Name: Air Fryer Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: ½ pound ground beef; ½ packet taco seasoning; 2 tablespoons water; 4 cups tortilla chips; 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese; 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, guacamole

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

These Air Fryer Nachos are a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic snack with bold flavors. Crispy chips layered with seasoned beef, melted cheese, and tasty toppings come together perfectly in just minutes. They’re ideal for a party appetizer or a satisfying treat at home.

A close-up of loaded nachos arranged on light brown parchment paper, showing one layer of crispy yellow corn chips topped with melted orange cheddar cheese, scattered small crumbles of cooked ground beef, thinly sliced black olives, and green jalapeño rings. A dollop of light green guacamole sits on top near the center, adding contrast. In the background, two white bowls are slightly blurred, one filled with chunky green guacamole and the other with red salsa. The surface underneath is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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, 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 that the liner comes up two of the sides of the basket so that you’ll be able to lift the nachos out after cooking.
Step 4: Arrange a layer of chips in the bottom of the basket and top with spoonfuls of cheese, meat, jalapenos, and black olives. Repeat the layers 1-2 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 out to remove the nachos to a plate.
Step 7: Top with your favorite toppings and serve hot.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh jalapenos instead of pickled for a milder heat and fresher flavor.

Swap cheddar for a Mexican cheese blend to add a different cheesy twist.
Add beans or corn to the layers for extra texture and nutrition.
Be careful not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even melting and crispiness.

Storage

Store leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the air fryer or oven to keep the chips crispy—avoid microwaving as it can make chips soggy.

How to Serve

A white square container lined with light brown parchment paper holds a layered pile of yellow corn tortilla chips covered with melted orange cheddar cheese, small brown cooked ground beef pieces, round slices of green jalapeño peppers, and black olive rings evenly spread on top. Nearby, there are white round bowls, one filled with bright green guacamole and another with red salsa containing visible chunks and seeds, all placed on a white marbled surface. A striped black and white cloth is partially visible at the bottom edge of the image. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works well as a leaner alternative and can be seasoned the same way for delicious nachos.

What if I don’t have an air fryer?

You can bake the nachos in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 7-10 minutes until the cheese melts and everything is heated through.