Can I use any type of tortilla chips?

Stick with sturdy, restaurant-style tortilla chips—they hold up best to the toppings and the heat of the air fryer without turning soggy or burning.

Do I need to pre-cook the beans or other toppings?

Not at all! Canned black beans are fully cooked and ready to use. If adding meat, make sure it’s pre-cooked since the air fryer doesn’t cook raw proteins thoroughly in this short time.

My cheese didn’t melt evenly. What can I do?

Try shredding cheese yourself for better meltability. If possible, layer smaller piles of chips and toppings, or give the nachos an extra 30-second blast in the air fryer.

Can I double the recipe for a bigger group?

Absolutely. For large batches, work in layers and cook in shifts to avoid overcrowding the basket, which ensures even heat and perfectly crisp nachos.

Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

Name: Air Fryer Nachos Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Ingredients: 2-3 cups restaurant-style tortilla chips, divided; 1/4 cup red onion, diced, divided; 3/4 cup tomato, diced, divided; 1/2 cup black beans, divided; 3 cups Tex Mex cheese, shredded, divided (1 cup for first layer, 2 cups for second layer); Green onions, sliced; Chopped cilantro; Sliced jalapeños

Description

Crispy and cheesy Air Fryer Nachos are the perfect quick snack or appetizer, featuring layers of restaurant-style chips, black beans, tomatoes, onions, and Tex Mex cheese, all ready in just 10 minutes. Fresh garnishes like green onions, cilantro, and jalapeños add extra flavor and freshness for a restaurant-quality bite at home.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Base Ingredients

2–3 cups restaurant-style tortilla chips, divided

Layered Toppings

1/4 cup red onion, diced, divided
3/4 cup tomato, diced, divided
1/2 cup black beans, divided
3 cups Tex Mex cheese, shredded, divided (1 cup for first layer, 2 cups for second layer)

Garnishes

Green onions, sliced
Chopped cilantro
Sliced jalapeños

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 370°F (188°C). While it preheats, carefully fit a liner or parchment paper to the air fryer basket. This will prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. To save time, pre-fit and set aside the parchment paper during preheating if desired.
Layer the Nachos: Split your chips and toppings into two even portions. Place half of the chips as the bottom layer in the air fryer basket. Top with half of the diced red onion, tomatoes, black beans, and 1 cup of shredded Tex Mex cheese.
Add Second Layer: Add the remaining chips in an even layer over the first, then sprinkle on the rest of the diced red onion, tomatoes, black beans, and the remaining 2 cups of cheese. This layered approach ensures every chip gets plenty of toppings and cheese.
Air Fry: Air fry the layered nachos at 370°F for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and the chips are crisp around the edges. Monitor closely, as cook times may vary depending on your air fryer’s size and how much it cools during assembly.
Garnish and Serve: Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer using tongs or by lifting out the parchment paper. Top with sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños. Serve immediately while hot and melty.

Notes

Use restaurant-style thicker chips to prevent sogginess and ensure stability under toppings.
Adjust garnish amount and type to taste or preference.
Layering helps distribute toppings and cheese evenly.
Monitor closely during air frying to avoid burning.
Enjoy immediately for optimal crispiness.
Add cooked chicken, beef, or your favorite protein to make it a main course.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/3 of recipe)
Calories: 430
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 790mg
Fat: 24g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 17g
Cholesterol: 45mg