Air Fryer Nachos Recipe
A quick, crispy, and cheesy snack made in the air fryer — our Air Fryer Nachos Recipe delivers perfectly melted cheese, crunchy chips, and customisation toppings for a delicious, shareable appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
- 6 –8 cups sturdy tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheese e.g., a 50/50 blend of sharp cheddar and Monterrey Jack
- 1 cup cooked protein optional – such as seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or pulled pork
- ½ cup canned black beans drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup pickled jalapenos sliced (adjust to taste)
- ½ cup chopped onion red or green
- 1 medium tomato diced (or ½ cup pico de gallo)
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Lime wedges for serving
- Sour cream or Mexican cream for finishing
- Salsa for serving
- Guacamole for serving
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 370 °F (188 °C) for 2–3 minutes (if your model supports preheating).
- Prepare your mise en place: cook and season your protein, chop onions, tomato, and cilantro, rinse the beans, and shred your cheese.
- In the air fryer basket (or tray), lay down a single even layer of tortilla chips. Avoid stacking too many chips directly on top of one another so the hot air can circulate.
- Lightly sprinkle 1 cup of the shredded cheese over the first chip layer.
- Distribute the cooked protein in small spoonfuls over the chips. Then add the black beans in little clumps.
- Scatter chopped onion and diced tomato (or pico de gallo) evenly, followed by pickled jalapeno slices.
- (Optional) Add a second, lighter layer of chips on top, then sprinkle the remaining 1 cup of cheese over this top layer.
- Air fry at 370 °F (188 °C) for 5–8 minutes, checking around the 5-minute mark. Look for fully melted, bubbly cheese and slightly toasted chip edges.
- Once done, carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer using tongs or a spatula and transfer to a serving platter.
- Immediately top with fresh cilantro, dollops of sour cream or crema, diced tomato or pico de gallo, and guacamole. Serve with lime wedges and salsa on the side.
Notes
- Tips:
- Avoid overcrowding the air fryer; if making a large batch, cook in two rounds for crispier results.
- Use sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips — thinner chips may break or soften.
- Pre-shredded cheese is okay, but freshly shredded cheese melts more smoothly.
- Avoid putting very watery toppings (like fresh salsa or guacamole) in before cooking; add them afterward to prevent soggy chips.
- Storage:
- Leftover nachos are best stored with toppings separate in an airtight container for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350 °F (177 °C) for 2–4 minutes to refresh crispness and remelt cheese.
- Variations:
- Beef Nachos: Use seasoned ground beef and top with cheddar.
- BBQ Pulled Pork: Use pulled pork with BBQ sauce and smoky cheese.
- Buffalo Chicken: Mix shredded chicken with buffalo sauce and pair with blue cheese crumbles.
- Vegan Nachos: Use plant-based cheese and tofu or jackfruit as your protein, and vegan crema.