These air fryer nachos are the perfect quick and crispy snack, loaded with seasoned ground beef, melty cheddar cheese, juicy tomatoes, and zesty toppings. Whether you’re hosting a party, having a game-night snack, or craving an easy meal, these nachos are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer gives them the perfect crunch in minutes!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy—ready in under 15 minutes
- Extra crispy chips thanks to the air fryer
- Perfect for parties, game days, or snack time
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Less mess compared to oven-baked nachos
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1.5 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1 (12 oz) bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
- ½ cup green onions, chopped
- ½ cup tomatoes, diced
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced
- ½ cup salsa (for serving)
Directions
Prepare the Beef
- Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Stir in the taco seasoning and cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring the beef is well coated. Remove from heat.
Assemble the Nachos
- Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
- Spread half of the tortilla chips in the air fryer basket. Layer with half of the cooked ground beef and half of the shredded cheddar cheese.
- Repeat with a second layer of chips, beef, and cheese.
Cook the Nachos
- Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-6 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer and transfer them to a serving plate.
Add Toppings and Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions, diced tomatoes, and sliced black olives.
- Serve with salsa or your favorite dips and enjoy immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Preparation Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Nachos – Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- BBQ Nachos – Swap taco seasoning for BBQ sauce and use pulled chicken instead of beef.
- Loaded Nachos – Add refried beans, guacamole, or sour cream after cooking.
- Vegetarian Option – Replace ground beef with black beans or seasoned jackfruit.
- Extra Crunch – Sprinkle crushed tortilla chips on top before serving for added texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store leftover nachos in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating – Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until warm and crispy.
- Avoid Microwaving – It can make the chips soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of cheese?
Yes! Monterey Jack, pepper jack, or a Mexican blend all work great.
2. What’s the best way to prevent nachos from burning in the air fryer?
Use a lower temperature (around 350°F) and keep an eye on them after 5 minutes.
3. Can I cook the beef in the air fryer instead of a skillet?
Yes, but it’s best to cook it in a skillet for even seasoning and texture.
4. How do I make nachos extra crispy?
Use thick-cut tortilla chips and avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
5. Can I make these nachos dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free cheese or skip the cheese and add extra toppings.
6. Can I use chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely! Shredded rotisserie chicken or grilled chicken works well.
7. How can I add more flavor to my nachos?
Top with fresh lime juice, cilantro, or a drizzle of chipotle sauce.
8. Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps melt the cheese evenly, but if you skip it, just add 1-2 extra minutes of cooking time.
9. Can I make nachos in advance?
It’s best to prepare the ingredients ahead of time but assemble and air fry them fresh for the best texture.
10. What dipping sauces go well with nachos?
Sour cream, guacamole, queso dip, or salsa are great options!
Conclusion
Air fryer nachos are a quick, crispy, and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. Whether for a snack, party, or easy dinner, this recipe is incredibly simple and packed with flavor. Customize with your favorite toppings and enjoy restaurant-quality nachos at home in just minutes!
Print
Air Fryer Nachos
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Air Fryer Nachos are the ultimate quick and easy snack! Loaded with seasoned ground beef, gooey cheddar cheese, fresh tomatoes, and black olives, they’re crispy, cheesy, and absolutely delicious. Perfect for game nights, parties, or a fun family dinner—ready in just 15 minutes!
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 (12 oz) bag tortilla chips
- 2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded
Toppings
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 (1.5 oz) packet taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
- Salsa, for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Ground Beef – In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess grease, then stir in taco seasoning according to package instructions.
- Assemble the Nachos – In the air fryer basket, layer half of the tortilla chips, half of the cooked beef, and half of the cheddar cheese. Repeat for a second layer.
- Air Fry – Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Add Toppings – Remove from the air fryer and sprinkle with tomatoes, black olives, and green onions.
- Serve & Enjoy! – Serve immediately with salsa, sour cream, or guacamole on the side.
Notes
- For extra crunch, preheat the air fryer before adding the nachos.
- Make it spicier by adding jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce.
- Use different cheeses like Monterey Jack or pepper jack for more flavor.
- Storage: Best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1 day and reheated in the air fryer.
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