Air Fryer Nachos

If you’re craving gooey, crispy, fully loaded nachos but don’t want the hassle of preheating an oven, this air fryer nachos recipe is the ultimate solution. Ready in just 15 minutes, this recipe delivers layers of melty cheese, seasoned beef, and your favorite toppings, all with minimal effort.

about this air fryer nachos 

There is nothing better than a simple meal, as I am sure you can agree. Having an option to throw something together when you are short on time is a lifesaver! You can whip these up for a quick snack, a casual dinner, or appetizers on game day; these nachos hit the spot. 

These air fryer nachos are fully customizable to match whatever’s in your fridge. Leftover veggies? Craving extra cheese? It all comes together with pantry-friendly spices and everyday ingredients.

First, they’re unbelievably quick. Forget waiting for your oven to preheat – your air fryer gets the job done in just five minutes, delivering cheesy, crispy chips in no time.

They’re also ideal for any occasion. Whether it’s movie night or a stress-free dinner, these nachos are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser every single time.

What’s more, they’re fully customizable. Pick your favorite toppings and make them your own. Love extra spice? Go for it. Prefer them loaded with veggies? It’s entirely up to you.

Finally, cleanup is a breeze. Thanks to the parchment paper lining, there’s no need to worry about scrubbing or scraping off melted cheese. Just enjoy the nachos and relax!

ingredients

ground beef. Seasoned with any easy spice mixture, ground beef adds that hearty, savory bite that nachos are known for. Cook it until browned and slightly crispy for the best texture, and make sure to drain any excess fat to keep your nachos from getting greasy.

spices. You will need a combination of chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, salt, and freshly cracked pepper.

tortilla chips. Go for sturdy chips that won’t go soggy under your toppings. Thin chips need not apply! Look for ones with a light salt coating to balance all the bold flavors.

mexican cheese blend. A delicious mix of melty cheeses which is one of the best cheeses for nachos. Monterey Jack and cheddar are your go-to for gooey perfection, but you can also add a sprinkle of queso fresco or pepper jack for extra flavor depth.

red onion. Finely diced for a pop of sharp, tangy flavor. Soak the onion in cold water for a few minutes before using if you prefer a milder taste.

bell pepper. Adds color and crunch while balancing the richness of other ingredients. Use a mix of red, yellow, and green for vibrant nachos that look as good as they taste.

Optional Toppings 

chopped fresh cilantro. A sprinkle of cilantro brightens up every bite, adding a fresh, citrusy hint. Add it just before serving for maximum flavor.

sour cream. For that tangy component that ties it all together. Swirl it on top or serve it on the side for dipping.

guacamole. Creamy, cool, and oh-so-good. Use ripe avocados to make it fresh, and don’t forget a squeeze of lime juice for that zesty kick.

jalapeños. Fresh or pickled, these bring the heat. Slice them thinly for even distribution, or leave the seeds in if you’re feeling bold.

tomato. Diced tomatoes give the nachos a fresh, juicy touch. Use ripe, firm tomatoes for the best flavor, and drain off excess liquid to keep the chips crisp.

this recipe’s must-haves 

Before you start, make sure you have the right tools on hand to make the process even easier:

A cutting board and chef’s knife are essential tools for preparing your nacho toppings. Whether it’s chopping onions, peppers, or any other ingredients you love, these will make the prep work quick and easy.  

An air fryer is a game-changer for nachos. It delivers crispy chips and gooey, melty cheese in record time, making it a must-have for this snack.  

Don’t forget the parchment paper! It keeps cleanup simple and ensures no cheesy mess sticks to your air fryer, saving you time and effort.

here’s how to make this air fryer nachos 

Prepare the Beef  

Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for about 3–5 minutes until the beef browns and is cooked through. Drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.

Preheat the Air Fryer  

If your air fryer needs preheating, set it to 320°F while you assemble the nachos.

