splash of milk to create a smoother texture and prevent the cheese from becoming too thick.
• Layer the cheese between the Doritos and toppings to ensure every bite is cheesy.
• Don't overdo it—too much cheese can make the nachos greasy and difficult to eat.

Choosing the right toppings

The beauty of nachos is that you can make them your own. Whether you're a meat lover, veggie, or vegan, there are endless combinations of toppings to choose from. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Cheese

For the perfect melt, opt for a good melting cheese like cheddar, chilli cheese, Red Leicester, mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican or Tex Mex blend. Grate your own cheese for the best melt, as pre-shredded cheese is coated with starch to prevent clumping, which can affect how evenly it melts.

Meat

Add some protein with ground beef, chicken, steak, pulled pork, or shredded chicken. You could even use leftover taco meat or chilli con carne.

Beans

Black beans, refried beans, or chilli beans are a great option for vegetarians and vegans, or anyone wanting to boost their fibre intake.

Vegetables

The classic combination of tomatoes, onions, and jalapenos is always a winner. But you could also add corn, peppers, avocado, or olives for extra colour, flavour, and texture.

Sauces and Dips

No nachos are complete without a generous dollop of guacamole, sour cream, salsa, or spicy mayo dip. For an extra kick, add some hot sauce or fresh cilantro.

Extras

For an indulgent twist, try adding chilli peppers, bacon bits, or green chilis. If you're a fan of spicy food, sprinkle on some crumbled queso fresco and top with jalapeno slices.

Reheating and storing nachos

The best way to reheat nachos will depend on the equipment you have, how much time you want to spend reheating, and how crispy you want your nachos to be.

Storing Nachos

If you have leftover nachos, it is best to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Reheating Nachos in the Air Fryer

The air fryer is a great option if you want to reheat a small amount of nachos quickly. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F.
• Remove any cold toppings such as sour cream, salsa, guacamole, lettuce, or tomatoes.
• Place the nachos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Cook the nachos for 3 to 5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Reheating Nachos in the Oven

The oven is the best method for reheating a large batch of nachos at once. Here's how to do it:

• Preheat your oven to 350-375°F.
• Remove any cold toppings.
• Spread the nachos out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer.
• If desired, sprinkle a small handful of cheese on top of the nachos to help revive them.
• Bake the nachos for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning.
• Remove the nachos from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes before serving.

Reheating Nachos on the Stove-Top

If you don't want to use the oven or air fryer, you can also reheat nachos on the stove-top using a skillet. Here's how:

• Remove any cold toppings.
• Place the nachos in a skillet on the stove-top over medium heat.
• Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy.
• Remove the nachos from the skillet and let them cool before serving.

Reheating Nachos in the Microwave

If you don't mind your nachos being soggy, the microwave is an option for a fast reheat. Here's how:

• Remove any cold toppings.
• Place the nachos on a microwave-safe plate and spread them out evenly. Cover them with a paper towel.
• Heat the nachos in the microwave for 1 minute, then check to see if they are warm throughout.
• If not, heat for an additional 30 seconds at a time, checking in between to avoid overheating.
• Add any desired toppings and heat for another 30 seconds or until the cheese is melted.

Frequently asked questions