Craving cheesy, melty Air Fryer Nachos without the guilt? Our easy recipe delivers perfectly crispy, flavorful nachos in no time!
Air Fryer Nachos
These air fryer nachos are loaded with seasoned ground beef, black beans, and fresh veggies, making them perfect for a quick meal or game-day snack. The air fryer gives them a crispy crunch without extra oil, which we love!
Customize with toppings like jalapenos and green onions, or swap in serrano peppers or hot sauce. Want a vegetarian twist? Skip the meat and add veggies like zucchini or bell peppers for a delicious alternative.
Check out some of my favorite air fryer appetizers, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Tater Tots, and Frozen Chicken Wings in the Air Fryer!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Short on time? These air fryer nachos come together in minutes, making them perfect for busy nights when you need a fast, delicious meal.
- Super Crispy: Thanks to the air fryer, every chip is perfectly crispy with melty cheese on top — no soggy nachos in sight!
- Endless Topping Ideas: Customize with your favorite toppings like homemade guacamole, salsa, or fresh veggies.
- Versatile: Whether it’s game day or a casual dinner, these loaded nachos fit any occasion. Serve them up as a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a hearty snack.
How to Make Perfect Air Fryer Nachos
Prepare the Beef: In a bowl, mix the ground beef with taco seasoning and salt. Heat a skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat, then cook the beef until browned.
Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 325°F. Line the basket with parchment paper to prevent sticking. This also makes cleanup easier.
Assemble the Nachos: Place a layer of tortilla chips at the bottom of the air fryer basket. Add the cooked ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, and green onions. Make sure the toppings are evenly spread for the best flavor in every bite.
Air Fry: Cook the nachos for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Finish and Serve: Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer, then top with sour cream and freshly chopped cilantro. For even more flavor, serve with salsa, guacamole, or your favorite dipping sauces. Enjoy!
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
Tortilla Chips: Classic corn chips offer traditional flavor, while flavored varieties add a unique twist.
Cheese: Melting cheeses like Monterey Jack or cheddar create that gooey, cheesy layer nachos are known for. For extra flavor, a blend of sharp cheddar and pepper jack adds a nice kick.
Ground Beef: Ground beef adds a savory element, especially when seasoned well. For a vegetarian option, you can also add vegetables like corn, zucchini, or bell peppers for extra texture and flavor.
Vegetables: Fresh Roma tomato, green onions, and jalapenos add color, crunch, and a pop of freshness. If you don’t have jalapenos, swap them with serrano peppers for more heat, or use a few drops of hot sauce.
Toppings: Sour cream and fresh cilantro add creaminess and a burst of herbal freshness. For more variety, try adding black olives for tang or serving with guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these air fryer nachos ahead of time?
While nachos are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness, you can prep the toppings and cooked ground beef ahead of time. When ready to eat, simply assemble and air fry for a quick, fresh snack.
Why are my nacho chips soggy in the air fryer?
To keep your nachos crispy, use thick, sturdy chips and layer the toppings evenly. Lining the air fryer basket with parchment paper helps with cleanup and ensures the chips stay crisp.
Can I use shredded chicken or another protein instead of ground beef?
Yes! Shredded chicken, pulled pork, or even ground turkey work great. Just make sure the meat is cooked and seasoned before adding it to the nachos.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover nachos?
Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 300°F for 2–3 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the chips soggy.
Air Fryer Nachos
Ingredients
- 3-4 cups Nachos
- ½ lb Ground Beef
- 1 tbsp Taco Seasoning
- ½ tsp Salt
- ½ tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 Roma Tomato
- ½ cup Black Beans
- 1 cup Cheese shredded
- 1 Green Onion sliced
- 1 Jalapeno sliced
- 2 tbsp Sour Cream
- Handful of Fresh Cilantro
Instructions
- Mix the ground beef, taco seasoning, and salt in a bowl.
- Cook the ground beef in a skillet with olive oil over medium heat.
- Preheat the air fryer to 325F.
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper.
- Add a layer of nachos to the bottom of the air fryer basket.
- Top with the cooked ground beef, black beans, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, sliced jalapenos, and green onions.
- Cook in the air fryer for 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Remove from the air fryer and top with sour cream and chopped cilantro.
Notes
- If you don’t have a jalapeno, use a serrano pepper or a few drops of hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, omit the ground beef and add your favorite vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or bell peppers.
- Serve with your favorite toppings, such as salsa, guacamole, or pico de gallo.
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