Layer the Chips and Toppings  

Line the air fryer basket or tray with parchment paper. Add half of the tortilla chips in an even layer and top with half of the beef, cheese, red onion, and bell pepper. Repeat the process to build a second layer.

Cook the Nachos  

Air fry for 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and the nachos are heated through.

Garnish and Serve  

Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with your choice of sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or jalapenos.  

Enjoy Immediately  

Air fryer nachos are best served hot and fresh to keep the chips crispy.

tips and tricks 

To get the best results from your air fryer, always start by preheating it. Some models tend to run cooler if not preheated, so taking an extra minute to heat it up can make all the difference.

Don’t forget to use parchment paper. It makes cleanup so much easier and helps prevent sticky cheese disasters at the bottom of the air fryer basket, saving you time and effort.

When layering your nachos, make sure to distribute the toppings evenly. Avoid a chip-only bottom layer by arranging your toppings in two separate layers to ensure every bite is loaded with flavor.

For the toppings, keep them small. Dice your onions and bell peppers finely so they soften nicely during cooking, adding just the right texture and taste.

Got leftovers? Reheat them by popping them back into the air fryer. Add a fresh sprinkle of cheese and cook until everything is warm and melty again.

variations

spicy beef. Add cayenne pepper or chopped jalapenos while browning the beef.

vegetarian option. Replace ground beef with black beans or refried beans for a hearty plant-based version.

cheese swap. Mix it up with pepper jack or Cheddar cheese for extra spice or creamy queso fresco for a lighter bite.

extra add-ins. Layer in black olives, canned green chiles, or corn for a pop of flavor and texture.

BBQ-style nachos. Use pulled pork or chicken and drizzle with your favorite BBQ sauce for a Tex-Mex twist.

More tasty nacho recipes to try: Loaded Nachos I French Fry Nachos I Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos I Carne Asada Nachos

what other cooking methods can I use instead of an air fryer?

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can still make this recipe! You can bake the nachos in the oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit for about 15 to 20 minutes or until the cheese is melted and gooey.

can I make these nachos in advance and reheat them?

While it’s best to enjoy these nachos fresh out of the air fryer, you can definitely make them in advance and reheat them. Just be sure to store the toppings separately from the chips and then assemble and air fry right before serving.

can I use any type of tortilla chips for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of tortilla chips for this recipe. However, thicker and sturdier chips will hold up better when loaded with toppings.

Need some more snack inspiration? Check out my appetizer recipes page! 

what to serve with this air fryer nachos 

To turn your nachos into a full meal, serve them alongside Mexican rice and refried beans. For a lighter option, pair them with a simple side salad to balance out the bold flavors.

For drinks, cool down the heat with a refreshing margarita. Whether you prefer a classic Patrón Margarita or a bold Texas Margarita, these cocktails are the best complement to your nachos.

Add more snacks to the table with guacamole and salsa fresca. Try making your own with these recipes for Veggie Guacamole and Chunky Salsa, both bursting with fresh flavors.

more of our favorite air fryer recipes

If you love these nachos, you’ll also love other mouthwatering air fryer recipes!

Check out the crispy Air Fryer Ravioli for a crunchy, golden bite-sized snack.

Try the spicy Buffalo Jalapeño Poppers if you’re craving a little heat with your cheese.

Or go bold with the savory Chipotle BBQ Steak Empanadas, packed with smoky, meaty flavor.

Finally, if you make this air fryer nacho recipe, please be sure to give this recipe a star recipe rating on the recipe card and/or leave a comment! I love to hear when you all make recipes, and I do take the time to respond to every single comment.

Feel free to drop questions below too, if you have them!

Oh and be sure to tag me on Instagram, Facebook, or Pinterest if you make the recipe! I love being able to see these recipes come to life in your homes – it’s my favorite thing to look through those photos. It really means the world to me!

Want to know when I come out with a new recipe or the latest news? Sign up for my newsletter to get them straight to your inbox!