Air Fryer Nachos Recipe
Delicious and easy Air Fryer Nachos featuring seasoned ground beef, refried beans, melted cheddar and Monterey Jack cheese, jalapeño, and fresh toppings. Perfect for a quick snack or party appetizer with a crispy texture and bold flavors, all made conveniently in the air fryer.
- Author: Cleo
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying, Stove Top
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Low Fat
Main Ingredients
- 1 bag (10-12 ounces) tortilla chips (thick-cut recommended)
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 packet (1 ounce) taco seasoning
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 (15 ounce) can refried beans
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
Toppings and Garnishes
- 1/2 cup pickled jalapeño slices, plus more for serving
- 1/4 cup chopped red onion
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
- Optional toppings: sour cream, guacamole, salsa, pico de gallo
- Prepare the Ground Beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain off any excess grease. Add the taco seasoning and water, stir well to combine. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture thickens. Set aside.
- Prepare the Refried Beans: Heat the refried beans in a microwave-safe bowl for 1-2 minutes until hot, or gently warm them in a saucepan over low heat. Set aside once heated through.
- Assemble the Nachos: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or line it with parchment paper that has holes. Spread a layer of tortilla chips evenly in the basket. Evenly distribute the warmed refried beans over the chips, followed by the seasoned ground beef. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses over the top, then add the jalapeño slices and chopped red onion.
- Air Fry the Nachos: Carefully place the basket into the air fryer. Set the temperature to 350°F (175°C) and air fry for 3-5 minutes until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and the chips are warmed through.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the nachos to a serving platter. Garnish with fresh cilantro and additional jalapeño slices if desired. Serve immediately with your favorite toppings such as sour cream, guacamole, salsa, or pico de gallo.
Notes
- Use thick-cut tortilla chips to prevent sogginess during air frying.
- If you prefer vegetarian nachos, substitute ground beef with cooked black beans or a plant-based meat alternative.
- Adjust jalapeño quantity to control the heat level.
- For crispier nachos, avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket and cook in batches if necessary.
- Allow nachos to cool slightly before serving to avoid burns from melted cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg
Keywords: air fryer nachos, easy nachos recipe, quick snacks, Mexican appetizer, cheesy nachos, ground beef nachos, party food