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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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://kitchenbynora.com/air-fryer-nachos-recipe/