Air Fryer Nachos are a favorite snack and a really fast way to make cheesy nachos!
Tortilla chips topped with heaps of cheese and your favorite toppings need just a few minutes in the air fryer (and no preheating required). Top them with any toppings (or even leftover taco meat) for favorite snack or fun family meal.
A New Favorite Air Fryer Recipe
I love cheesy nachos but have to admit, cooking them in the air fryer is a game-changer.
- Save time and clean-up using the air fryer.
- Ready in 15 minutes (no need to preheat the oven)!
- Versatile, add your favorite toppings and use any kind of cheese.
- So easy to make. Just layer, air-fry, then enjoy!
What’s in Air Fryer Nachos?
NACHOS Corn chips come in a variety of sizes, shapes, and even colors! So take your pick. Heavily flavored chips (like Doritos) don’t do as well in this recipe because the flavor can brown too much or even burn.
CHEESE This is one recipe where pre-shredded is a perfect choice. Monterey Jack or a Mexican or Tex Mex blend is great.
VEGGIES Olives, green onions, tomatoes, and jalapeno peppers are perfect for classic nachos (but add or leave off whatever you want). Or, add chili and make chili nachos!
How to Make Air Fryer Nachos
- Overlap a layer of chips in the air fryer basket. Top with half of the cheese & whites of the onions.
- Repeat with a second layer of chips, top with remaining cheese & toppings as desired.
- Cook according to recipe below, until cheese has melted. Top with diced tomatoes & sliced green onions.
Tips
Air fried nachos are super easy to make, but a few ideas will ensure crispy, crunchy, cheesy goodness every time!
- Choose chips that are restaurant quality for best results, ones that are firm enough to hold up under layers. Thicker chips work better than thin-style chips.
- Overlapping the chips keeps the cheese from dripping through the tray.
- Layer up to 3 layers of chips with lots of cheese.
Variations
We love loaded nachos, here is a list of our favorite toppings, dips, and sauces.
- Try green chilis, bacon bits, or even black beans or chili!
- Ground beef or shredded chicken is always delish on nachos with melted cheese.
- And for dips, we like our own homemade restaurant-style salsa, or tangy pineapple salsa. Sour cream, tomatillo salsa, Tabasco sauce, and of course, homemade guacamole. Don’t forget the Queso!
More Air Fryer Snacks
- Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
- Crispy Air Fryer French Fries
- Rosemary Air Fryer Potato Wedges
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickles
- Air Fryer Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Potato Chips
- Frozen Air Fryer Tater Tots
- Reuben Egg Rolls
Did you love these Air Fryer Nachos? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!
Air Fryer Nachos
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2-3 cups tortilla chips
- 2 cups cheese shredded
- 1 green onion whites and greens separated
- ¼ cup black olives
- ½ cup tomatoes diced
- ¼ cup jalapenos chopped, optional
- 2 tablespoons cilantro chopped, optional
Instructions
- Place the tortilla chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket making sure to overlap the chips so there are no gaps between them.
- Top the chips with half of the cheese and whites of the green onion.
- Add another layer of chips. Top with remaining cheese, green onions, jalapenos, and black olives (if using).
- Place in the air fryer to 320°F and cook the nachos for 3-5 minutes or until cheese has melted.
- Remove from the basket and top with diced tomatoes.
- Serve with salsa and sour cream.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.
Course Appetizer, Party Food, Snack
Cuisine American© SpendWithPennies.com. Content and photographs are copyright protected. Sharing of this recipe is both encouraged and appreciated. Copying and/or pasting full recipes to any social media is strictly prohibited. Please view my photo use policy here.
Totally awesome and super simple! They will be my go to snack/meal from now on.
They are one of my favorites too, Tess! So good!
First I want to say that I trust all of your recipes. This was so easy to scale to servings. You want nachos for one or two? Easy. Speaking of easy, cleanup was a breeze. Totally adaptable to tastes. The temp and time were spot on! Thank you again for a last minute idea sent to my inbox exactly at the time I needed it.
Glad you enjoyed it, Jennifer! It so easy to whip these nachos up any time of the day. Definitely a favourite over here too.
BEST NACHOS EVER! I’m re-heating the leftovers now, and will be making these very often. Thanks for some wicked good nachos, Holly!
I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe Susie! Once I started making nachos in the air fryer I never looked back!
Love love love these nachos. Will definitely be making these again & again. Also I put up a review of the beef stew by accident but it’s also fantastic a family favourite
Awesome I’ve made it befor but each time a little different. Love ya his recipes
Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is now my midnight snack. . Sad but true! It’s just that convenient and GOOOOOD! Temp and time is on point! You should be awarded! I’m cooking my nachos as I’m writing this so thank you again!
You are so very welcome Emily! You made my day!!
sounds good! I have never made nachos hos before, but want to use ground beef. when should I add the beef?
The beef should be browned (I like to add taco seasoning), cooled slightly, and added along with this cheese.
I’m excited to make this. This looks so good. I just got my air fryer yesterday and already made two things..bratwurst n brownies LOL
We hope you love it, Renee!
Yum !
My family loves this !
Glad to hear your family loved them, Pat!
willng to try!