Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

When the afternoon feels long or company drops by without much notice, I like to make a quick batch of nachos. Air Fryer Nachos have become a new favorite in my kitchen. They are ready in about five minutes, and there is hardly any mess to clean.

The chips turn crisp, the cheese melts just right, and the fresh toppings add a bright finish. It is the sort of snack you can set in the middle of the table and watch disappear.

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 8 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 to 3 cups tortilla chips
• 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
• 1 green onion, sliced, whites and greens separated
• 1/4 cup sliced black olives
• 1/2 cup diced fresh tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeños, optional
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro, optional
• Salsa, for serving
• Sour cream, for serving

Equipment

• Air fryer

Directions

1. Prepare the basket
   If you like, place a piece of parchment paper in the bottom of the air fryer basket. Lay down a single layer of tortilla chips. Let them overlap a bit so there are no big gaps.
2. Add the first layer
   Sprinkle half of the cheese over the chips. Add the white parts of the green onion.
3. Add another layer
   Place more chips on top. Sprinkle with the remaining cheese. Add the green onion tops, jalapeños, and black olives. You can make up to three layers if your basket is deep enough.
4. Air fry
   Set the air fryer to 320°F. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes. Watch closely. The cheese should be fully melted and bubbly.
5. Finish and serve
   Carefully remove the basket. Scatter the diced tomatoes and cilantro over the top. Serve right away with salsa and sour cream.

Helpful Tips from My Kitchen

• Use sturdy corn tortilla chips. Thin chips soften too quickly.
• Overlap the chips slightly so the cheese does not fall through the basket.
• Do not skip layering. Cheese between layers helps everything stick together.
• Line the basket with parchment paper if you want easy clean up.
• Have your toppings chopped and ready before you start. The cooking goes fast.

If you want to make them heartier, add seasoned ground beef or shredded chicken between the layers. A spoonful of black beans or chili works nicely too.

Nutrition Information

Each serving has about 527 calories, 40g carbohydrates, 19g protein, and 34g fat. It also provides calcium, iron, and vitamin A.

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.

Storage and FAQs