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I love making these Air Fryer Nachos! They turn out perfect every single time. Loaded with crunchy tortilla chips, melted cheese, and your favorite toppings, this recipe is the easiest way to whip up a quick snack or appetizer.

Tortilla chips spread out in an air fryer basket topped with melted cheese and nacho toppings.

These nachos are one of my go-to recipes when I need something fast and delicious. The air fryer melts the cheese perfectly while keeping the chips crispy. Whether it’s game day, a weekend movie night, or an easy lunch, this recipe comes together in minutes with simple ingredients you probably already have on hand.

Table of Contents

Ingredients You Need

Nacho ingredients measured out on a white marble table.
  • Corn Tortilla chips – Choose sturdy tortilla chips that hold up well with toppings.
  • Shredded cheese – Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend works best for that gooey, melted goodness.
  • Black beans – Optional, but great for added texture and flavor.
  • Sliced jalapeños – Optional if you want a little spice.
  • Salsa, homemade guacamole, rotel dip, sour cream – For serving and topping after air frying.
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Variations

  • Add meat: Layer cooked ground beef, pork, or shredded chicken for loaded nachos.
  • Make them spicy: Depending on how spicy you want your nachos, add extra jalapeños, hot salsa, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
  • Veggie lovers: To make vegetarian nachos, leave the meat off and then load up on black beans, corn, tomatoes, and avocado slices.

How to Cook Nachos in the Air Fryer

STEP 1: Preheat the air fryer to 320 degrees F. 

STEP 2: Add a layer of tortilla chips to the air fryer basket or tray. Top with shredded cheese, and other toppings, except refrigerated toppings. 

Tortilla chips on a cover of tin foil in the air fryer basket.

STEP 3: Air fry the nachos at 320 degrees F for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

tortilla chips topped with shredded cheddar cheese and favorite nacho toppings.

STEP 4: Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer and transfer them to a plate. Top with salsa, guacamole, sour cream, or your favorite toppings before serving.

Tips

  • Don’t overload the basket: Spread the nachos in a single layer, so they all get topped with cheese. Layer ingredients, but don’t pack them too tightly so the air can circulate.
  • Use parchment paper or a liner: It helps with cleanup and keeps the cheese from dripping.
  • Keep a close eye while cooking: Nachos cook quickly in the air fryer and can burn if left too long.
  • Serve immediately: These nachos are best enjoyed right after air frying while the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy.
Nachos with melted cheese and toppings in the air fryer basket.

FAQ’S

Can I use any kind of cheese?

Yes! Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or a Mexican cheese blend all melt beautifully and taste great on nachos. If using a nacho cheese sauce, keep an eye on the cheese as your air frying. You may need less time than shredded cheddar cheese. 

How do I store leftover nachos?

They are best when they are freshly done, so try to make nachos right before you are ready to eat them. If you store leftovers in the fridge, the cheese doesn’t reheat the same. 

Can I use leftover taco meat to make these easy air fryer nachos?

Absolutely! That is what is great about this easy recipe. You can also use ground turkey, leftover rotisserie chicken, or even ground beef. If you want to go meatless, make air fryer cheese nachos and dig in.

More Appetizer Recipes

If you enjoyed this recipe, please consider leaving a STAR ⭐️ RATING in the COMMENTS 📝 SECTION below.

Crispy nachos in an air fryer basket topped with cheese, sour cream and salsa.
4.67 from 3 votes
Servings: 2

Air Fryer Nachos

By Becky
Making these Air Fryer Nachos is a true treat for game day, or a fun snack at home!
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 3 minutes
Total: 8 minutes
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Equipment

  • 1 Air Fryer

Ingredients 

  • 2 cups tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tomato, small and diced
  • ¼ cup black olives
  • 1 jalapeno, small and diced

Optional Toppings:

  • 1 cup meat, hamburger meat, or fajita steak strips
  • black or refried beans
  • green onions
  • sour cream
  • salsa

Instructions 

  • Line the air fryer basket with a sheet of aluminum foil. Leave about 2-3 inches on two sides for easy lifting of nachos when done air frying.
  • Once the basket is lined, add chips, and spread out in the basket.
  • Evenly top tortilla chips with cheese, tomatoes, olives, and the jalapenos. Air fry at 320 degrees for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is melted.
  • Carefully lift the nachos from the basket using the extra inches of foil. Top with favorite nacho toppings such as avocado, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or salsa.

Notes

  • Don’t overload the basket: Spread the nachos in a single layer, so they all get topped with cheese. Layer ingredients, but don’t pack them too tightly so the air can circulate.
  • Use parchment paper or a liner: It helps with cleanup and keeps the cheese from dripping.
  • Keep a close eye while cooking: Nachos cook quickly in the air fryer and can burn if left too long.
  • Serve immediately: These nachos are best enjoyed right after air frying while the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy.

Nutrition

Calories: 1043kcal, Carbohydrates: 84g, Protein: 35g, Fat: 65g, Saturated Fat: 25g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 14g, Monounsaturated Fat: 17g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 113mg, Sodium: 1383mg, Potassium: 468mg, Fiber: 8g, Sugar: 3g, Vitamin A: 1790IU, Vitamin C: 17mg, Calcium: 937mg, Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this? Leave a comment below!

Becky Abbott

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4.67 from 3 votes (3 ratings without comment)

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1 Comment

  1. Marv says:

    This is really an awesome website for those of us that enjoy preparing our food in an air fryer! 5 Stars recipes!

    Reply