Quick & Easy Air Fryer Nachos 🧀

Air fryer nachos are a game-changer because they get perfectly crispy in minutes without the sogginess often found in microwave versions.

Prep time: 5 mins | Cook time: 3–5 mins | Serves: 1-2

🛒 Ingredients

Tortilla Chips: Thicker, "restaurant-style" chips hold up best.

Cheese: Freshly shredded Sharp Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican Blend (pre-shredded has cornstarch and doesn't melt as smoothly).

Protein (Optional): Leftover taco meat, shredded chicken, or black beans (ensure they are drained/dry).

Toppings (Post-Air Fryer): Pickled jalapeños, sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and fresh cilantro.

🛠 Instructions

Prep the Basket: Line your air fryer basket with a small piece of parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and prevents cheese from falling through the holes. Note: Don't let the paper touch the heating element.

Layer Wisely: * Place a single layer of chips in the basket.

Top with half the cheese and your chosen protein.

Add a second layer of chips and the remaining cheese. This "double-decker" method ensures every chip gets cheese.

Air Fry: Cook at $350^{\circ}\text{F}$ ($175^{\circ}\text{C}$) for 3 to 5 minutes.

Check at the 3-minute mark. You want the cheese melted and bubbling, and the chips just starting to turn golden brown.

Finish & Serve: Carefully lift the parchment paper out to slide the nachos onto a plate. Load up with your cold toppings and serve immediately.

💡 Pro-Tips for Success

The "Fly-Away" Chip: If your air fryer has a high-powered fan, the chips might fly around. You can "anchor" them by placing a small metal rack over the top or just ensuring the cheese is heavy enough to weigh them down.

No Crowding: Don't fill the basket to the brim. Air needs to circulate to keep the chips crunchy.

Drain Your Toppings: If using salsa or beans during the cook, make sure they aren't too watery, or you'll end up with a soggy base.

🌶 Topping Combinations to Try

The Classic: Ground beef, jalapeños, and plenty of sour cream.

BBQ Chicken: Shredded chicken, red onion, and a drizzle of BBQ sauce after cooking.

Vegetarian Power: Black beans, corn, diced bell peppers, and avocado.