Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer nachos are a quick and tasty twist on a classic snack, delivering perfectly crispy chips topped with savory beef and melted cheese. This recipe is easy to customize with your favorite toppings and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 bag (10-12 ounces) tortilla chips (thick-cut recommended)
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and cooked through. Drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and water, simmering until the mixture thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Remove from heat.
2. Step 2: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Spread half of the tortilla chips in the air fryer basket in an even layer.
3. Step 3: Spoon half of the refried beans evenly over the chips, followed by half of the cooked beef mixture.
4. Step 4: Sprinkle half of the cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the beef, then add half of the jalapeño slices and red onion.
5. Step 5: Add the remaining tortilla chips in a layer on top and repeat the layering with the refried beans, beef, cheeses, jalapeños, and onions.
6. Step 6: Air fry for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chips are crispy. Keep an eye to avoid burning.
7. Step 7: Remove the nachos carefully and garnish with chopped cilantro and additional jalapeño slices. Serve with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.

Tips & Variations

• Use thick-cut tortilla chips for extra crunch and to hold the toppings better.
• Swap ground beef for cooked shredded chicken or black beans for a vegetarian option.
• Layer toppings gently and avoid overloading to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.
• Add diced tomatoes or olives for extra color and flavor.

Storage

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes to regain crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the chips soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make these nachos in a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the assembled nachos in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes or until the cheese melts and the chips are crispy.

How do I prevent the chips from becoming soggy?

Using thick-cut chips and layering toppings evenly helps maintain crispiness. Avoid adding too many wet toppings before cooking and serve fresh for best texture.

Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 135 reviews

These Air Fryer Nachos are a quick and delicious way to enjoy a classic Tex-Mex favorite with a crispy twist. Ground beef seasoned with taco spices, creamy refried beans, and a blend of melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses sit atop thick-cut tortilla chips, then are crisped to perfection in the air fryer. Topped with fresh jalapeños, red onion, and cilantro, and served with your favorite toppings like sour cream and guacamole, these nachos make a perfect snack or party appetizer that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

• Author: Nora
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chips

• 1 bag (10-12 ounces) thick-cut tortilla chips

Beef Mixture

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water

Beans & Cheese

• 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese

Toppings

• 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices, plus more for serving
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
• Optional: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo

Instructions

1. Cook the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked and no longer pink. Drain excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water, then simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats the beef evenly.
2. Prepare the Nachos Base: Spread the thick-cut tortilla chips evenly on a large, air fryer-safe tray or basket. Dollop refried beans evenly over the chips.
3. Add Beef and Cheese: Spoon the cooked seasoned ground beef over the chips and beans. Sprinkle a mixture of shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the top, along with pickled jalapeño slices.
4. Air Fry the Nachos: Place the tray or basket in the air fryer. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chips are crispy but not burnt.
5. Garnish and Serve: Remove the nachos carefully from the air fryer. Sprinkle with chopped red onion and fresh cilantro. Add additional jalapeños if desired. Serve immediately with optional sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.

Notes

• Use thick-cut tortilla chips to prevent sogginess during air frying.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option.
• If you don’t have an air fryer-safe tray, use the air fryer basket but be cautious with smaller chips falling through.
• Adjust jalapeño quantity based on your preferred spice level.
• For a vegetarian version, omit the beef and increase the beans or add sautéed vegetables.

Keywords: air fryer nachos, easy nachos, quick nachos, beef nachos, Tex-Mex appetizer