How to Make the Best Air Fryer Nachos at Home
The air fryer with its advanced features, opens up a world of possibilities, and one amazing option is making loaded nachos.
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Air Fryer Nachos
Air fryer nachos have become a go-to snack or appetiser due to their quick preparation and lovely crunch.
Find more appetisers here.
Say goodbye to soggy nachos, as the air fryer guarantees a perfect balance of crispiness and flavour.
From perfectly melted cheese to evenly cooked toppings, this appliance ensures your nachos are a hit every time.
What Temperature To Air Fry Nachos?
Setting the right temperature for air-frying nachos is the key to achieving that perfect balance of crispy and gooey goodness.
With the air fryer, the process is easy, ensuring your nachos turn out irresistibly delicious.
Ideal Temperature for Air Fryer Nachos: 180C/360F.
How Long to Air Fry Nachos?
Achieving the ultimate crispy and cheesy goodness is surprisingly short – we’re talking 5 to 7 minutes!
PRO TIP: While the recommended cooking time is 5 to 7 minutes, it’s always a good idea to keep an eye on your nachos as they air fry.
Factors like the number of nachos and the specific model of your air fryer can slightly affect cooking times.
The moment you notice the edges of the tortilla chips turning golden and the cheese bubbling, your nachos are done.
Tortilla Nachos In The Air Fryer
Ingredients
Serves 4-6
- 250g tortilla chips
- 200g cheddar cheese, grated
- 150g mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 150g black olives, sliced
- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream and salsa (for serving)
How To Make Nachos In The Air Fryer
- Set your air fryer to 180C/360F and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is heating, gather all your ingredients.
- Grate the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, dice the red onion and bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the jalapeño and black olives.
- Line your basket(s) with foil or use liners and spray with oil.
- Arrange a layer of tortilla chips in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are evenly spread for even cooking.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of both cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the tortilla chips. This creates the gooey, cheesy base for your nachos.
- Distribute the diced red onion, red and green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño slices (if using), and black olives over the cheese layer. Spread them evenly.
- Repeat the process by adding another layer of tortilla chips followed by cheese and vegetables. Continue until you’ve used all your ingredients.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the nachos in batches to ensure even cooking. It’s better not to overcrowd the basket.
- Once the layers are done, air fry for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortilla chips are golden and crisp.
- Keep an eye on the nachos to prevent burning. If needed, pause the air fryer halfway through to shake the basket gently.
- Once the nachos are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Sprinkle fresh coriander over the top for a burst of flavour.
- Plate the nachos and serve them hot with sides of sour cream and salsa for dipping.
Features a built-in drainage shelf that removes up to 150ml of fat and oil from your food without compromising flavour. The thickened 3mm flexible handles provide a comfortable and secure grip for easy removal from the air fryer. Avoid handling the liner by hand immediately after use when it’s hot. Add water below the drainage shelf to transform the air fryer liner into a microwave steamer, perfect for steaming, baking, roasting, and reheating in the air fryer. Made from food-grade silicone, ensuring safety and quality, keeping your food free from harmful elements.
Keto Air Fryer Loaded Nachos
Turning Air Fryer Loaded Nachos into a keto-friendly snack is not only possible but also gives a healthy twist to this classic.
Here are some options to make your nachos low-carb and keto-friendly:
Tortilla Chips Substitute
Swap traditional tortilla chips for low-carb alternatives. Many stores offer almond flour or coconut flour-based chips, providing that satisfying crunch without the extra carbs.
If you have time why not make your own using only two ingredients?
Keto Cheese
Opt for keto-friendly cheeses such as cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack.
These cheeses are lower in carbs and still deliver that gooey, cheesy goodness.
Load Up on Veggies
Choose keto-approved vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and jalapeños for your toppings.
These veggies add colour, flavour, and a nutritional boost without compromising your carb intake.
Healthy Fats
Consider adding avocado slices or guacamole to your nachos.
Avocados not only provide a creamy texture but also add valuable nutrients.
Sour Cream and Salsa
Stick to sugar-free or low-carb versions of sour cream and salsa.
Keto-Friendly Guilt-Free Guacamole
Mix ripe avocados with diced tomatoes, onions, garlic, lime juice, and salt to create a keto-friendly guacamole.
9 Air Fryer Nacho Toppings
Classic Cheese Trio: Cheddar, mozzarella and Monterey Jack cheese create a classic and gooey foundation for your nachos.
Spicy Jalapeño Kick: Thinly sliced jalapeños add a kick of heat for those who love a bit of spice. Adjust the quantity based on your spice tolerance.
Fresh Salsa: Dice up tomatoes, onions, and coriander for a fresh salsa topping. Add a squeeze of lime for a zesty twist.
Creamy Guacamole: Avocado lover? Top your nachos with a generous dollop of homemade guacamole for a creamy and rich flavour.
Cheese Sauce: Raise the cheese level with a drizzle of warm cheese sauce. Perfect for those who can’t get enough cheese!
Crispy Bacon Bits: Crumbled bacon adds a smoky and crunchy texture to your nachos. Why not add some of my delicious pulled pork?
Fresh Coriander: Finely chopped coriander adds a touch of freshness and a hint of citrus to balance the richness of the toppings.
Diced Avocado: Enjoy bites of avocado by adding diced pieces to your nachos.
