Air fryer nachos are a quick, crispy snack layered with tortilla chips, melty cheese, and flavorful toppings. Black beans, peppers, and jalapeños add color and texture, while fresh garnishes like avocado and cilantro bring brightness to every bite. Ready in minutes and perfect for sharing, air fryer nachos are an easy, crowd-pleasing option for game nights, parties, or casual snacking.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This air fryer nachos
- Quick to make, perfect for last-minute cravings.
- Loaded with your favorite toppings for a personalized touch.
- Healthier than traditional nachos, thanks to air frying.
- Crispy texture that satisfies every bite.
- Great for sharing or enjoying solo during movie night!
air fryer nachos
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer – Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. This ensures your nachos cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
- Step 2: Arrange the Tortilla Chips – Once preheated, arrange a single layer of tortilla chips in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re spread out for even cooking.
- Step 3: Add the Toppings – Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chips. Then, add black beans, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and red onion for that extra flavor.
- Step 4: Spray with Olive Oil – Lightly spray the nachos with olive oil. This helps the cheese melt beautifully and adds a nice golden touch.
- Step 5: Cook the Nachos – Cook the nachos in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Step 6: Garnish and Serve – Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Notes
| Nutrition Facts | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Protein | 15g |
| Carbs | 30g |
Ingredients
Get ready for a quick and easy snack with these air fryer nachos!
- Tortilla chips – 8 oz, for a crunchy base
- Shredded cheddar cheese – 2 cups, for that melty goodness
- Sliced jalapeños – 1/4 cup, for a spicy kick
- Diced tomatoes – 1/2 cup, for freshness
- Diced red onion – 1/4 cup, for a zing
- Canned black beans – 1 can (15 oz), drained for protein
- Olive oil spray – for coating the chips
- Chopped cilantro – 1/4 cup, for garnish
- Sour cream – 1/2 cup, for a creamy dip
- Salsa – 1/2 cup, for that extra flavor
How to Make Air Fryer Nachos
Get ready for a cheesy, crunchy delight! This air fryer nachos recipe is quick and easy, perfect for a snack or party. With a prep time of just 10 minutes and a cooking time of 3–5 minutes, you’ll have delicious nachos in no time!
Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 350°F. This ensures your nachos cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
Step 2: Arrange the Tortilla Chips
Once preheated, arrange a single layer of tortilla chips in the air fryer basket. Make sure they’re spread out for even cooking.
Step 3: Add the Toppings
Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the chips. Then, add black beans, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, and red onion for that extra flavor.
Step 4: Spray with Olive Oil
Lightly spray the nachos with olive oil. This helps the cheese melt beautifully and adds a nice golden touch.
Step 5: Cook the Nachos
Cook the nachos in the air fryer for 3–5 minutes. Keep an eye on them until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve immediately with sour cream and salsa on the side. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Recipe Snapshot
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Category | Snack |
| Cuisine | Mexican |
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 5 minutes |
| Extra Time | 0 minutes |
| Total Time | 15 minutes |
| Dietary | Vegetarian |
| Serves | 4 |
| Best Served | Hot with sour cream and salsa! |
Pro Tips for Making air fryer nachos
- Opt for thick tortilla chips to prevent sogginess.
- Layer your toppings evenly for consistent flavor in every bite.
- Preheat your air fryer for a crispier finish.
- Experiment with different cheeses for unique flavors.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and taste.
How to Serve this air fryer nachos
- Top with fresh guacamole for a creamy twist.
- Serve with a side of zesty salsa for a flavor kick.
- Add jalapeños for an extra spicy crunch.
- Pair with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a cool contrast.
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a fresh finish.
- Enjoy with a refreshing mocktail or sparkling water.
- Mix in black beans or corn for added texture and nutrition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing and enjoying your air fryer nachos later is easy!
Storing Leftovers
- Allow nachos to cool completely.
- Transfer to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
- Cool nachos completely before freezing.
- Layer in a freezer-safe bag or container.
- Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating
- Preheat air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Spread nachos in a single layer in the basket.
- Heat for 3-5 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Check frequently to avoid burning.
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FAQs
Here’s a helpful FAQ about this recipe:
1. How do you make nachos in the air fryer?
Making nachos in the air fryer is super simple! Start by layering your tortilla chips in the air fryer basket. Then, sprinkle your favorite toppings like cheese, jalapeños, and black beans over the chips. Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Serve with salsa or guacamole for a delicious snack!
2. How long to heat up nachos in an air fryer?
To heat up nachos in the air fryer, preheat it to 350°F (175°C) and place your nachos in the basket. Heat them for about 3-5 minutes, checking to ensure they don’t burn. This quick method will have your nachos warm and ready to enjoy in no time!
3. What 5 foods should you not put in an air fryer?
While air fryers are versatile, there are some foods you should avoid. These include wet batters (like tempura), leafy greens (which can fly around), cheese (that can melt and create a mess), whole roasts (which may not cook evenly), and foods with a high water content (like watermelon). Stick to dryer foods for the best results!
4. How long to put chips in an air fryer for nachos?
For making nachos, you should put the chips in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 350°F (175°C) before adding your toppings. This will help them get crispy. After adding toppings, cook for an additional 5-7 minutes until the cheese is melted and everything is heated through. Enjoy your crispy creation!
Final Thoughts
Get ready to indulge in the crispy, cheesy goodness of air fryer nachos! This quick and easy recipe is perfect for game nights, movie marathons, or just a cozy snack at home. So gather your favorite toppings, let your creativity shine, and enjoy every delicious bite. You’ll be amazed at how simple and rewarding this dish is—happy munching!