Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer nachos are a quick and delicious snack or meal that combines crispy chips with savory beef, melted cheese, and zesty toppings. Using the air fryer helps create perfectly crispy nachos without sogginess. They make a great dish for gatherings or a tasty weeknight treat.

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 fully cooked, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup water to the beef. Stir to combine and simmer for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
3. Step 3: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes.
4. Step 4: Spread a layer of tortilla chips evenly in the air fryer basket or tray. Dollop spoonfuls of refried beans over the chips, then sprinkle the seasoned beef evenly on top.
5. Step 5: Add shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese evenly over the beef and beans. Top with pickled jalapeños and chopped red onion.
6. Step 6: Air fry for 5-7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and bubbly and chips are crispy.
7. Step 7: Carefully remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with optional toppings like sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.

Tips & Variations

• Use thick-cut tortilla chips to prevent sogginess during air frying.
• For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add black beans or grilled vegetables instead.
• Customize your nachos with extra toppings like diced tomatoes, olives, or sliced green onions.
• To avoid overcrowding, cook the nachos in batches if necessary.

Storage

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to crisp them up again. Note that reheated nachos may not be as crispy as freshly made.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Yes, you can use any melting cheese such as mozzarella, pepper jack, or a Mexican cheese blend for different flavors and textures.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can make these nachos in a conventional oven by baking at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet for 10-12 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 92 reviews

These Air Fryer Nachos are a quick and delicious snack or meal option featuring crispy tortilla chips loaded with seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, and tangy pickled jalapeños. Cooked in the air fryer for perfectly melted cheese and crunchy chips, they’re perfect for game day or a fun family dinner.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 22 minutes
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Nachos Base

• 1 bag (10-12 ounces) tortilla chips (thick-cut recommended)
• 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans

Meat and Seasoning

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

Cheeses

• 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 toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo

Instructions

1. Prepare the Meat: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the taco seasoning and 1/2 cup of water, then simmer for 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
2. Layer the Nachos: Spread the tortilla chips in an even layer on the air fryer basket or tray. Evenly spoon the refried beans over the chips. Next, distribute the cooked, seasoned ground beef evenly on top.
3. Add Cheeses and Jalapeños: Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses generously over the layered chips and meat. Scatter the 1/2 cup of pickled jalapeño slices evenly across the top for a spicy kick.
4. Air Fry the Nachos: Set the air fryer to 350°F (175°C) and cook the assembled nachos for 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the chips are crispy but not burnt.
5. Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer. Top with chopped red onion and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately with optional toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, and pico de gallo for extra flavor and freshness.

Notes

• Use thick-cut tortilla chips to ensure they hold up well during cooking without becoming soggy.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeños based on your preferred spice level.
• If you don’t have an air fryer, you can melt the cheese under a broiler on a baking sheet, but the air fryer ensures crispiness.
• The refried beans add creamy texture and help the toppings stick to the chips.

Keywords: Air Fryer Nachos, Nachos recipe, Mexican snack, Quick nachos, Air fryer recipes