Hot Sauce: For spice fans, your favourite hot sauce can take your nachos to the next level. Adjust the heat to your liking.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Quick And Easy Air Fried Lemon Pepper Chicken Legs
Healthy Meal Prepping In The Air Fryer
Air Fryer Zesty Orange Chicken Tasty And Easy To Make
Air Fryer Salmon Fillets Moist And Delicious
Tips For Perfect Air Fryer Nachos
- Arrange your tortilla chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. This ensures each chip gets the perfect amount of heat.
- When adding toppings, layering is crucial. Start with a base of chips and cheese, then add vegetables, meats, and additional cheese in repeating layers. This ensures an even distribution of flavours.
- For gooey perfection, make sure the cheese is spread evenly. This prevents some chips from being too cheesy while others lack that melt.
- While it’s tempting to load up the air fryer basket, don’t overcrowd. This can lead to uneven cooking, and some chips might not crisp.
- Keep a close eye on your nachos as they cook. The cooking time can vary based on the quantity and your air fryer model. Aim for golden nachos without letting the edges burn.
- If you notice uneven melting or browning, don’t hesitate to pause the air fryer and give the basket a gentle shake. This helps redistribute the toppings for consistent cooking.
- Opt for cheeses that melt well, like cheddar, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack. These choices provide that irresistible stretch and gooey texture.
- Use fresh and high-quality ingredients. Fresh vegetables and recently grated cheese add to the nacho experience.
- Ensure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature.
- Don’t be shy to experiment with seasoning. Sprinkle your nachos with a pinch of your favourite spices or herbs to add an extra layer of flavour.
- Feel free to customise toppings based on personal preferences.
- Once your nachos are done, give them a minute or two to cool slightly before eating. This allows the cheese to set a bit, making for an easier and more enjoyable snack.
- Nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer. Serve them immediately.
Nacho Q & A
Q: Can I use any type of tortilla chips for the nachos?
A: Feel free to choose your favourite tortilla chips or explore low-carb alternatives for a keto-friendly version.
Q: Can I make the nachos in advance and reheat them in the air fryer?
A: Nachos are best enjoyed fresh. If you need to prep ahead, assemble the ingredients and air fry just before serving.
Q: What’s the best cheese for Air Fryer Loaded Nachos?
A: Cheddar, mozzarella, and Monterey Jack are excellent choices for that perfect melt and gooey texture. Mix them for a blend of flavours.
Q: Can I adjust the spice level of the nachos?
A: Customise the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or experiment with hot sauce to suit your taste preferences.
Q: How do I prevent the nachos from getting soggy?
A: To prevent sogginess, ensure toppings are not overly wet. If using salsa or fresh tomatoes, drain excess liquid before adding them to the nachos.
Q: Can I make these nachos in a different air fryer brand?
A: Yes, you can use this recipe for different air fryer brands. Adjust cooking times based on your specific model and keep an eye on the nachos to avoid overcooking.
Q: Are there vegetarian options for Air Fryer Loaded Nachos?
A: Skip the meat and load up on veggies. Consider sweetcorn, bell peppers and avocado for a vegetarian version.
Q: Can I use pre-grated cheese for the nachos?
A: While pre-grated cheese works, freshly grated cheese tends to melt more smoothly. If using pre-grated, look for varieties without anti-caking agents for optimal meltiness.
Q: How do I clean the air fryer after making nachos?
A: Cleaning is easy! Allow the air fryer to cool, then remove the basket and tray for washing. Wipe down the interior with a damp cloth. The non-stick coating makes cleanup a breeze.
TIP: Always line the basket with foil, a liner or greaseproof paper, less mess to clean up.
Air Fryer Loaded Nachos
Ingredients
- 250g tortilla chips
- 200g cheddar cheese, grated
- 150g mozzarella cheese, grated
- 1 red onion, finely diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional for heat)
- 150g black olives, sliced
- Fresh coriander, chopped (for garnish)
- Sour cream and salsa (for serving)
Instructions
- Set your air fryer to 180C/360F and let it preheat for 5 minutes.
- While the air fryer is heating, gather all your ingredients.
- Grate the cheddar and mozzarella cheese, dice the red onion and bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, and slice the jalapeño and black olives.
- Line your basket(s) with foil or use these handy liners and spray with oil.
- Arrange a layer of tortilla chips in the air fryer basket. Ensure they are evenly spread for even cooking.
- Sprinkle a generous layer of both cheddar and mozzarella cheese over the tortilla chips. This creates the gooey, cheesy base for your nachos.
- Distribute the diced red onion, red and green bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, jalapeño slices (if using), and black olives over the cheese layer. Spread them evenly.
- Repeat the process by adding another layer of tortilla chips followed by cheese and vegetables. Continue until you’ve used all your ingredients.
- Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the nachos in batches to ensure even cooking. It’s better not to overcrowd the basket.
- Once the layers are done, air fry for 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the edges of the tortilla chips are golden and crisp.
- Keep an eye on the nachos to prevent burning. If needed, pause the air fryer halfway through to shake the basket gently.
- Once the nachos are cooked, carefully remove them from the air fryer. Sprinkle fresh coriander over the top for a burst of flavour.
- Plate the nachos and serve them hot with sides of sour cream and salsa for dipping.
Notes
Line your basket for easy retrieval. These cook very quickly so keep a close eye on them.
