Name: Crispy Air Fryer Nachos
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Ground beef (Lean ground beef (such as 80/20) is preferred for flavor and health.); 1 tablespoon Chili powder (Adds classic Tex-Mex flavor.); 1 teaspoon Cumin (Brings warm, earthy notes.); 2-3 cups Tortilla chips (Use sturdy restaurant-style chips.); 2 cups Shredded cheddar cheese (Can use a Mexican mix or Monterey Jack.); 1 medium Roma tomato (diced) (Holds up well and adds freshness.); 1 medium Bell pepper (diced) (Any color works; you can skip if desired.); 3 stems Fresh cilantro (chopped) (Optional, but adds vibrant flavor.); 1 cup Sour cream (Greek yogurt can be used as a lighter substitute.); 2 stalks Scallion (sliced) (Can substitute with chopped red onion.)

This air fryer nachos recipe comes together in about 15 minutes and is made right in the air fryer for a fun, hassle-free snack or meal that your whole family will love! You can easily switch up the toppings based on what you have in your fridge or pantry, meaning it’s the perfect way to use up those random veggies or that leftover chicken. Whether you’re craving a cozy family dinner or a fun game night munchie, these nachos have you covered!

Ingredient Breakdown

Ground Beef
Chili Powder
Cumin
Tortilla Chips
Shredded Cheddar Cheese
Roma Tomato (Diced)
Bell Pepper (Diced)
Scallion (Sliced)
Fresh Cilantro (Chopped)
Sour Cream

Let’s Get Cooking!

1. Brown the Beef

Start by browning 1 pound of ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Stir occasionally as it cooks, breaking it up into smaller pieces, and mix in 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper. Cook until the beef is no longer pink and smells amazing! This step takes about 5-7 minutes.

2. Preheat Your Air Fryer

While the beef is cooking, preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Give it a few minutes to really warm up; this helps ensure your nachos get nice and crispy!

3. Layer Your Nachos

Grab your air fryer basket and layer in about 2-3 cups of tortilla chips. Then sprinkle half of your 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese on top, followed by half of your sautéed beef, 1 diced Roma tomato, 1 diced bell pepper, and repeat this layering process with the remaining ingredients. It should look like a gorgeous nacho mountain ready for the air fryer!

4. Air Fry the Nachos

Pop your layered nachos into the air fryer and cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melty and bubbling. You’ll want to peek in halfway through, just to smell all the deliciousness happening. Trust me, your kitchen is going to smell amazing, and your mouth will be watering by now!

5. Add Toppings

Once they’re done, carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer (they can be hot!). Top with sliced scallions, fresh cilantro, and a generous dollop of sour cream.

6. Serve Immediately

This is the part where you dig in! Serve up those crispy nachos while they’re hot and cheesy!

Why I Love This Recipe

Honestly? This is my go-to recipe when I need a quick meal that feels like comfort food. Whether it’s game night, a casual dinner, or a movie marathon, crispy nachos always hit the spot! I’m a real sucker for how versatile they are, you can use whatever you’ve got on hand, or even clean out the fridge with leftovers. The best part is how quickly everything comes together; I mean, who doesn’t love a meal that’s ready in 15 minutes?

If you loved this recipe, be sure to check out my Air Fryer KFC Copycat, my Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Fries, or my Air Fryer Onion Rings! They all make for a perfect family feast!

What Makes This Recipe Special

Quick & Easy

It’s super easy, and it comes together in under 20 minutes total! Perfect for those busy weeknights when you don’t have time to fuss in the kitchen.

Comfort Food

Loaded with tons of flavor, these nachos are the ultimate comfort food! Gooey cheese with hearty beef and fresh veggies? Yes, please!

Customizable

Feel free to mix and match! You can add jalapeños for heat, switch the cheese, or make it vegetarian. The sky’s the limit with toppings; use whatever ingredients you have!

Crowd-Pleaser

Whether you’re hosting a game day get-together or just looking to treat the family, these crispy nachos will be a hit every single time!

Minimal Cleanup

Because you’re using the air fryer, there’s less mess to clean up afterward! Just one basket to wash, love that!

Serving and Storage Tips

How to Serve This Nachos

These nachos are perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Serve them with a side of your favorite salsas, fresh guacamole, or some spiced-up beans. They can be a delicious appetizer or a fun DIY dinner. Just let everyone layer their own nachos!

Storage

If you happen to have leftovers (which I highly doubt), store any extras in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Just keep in mind that the chips will lose their crunch the longer they sit!

Reheating Instructions

The best way to reheat nachos is in the air fryer at 300°F (150°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This will help revive the crispiness of the chips and melt the cheese again.

Freezer Friendly?

While it’s not the best idea to freeze fully loaded nachos, you can freeze the beef mixture separately! Just thaw it out and make fresh nachos when you’re ready to indulge again.

Nachos are truly one of those foods that bring everybody together, sparking joy and yummy conversations (and maybe some friendly debates over toppings!). So round up the family, prep these quick and easy crispy air fryer nachos, and enjoy! Remember, whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an evening of fun with friends, these nachos are sure to hit the spot. Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!