Description
This Air Fryer Nachos Recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy cheesy, crispy nachos loaded with flavorful toppings. Featuring a combination of tortilla chips, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, black beans, seasoned meat, and fresh garnishes, this easy appetizer is perfect for parties, snacks, or game day. Using the air fryer ensures hot, bubbly cheese with a perfectly crisp base in just minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 cups tortilla chips
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup cooked ground beef or taco-seasoned chicken (optional)
- 1/4 cup sliced black olives
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional)
Garnishes & Sides
- 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Sour cream (for serving)
- Guacamole (for serving)
- Salsa (for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it reaches the correct temperature for melting the cheese and crisping the chips.
- Layer the Ingredients: Place a sheet of parchment paper cut to fit your air fryer basket. Spread half of the tortilla chips evenly on the parchment. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese over the chips, followed by half the black beans, meat (if using), black olives, diced red onion, and sliced jalapeños.
- Repeat Layers: Add the remaining tortilla chips on top, then layer the rest of the cheeses and toppings evenly across.
- Air Fry the Nachos: Carefully place the parchment with layered nachos into the air fryer basket. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, watching closely for the cheese to become fully melted and bubbly without burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the nachos by lifting the parchment paper from the basket. Top with freshly diced tomatoes and chopped cilantro. Serve immediately with sides of sour cream, guacamole, and salsa to add freshness and extra flavor.
Notes
- Customize your nachos by adding toppings like corn, pickled jalapeños, or avocado for extra flavor and texture.
- Use thicker tortilla chips to prevent soggy nachos and avoid adding wet toppings before cooking to keep chips crispy.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add extra beans or vegetables.
- If you prefer milder nachos, omit jalapeños or use less spicy peppers.
