Air Fryer Nachos Recipe
Introduction
These Air Fryer Nachos are a quick and delicious twist on a classic favorite. Crispy tortilla chips layered with seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar, and tangy toppings make for the perfect snack or game-day treat. Ready in minutes, they’re sure to please any crowd.

Ingredients
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ packet taco seasoning
- 4 cups tortilla chips
- 2 cups shredded cheddar
- 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, and guacamole
Instructions
- Step 1: Add the ground beef to a skillet and cook over medium heat, breaking the meat up as it cooks.
- Step 2: Once the beef has cooked through, drain the grease and add 2 tablespoons of water and the taco seasoning to the skillet. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the mixture has thickened, about 5 minutes.
- Step 3: Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil, making sure the liner comes up two sides to lift the nachos out after cooking.
- Step 4: Arrange a layer of tortilla chips in the bottom of the basket and top with spoonfuls of cheese, seasoned meat, jalapenos, and black olives. Repeat the layers 1 to 2 more times.
- Step 5: Air fry at 330 degrees for about 5 minutes or until the cheese has melted.
- Step 6: Remove from the air fryer and carefully lift the parchment or foil to transfer the nachos to a plate.
- Step 7: Top with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, or guacamole and serve hot.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, add diced onions or bell peppers to the ground beef while cooking.
- Swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend or pepper jack for a spicier kick.
- Use thick-cut chips to prevent sogginess during air frying.
- Try adding black beans or corn between layers for added texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer at 320 degrees for 3-4 minutes to crisp up the chips and melt the cheese again. Avoid microwaving to keep the chips crunchy.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make these nachos without an air fryer?
Yes, you can assemble the nachos on a baking sheet and bake them in a preheated oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 7-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What toppings work best for air fryer nachos?
Classic toppings like sour cream, guacamole, pico de gallo, and sliced jalapenos complement the dish well. Fresh ingredients like diced tomatoes, green onions, or cilantro add brightness and balance.
PrintAir Fryer Nachos Recipe
A quick and delicious recipe for Air Fryer Nachos featuring seasoned ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, and classic toppings like pickled jalapenos and black olives. Perfectly crispy and easy to customize with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients
Beef Mixture
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ packet taco seasoning (about 1 tablespoon)
- 2 tablespoons water
Nachos
- 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
- Sour cream, pico de gallo, guacamole (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the ground 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.
- Season the beef: Drain excess grease from the skillet, then add 2 tablespoons of water and the taco seasoning. Stir and cook for about 5 minutes until the mixture thickens and flavors meld.
- Prepare the air fryer basket: Line the bottom of your air fryer basket with parchment paper or foil, ensuring the liner comes up two sides so you can lift the nachos out easily after cooking.
- Layer the nachos: Spread a layer of tortilla chips evenly in the basket. Spoon on portions of cooked beef, cheese, jalapenos, and black olives. Repeat layering 1 to 2 more times for multiple layers.
- Air fry the nachos: Set the air fryer to 330°F (165°C) and cook the layered nachos for about 5 minutes or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
- Remove and serve: Carefully lift the nachos out using the parchment or foil liner and transfer to a serving plate.
- Add toppings and enjoy: Garnish the hot nachos with your favorite toppings like sour cream, pico de gallo, and guacamole before serving.
Notes
- Use parchment paper or foil designed for air fryers to prevent sticking and ease removal.
- Adjust jalapeno and olive quantities based on your spice and flavor preference.
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and use seasoned beans or a meat substitute.
- To keep chips extra crispy, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor, as chips may soften if left standing too long.
Keywords: Air Fryer Nachos, Nachos Recipe, Ground Beef Nachos, Quick Nachos, Snack Recipe, Mexican Snack, Air Fryer Recipes

