Air Fryer Nachos

Bring the fiesta to your kitchen with these air-fried loaded nachos. A quick, crispy, and cheesy crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for sharing (or not!). So this simple yet satisfying recipe turns any gathering into a party. Using the air fryer gives the tortilla chips an irresistible crunch without the added grease of traditional frying or baking. Making them lighter while still packing serious flavour. Each chip becomes the perfect vehicle for layers of gooey, melted cheese and a vibrant assortment of toppings.

So what makes these nachos truly special is how easily they can be customized. Start with a base of your favourite tortilla chips, then add shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack. Or a spicy pepper jack cheese blend. Once melted to golden perfection in the air fryer, load them up with juicy jalapeños, tangy sour cream, fresh tomato salsa, creamy guacamole, sliced red chillies, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro. Want to add protein? Go for seasoned ground beef, shredded chicken, or even black beans for a vegetarian twist.

Perfect for game night, movie marathons, or a casual weeknight treat, these air-fried nachos are as fun to make as they are to eat. They come together in just minutes, require minimal clean-up, and offer maximum crunch in every bite. So it’s the ultimate mix of texture, taste, and convenience – all made in your air fryer for less mess and more flavour. Whether you are serving them up for a crowd or keeping them all to yourself, this nacho recipe is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your toppings, fire up the air fryer, and get ready to dig into the most satisfying nachos you’ve ever made at home.

PREP 5 minutes

COOK 5-7 minutes

SERVES 2 people

KIT you will need an air fryer and an oven proof dish

Ingredients for air fryer nachos

1 bag of tortilla chips

50g of grated cheddar cheese

50g grated mozzarella

120g cooked chicken, (turkey, or beans for a vegetarian version)

30g sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled)

Sour cream (for topping)

Salsa (for topping)

Coriander (optional for garnish)

Red chillies (for garnish)

Method

So start by spreading a generous layer of tortilla chips across the bottom of your oven-safe dish. Use sturdy chips, and make sure they slightly overlap to form a solid base. This helps hold all the toppings without getting soggy. Next, scatter a generous handful of grated cheese over the chips. A mix of cheeses works best – cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or even a spicy jalapeño cheese blend for extra kick. Cheese is the star of the show, so don’t hold back!

Now it’s time for your protein. Sprinkle over cooked, shredded chicken for a classic nacho topping, or switch things up with seasoned ground beef, pulled pork, or black beans if you’re keeping it vegetarian. Add the meat or beans evenly so every bite is packed with flavour. For a touch of heat, scatter sliced jalapeños across the top. Fresh or pickled both work great.

If you’re in the mood for extra indulgence, go ahead and add another thin layer of cheese on top before cooking.

Place your loaded nachos into the air fryer and cook at 175°C (about 350°F) for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep a close eye on them, as cooking times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer. You’ll know they’re done when the cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges of the chips are golden and crisp.

Carefully remove the dish from the air-fryer as it’ll be hot! Immediately top your nachos with your favourite fresh toppings. Add creamy avocado slices, a few spoons of salsa, dollops of sour cream or guacamole, chopped red onion, and a sprinkle of fresh coriander. You can also add a squeeze of lime juice or crumbled feta for a fun twist.

Then serve straight from the tray and enjoy your crispy, cheesy, air-fried loaded nachos!

Tips for Air Fryer Nachos

1. Use thick, sturdy tortilla chips
Go for thicker-style tortilla chips (or restaurant-style) so they can hold up under the weight of toppings and won’t go soggy or break apart during air frying.

2. Preheat your air fryer
Preheat to 180°C (350°F) for 2–3 minutes to ensure even heat and quicker crisping of the chips and melting of the cheese.

3. Layer smartly
Start with a single layer of chips, add cheese and toppings, then repeat for 1–2 more layers max. Avoid overloading to ensure even heating and cheese melt.

4. Cook in batches for sharing
If making a large portion, air fry in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding can cause uneven cooking and soggy chips.

5. Keep wet toppings until after cooking
Salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and fresh herbs should be added after air frying to prevent the chips from going soggy.

6. Choose quick-melting cheese
Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend are ideal for melting evenly and giving that classic nacho stretch.

7. Watch the time!
Air fry for 3–5 minutes as nachos cook quickly! Keep an eye on them to prevent burning or over-crisping.

8. Serve immediately
Nachos are best enjoyed straight from the air fryer while they’re hot, cheesy, and perfectly crisp.