Crispy Air Fryer Nachos with Homemade Toppings
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 ounces sturdy corn tortilla chips
- 1 1/2 cups shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- 1/2 cup canned black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1/4 cup pickled or fresh jalapeño slices
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup homemade pico de gallo or salsa
- 1/2 cup guacamole or diced avocado
- 1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Air Fryer
Line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper or a reusable silicone liner. This prevents cheese from sticking to the basket and makes cleanup much easier. If your air fryer requires preheating, set it to 350°F (175°C) for about 3 minutes. - Step 2: Layer the Chips and Cheese
Place half of the tortilla chips in a single layer at the bottom of the basket. Sprinkle half of the shredded cheese evenly over the chips. Add the remaining chips on top, followed by the rest of the cheese. Layering ensures that even the bottom chips get plenty of melted cheese. - Step 3: Add the Hearty Toppings
Scatter the rinsed black beans, diced red onions, and jalapeños over the top layer of cheese. Adding these before cooking allows the beans to warm through and the onions to soften slightly while the cheese melts and binds everything together. - Step 4: Air Fry to Perfection
Slide the basket into the air fryer and cook at 350°F (175°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Keep a close eye on them starting at the 3-minute mark. You want the cheese to be completely melted and bubbly, and the edges of the chips to look golden brown. - Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer by lifting the parchment paper. Transfer them to a serving plate. Top with fresh cilantro, dollops of guacamole, pico de gallo, and a drizzle of sour cream. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side.