Air Fryer Nachos with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

Introduction

Air fryer nachos are a quick and delicious twist on a classic favorite. With perfectly melted cheese and seasoned ground beef, they make a great snack or appetizer that’s ready in minutes. This recipe is simple, customizable, and perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

• ½ pound ground beef
• ½ packet taco seasoning
• 4 cups tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup sliced pickled jalapenos (more or less to taste)
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (more or less to taste)
• Toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the ground beef to a skillet and cook over medium heat, breaking the meat up as it cooks until browned.
2. Step 2: Drain the grease, then add 2 tablespoons of water and the taco seasoning to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil, bringing the liner up two sides to help lift the nachos out later.
4. Step 4: Arrange a layer of tortilla chips in the basket, then add spoonfuls of cheese, seasoned beef, jalapenos, and black olives. Repeat layers 1 to 2 more times to build your nachos.
5. Step 5: Air fry at 330°F (165°C) for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has fully melted.
6. Step 6: Carefully lift the parchment or foil to remove the nachos from the air fryer onto a plate.
7. Step 7: Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole, and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra spice, add fresh jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce before air frying.
• Swap cheddar for a blend of cheddar and Monterey Jack for a creamier melt.
• Use ground turkey or plant-based meat for a lighter or vegetarian option.
• Layer in beans or corn for added texture and flavor.
• Make sure to use parchment paper or foil to prevent cheese from sticking to the air fryer basket.

Storage

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 330°F for 3-4 minutes to keep the cheese melted and chips crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use different types of cheese?

Absolutely, you can use any melting cheese like Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a Mexican cheese blend to suit your taste.

Will the chips stay crunchy in the air fryer?

Yes, air frying helps keep the chips crispy while melting the cheese. Using parchment or foil also prevents sogginess from any drippings.

Air Fryer Nachos with Ground Beef and Cheddar Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 106 reviews

Air Fryer Nachos offer a quick, easy, and delicious twist on the classic snack by using an air fryer to melt cheese perfectly and crisp tortilla chips without being greasy. This recipe layers seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and black olives on crispy tortilla chips, all cooked together in the air fryer for a melty, flavorful treat ready in minutes.

• Author: Bella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Snack
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Ingredients

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Meat and Seasoning

• ½ pound ground beef
• ½ packet taco seasoning
• 2 tablespoons water

Chips and Toppings

• 4 cups tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
• ¼ cup sliced pickled jalapenos (adjust to taste)
• ¼ cup sliced black olives (adjust to taste)

Optional Toppings

• Sour cream
• Pico de gallo
• Guacamole

Instructions

1. Cook the beef: Add the ground beef to a skillet and cook over medium heat, breaking up the meat as it cooks until browned and no longer pink.
2. Season the beef: Drain excess grease from the skillet. Add 2 tablespoons of water and the taco seasoning to the beef. Stir occasionally and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and the flavors meld.
3. Prepare the air fryer basket: Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil, allowing the liner to come up two sides to easily lift the nachos out after cooking.
4. Assemble the nachos: Place a layer of tortilla chips in the basket. Top with spoonfuls of the seasoned beef, shredded cheddar cheese, jalapenos, and black olives. Repeat these layers one or two more times, building a stack of nachos.
5. Air fry the nachos: Cook at 330°F (165°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and the toppings are heated through.
6. Serve: Carefully lift the nachos out of the basket using the parchment or foil liner and transfer to a plate. Add your favorite toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole. Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

• Make sure to use a liner to prevent cheese and toppings from sticking to the air fryer basket, ensuring easy cleanup.
• Adjust jalapenos and olives according to your spice and flavor preferences.
• For extra crispiness, use sturdy tortilla chips and avoid overcrowding to allow even air circulation.
• You can add other toppings like diced tomatoes, green onions, or fresh cilantro after air frying for added freshness.
• If you lack an air fryer, you can bake the nachos in the oven at 350°F for 7-10 minutes until cheese melts.

Keywords: Air Fryer Nachos, Quick Nachos, Easy Snack, Mexican Snack, Ground Beef Nachos, Cheesy Nachos