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Air Fryer Nachos 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.

Ingredients

Scale

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