Air Fryer Nachos are a quick and easy appetizer, snack, or meal, ready in just 10 minutes! These homemade nachos are also easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Just like a taco bar, host a nacho bar and let everyone build their own. Serve along with a pitcher of spicy margaritas or some refreshing non-alcoholic Mexican horchata.
Easy Nachos In The Air Fryer
With this air fryer nacho recipe, you can have classic nachos with all of your favorite toppings in just 10 minutes! Way faster than making them in the oven and they taste just as good, if not better.
These air fryer nachos have become a family favorite. I typically serve these with a handful of toppings so everyone can customize their own. They make a great party appetizer or snack but we’ve definitely enjoyed them as a meal too. You can even add some ground taco meat to make it a heartier dish if you want.
Why You’ll Love These Homemade Nachos
Here’s a few reasons why these have become a family favorite.
- Ready in 10 minutes. Yes, that’s a literal 10 minutes! These nachos take just a few minutes to assemble and then 3 to 5 minutes in the air fryer.
- Easily customizable. These easy nachos can be customized to suit any taste or the ingredients you have on hand. Feel free to add meat to turn them into a heartier meal or omit any ingredients you’re not a fan of.
- Perfect for any appetizer, snack, or meal. The great thing about nachos is they’re perfect for practically any occasion. Game day? Check. After school snack? Check. Quick dinner? Check.
Ingredients Needed
These air fryer nachos are made with the same ingredients as your every day nachos, just made quicker in the air fryer.
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Tortilla chips – I like the triangle Tostitos. Be sure to purchase restaurant-quality tortilla chips for best results – ones that are sturdy enough to handle the layers and cheese.
- Cheese – I use a Mexican blend but you can use any marbled cheese blend or even just regular cheddar or Monterrey Jack.
- Toppings – I add diced Roma tomato, red onion, and pickled jalapenos to my air fryer nachos, along with diced scallions.
Can I Add Some Meat to This Recipe?
Absolutely. As written, this recipe is for vegetarian nachos but feel free to add some shredded cooked chicken or ground taco meat. I recommend only adding the meat to the first layer as adding it to both can cause the tortilla chips to break more easily.
How to Make Air Fryer Nachos
Making nachos in the air fryer takes literally 10 minutes. You can’t make any snack, appetizer, or dinner quicker than this!
(Scroll below to the printable recipe card for details and measurements.)
- Assemble the nachos. Add parchment paper or liner to your air fryer basket. Spread half of the tortilla chips in an even layer, with some overlap, then top with half of the cheese, tomatoes, jalapenos, red onion, and scallions. Repeat the layers.
- Air fry. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes at 350F until the cheese is melted.
- Enjoy. Top with garnishes, then serve and enjoy!
Recipe Tips & Variations
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when making nachos in the air fryer.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. The more ingredients you add, the more moist and soggy your nachos will be so you don’t want to go too crazy with the layers.
- Use parchment paper. Pre-fit your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a liner. These air fryer liners are the ones I use for my 5.8 quart Cosori and love them. You can also get round liners. Using parchment paper avoids a mess and easy removal from the basket.
- Customize as desired. This recipe is very flexible regarding the ingredients suggested. You can swap out some for other favorite nacho toppings.
- Check at 3 minutes. These nachos cook quickly, so I recommend checking them at 3 minutes as every air fryer cooks differently.
Nacho Topping Ideas
The most fun part of homemade nachos is adding your favorite toppings! Here are a few of our favorites:
- Salsa
- Sour cream
- Guacamole
- Chopped cilantro
- Queso Blanco
- Pico de Gallo
- Candied Jalapenos
Can You Prepare Air Fryer Nachos in Advance?
These easy nachos are best served as soon as they come out of the air fryer. They’re not ideal for making hours in advance, as the ingredients will cool and the tortilla chips can become soggy.
However, you could assemble them in advance and then pop them in the air fryer, as long as none of the toppings are “juicy”. If you are adding meat, I would not recommend this option.
Proper Storage
If you do end up with leftover nachos, here’s what to do.
- Storage. Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheat. Pop them back in the air fryer to reheat, keeping in mind that they likely won’t be as crispy.
More Air Fryer Appetizers:
- Tandoori Chicken Wings
- Air Fryer Onion Rings
- Toasted Ravioli
- Air Fryer Zucchini Fries
- Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
I hope you love this delicious and easy recipe – be sure to give it a review below! Also don’t forget to follow Belly Full on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, and YouTube!
Air Fryer Nachos
Ingredients
- 3 to 4 cups restaurant-style tortilla chips (like triangle Tostitos)
- 3 cups shredded marbled/Mexican blend cheese (I usually use the thick farmstyle Tillamok cheese)
- 1 Roma tomato , diced small
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1/4 cup diced pickled jalapeno peppers
- 2 scallions , diced
- Optional toppings for serving: salsa, sour cream, guacamole, and chopped cilantro
Instructions
- Pre-fit your air fryer basket with parchment paper or a liner.
- Place half of the tortilla chips on the parchment paper in the basket, in an even layer having them overlap some. Top with half the cheese, then half the diced tomato, jalapenos, red onion, and scallions.
- Repeat the layers one more time.
- Air fry at 350F for 3 to 5 minutes or until the cheese is melted. (Time can vary depending on the model and size of your air fryer, check after 3 minutes.)
- Top with garnishes, if desired, and enjoy!
