Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Nachos are a quick and delicious snack, perfect for sharing or a cozy night in. Crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and flavorful toppings come together in just minutes using your air fryer.

Ingredients

• ½ pound ground beef
• ½ packet taco seasoning
• 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)
• 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 fully browned.
2. Step 2: Drain any excess grease, then stir in 2 tablespoons of water and the taco seasoning. 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, ensuring it extends up two sides for easy lifting.
4. Step 4: Arrange a layer of tortilla chips in the basket, then add spoonfuls of cheese, seasoned beef, jalapenos, and black olives. Repeat layering 1 to 2 more times.
5. Step 5: Air fry at 330°F (165°C) for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese melts and toppings are heated through.
6. Step 6: Carefully lift the parchment or foil with the nachos out of the basket and transfer them to a serving plate.
7. Step 7: Add your favorite toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole, then serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra gooey cheese, mix in some Monterey Jack or pepper jack alongside cheddar.
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add diced onions or bell peppers to the beef while cooking for added flavor.
• If you prefer spicier nachos, increase the jalapenos or add a dash of hot sauce before serving.

Storage

Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 320°F (160°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving to prevent soggy chips.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a regular oven instead of an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake the nachos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 7-10 minutes or until the cheese melts. Arrange the layers on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.

What if I don’t have taco seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. This homemade blend works well to season the beef.

Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

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4.6 from 123 reviews

This Air Fryer Nachos recipe features layers of seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and zesty toppings like pickled jalapenos and black olives, all perfectly cooked in the air fryer for a quick, crispy, and cheesy snack or appetizer. Customize with your favorite toppings for a delicious and easy nacho experience.

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

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Seasoning

• ½ pound ground beef
• ½ packet taco seasoning

Base

• 4 cups tortilla chips

Toppings

• 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, guacamole (optional)

Instructions

1. Cook the Beef: Add the ground beef to a skillet and cook over medium heat, breaking the meat up as it cooks until fully browned and no longer pink.
2. Season the Beef: Once cooked through, drain any excess grease from the skillet, then add 2 tablespoons of water and the taco seasoning. Continue cooking and stirring occasionally until the mixture thickens, about 5 minutes.
3. Prepare the Air Fryer Basket: Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil, making sure the liner extends up two sides to help lift the nachos out easily after cooking.
4. Assemble the Nachos: Arrange a layer of tortilla chips in the basket, then evenly distribute spoonfuls of shredded cheese, seasoned beef, jalapenos, and olives over the chips. Repeat layering 1 to 2 more times to build up the nachos.
5. Air Fry: Set the air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and cook the assembled nachos for about 5 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and the edges of the chips are crisp.
6. Serve: Carefully remove the nachos by lifting the parchment or foil liner, transfer to a plate, and top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• Use parchment paper or foil liners in the air fryer to prevent mess and make removal easier.
• Adjust the quantity of jalapenos and olives according to your taste preference.
• For extra crispiness, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
• Serve immediately for best texture and flavor.
• You can substitute ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based protein for alternatives.

Keywords: Air fryer nachos, quick nachos, easy appetizer, Mexican snacks, cheesy nachos, ground beef nachos