Nachos in the Air Fryer
Air fryer nachos melt a layer of cheese over crisp tortilla chips in about 5 minutes, with no oven to heat up. A small oven-safe pan keeps the toppings in place and the cheese from falling through the basket. This recipe makes a snack-size pan for two, with versions for ground beef and chips made from tortillas.
- Temperature
- 350°F180 °C
- Total time
- 15min
- Prep time
- 10min
- Servings
- 2
- Per serving
- 500kcal
Why the air fryer works for nachos
Nachos need two things at once: melted cheese and chips that are still crisp. A conventional oven takes 10 minutes to preheat and can leave the chips on the edge of the pan dry. The air fryer heats a small space quickly, melts the cheese in minutes and keeps the chips crunchy because the hot air also dries the surface.
The size of the air fryer is also an advantage. A 7-inch pan holds a snack for two, so you never melt a whole sheet pan of cheese for a small appetite.
How to make nachos in the air fryer
Tap a time to start a timer.
- Choose a pan Use an oven-safe 7-inch round cake pan, a small metal baking dish or a foil pan that fits your basket with a little room around it. Do not put loose chips or foil straight into the basket, because the airflow can lift them.
- Layer Spread half of the chips in the pan. Top with half of the cheese, beans and jalapeños. Add the rest of the chips, then the remaining cheese, beans and jalapeños. Cover the top chips well so none are left bare, since bare chips scorch.
- Preheat Preheat the air fryer to 350 °F for . Do not preheat the empty pan.
- Cook Lower the pan into the basket with oven mitts or a sling made from a folded kitchen towel. Cook for , until the cheese is melted and bubbling at the edges. Check at .
- Top and serve Carefully lift the pan out and let it sit for . Top with the sour cream, pico de gallo, scallion and cilantro, and serve right away.
Times and temperatures
| Nachos | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Cheese and beansCheck at 3 min | 350 °F (180 °C) | 5 min |
| With cooked ground beefBeef to 160 °F first, not vegetarian | 350 °F (180 °C) | 5–6 min |
| Just cheese | 350 °F (180 °C) | 3–4 min |
| Homemade tortilla chipsSpray flour tortilla wedges | 350 °F (180 °C) | 3–5 min |
Times are a guide and depend on the size and wattage of your air fryer. See also air fryer cooking times for all foods.
Tips
- Use freshly shredded cheese. Pre-shredded cheese has a coating that keeps it from melting evenly. A block of cheddar or Monterey Jack melts smoother.
- Layer, don't pile. Two thin layers of chips and toppings are better than one thick one, since every chip gets some cheese.
- Add cold toppings last. Sour cream, pico de gallo and guacamole go on after cooking, so the chips stay crunchy.
What to serve with nachos
Nachos are a meal with a salad, or a side for game day next to chicken wings. Add chicken nuggets for kids, or serve alongside corn on the cob at a summer barbecue.
Storing and reheating
Nachos are best eaten right away. If you have leftovers, store the toppings separately from the chips. Reheat the chips with the cheese at 325 °F for 2–3 minutes, or just rebuild a fresh pan with the cold leftovers and fresh cheese. Cooked beef toppings should reach 165 °F when reheated.
Variations
- Ground beef (not vegetarian): Season ½ lb ground beef with chili powder and cumin, brown it in a skillet to 160 °F, drain and layer it over the chips.
- Refried beans: Spread 3 tbsp warmed refried beans over the first layer of chips for a creamier base.
- Chicken (not vegetarian): Layer shredded cooked chicken, reheated to 165 °F, with the cheese and a spoonful of salsa.
If it does not turn out right
- The top chips are burnt
- Chips on the surface are not covered by cheese. Make sure the last layer of cheese covers the chips, and check after 3 minutes.
- The cheese is not fully melted
- The layers were too thick. Build two thin layers instead of one deep one, shred the cheese yourself for better melt and add 1 minute if needed.
- The chips are soggy
- Wet toppings soaked in. Drain the beans and jalapeños well, and add sour cream, pico and guacamole after cooking.
Questions and answers
How long do nachos take in the air fryer?
About 5 minutes at 350 °F, until the cheese is melted and bubbling. Check at 3 minutes, since air fryers vary and the top chips can burn quickly.
Can I make nachos with ground beef?
Yes. Cook ½ lb ground beef in a skillet until it reaches 160 °F, drain it and layer ⅓ cup over the chips. Cook as written for 5–6 minutes.
Can I make nachos without a pan?
It is safer with a pan. Loose chips can blow around and touch the heating element, and melted cheese will drip through the basket holes.
What chips work best for air fryer nachos?
Thick, sturdy tortilla chips hold up best. Thin chips burn faster. You can also cut flour tortillas into wedges, spray them with oil and air fry them at 350 °F for 3–5 minutes first.
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