When you need a quick snack, Air Fryer Nachos are just the thing! Ready in about 5 minutes, they’re easy cheesy goodness made in the air fryer.

plated Air Fryer Nachos with sour cream and salsa on top

A New Favorite Air Fryer Recipe

I love cheesy nachos but have to admit, cooking them in the air fryer is a game-changer.

  • Save time and clean up using the air fryer.
  • Ready in minutes (no need to preheat the oven)!
  • Versatile- add your favorite toppings and use any kind of cheese.
  • So easy to make. Just layer, air-fry, then enjoy!

My Favorite Air Fryer

I have tested seven brands and styles of air fryers. My favorite air fryer is Cosori 5.8QT Air Fryer. I like it because it stands up well, it’s large enough to make a whole chicken, a meal for two, or a side dish for four people. It heats quickly and evenly.

cheese , tomatoes , green onion , tortilla chips , olives , salsa , sour cream , jalapeño with labels to make Air Fryer Nachos

Ingredient Tips For Air Fryer Nachos

  • Tortilla Chips: Use corn tortilla chips for these nachos. I find that cantina style (thin chips) don’t hold up as well. Skip flavored chips (like Doritos) because the flavored coating can brown too much or even burn.
  • Cheese: Pre-shredded cheddar cheese makes these easy—Monterey Jack, Mexican, or Tex-Mex blends are all great.
  • Veggies: Olives, green onions, tomatoes, and jalapeno peppers are perfect for classic nachos (but add or leave off whatever you want). Or, add chili and make chili nachos!

Tips

Air-fried nachos are easy to make, but a few ideas will ensure crispy, crunchy, cheesy goodness every time!

  • Put parchment paper in the bottom of the basket for easier clean-up.
  • Overlapping the chips keeps the cheese from dripping through the tray.
  • Layer up to 3 layers of chips with lots of cheese.

Variations

We love loaded nachos. Here is a list of our favorite toppings, dips, and sauces:

More Nacho Recipes

Did you love this Air Fryer Nachos recipe? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below! 

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plated Air Fryer Nachos with sour cream and salsa on top
5 from 49 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
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Air Fryer Nachos

Cheesy, crispy, and full of fresh toppings, these Air Fryer Nachos are a crowd favorite!
Prep Time 8 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 13 minutes
Servings 4

Equipment

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Ingredients  

  • 2 to 3 cups tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
  • 1 green onion sliced, whites and greens separated
  • ¼ cup sliced black olives
  • ½ cup diced fresh tomatoes
  • ¼ cup diced jalapeños optional
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro optional

Instructions 

  • Place the tortilla chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket making sure to overlap the chips so there are no gaps between them.
  • Top the chips with half of the cheese and whites of the green onion.
  • Add another layer of chips. Top with remaining cheese, green onions, jalapenos, and black olives (if using).
  • Place in the air fryer to 320°F and cook the nachos for 3-5 minutes or until cheese has melted.
  • Remove from the basket and top with diced tomatoes.
  • Serve with salsa and sour cream.
5 from 49 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 527 | Carbohydrates: 40g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 14g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 59mg | Sodium: 726mg | Potassium: 250mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 860IU | Vitamin C: 10mg | Calcium: 517mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Appetizer, Party Food, Snack
Cuisine American
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Air Fryer Nachos in the fryer and plated with a title
Air Fryer Nachos with sour cream and salsa with a title

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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Comments

  1. First I want to say that I trust all of your recipes. This was so easy to scale to servings. You want nachos for one or two? Easy. Speaking of easy, cleanup was a breeze. Totally adaptable to tastes. The temp and time were spot on! Thank you again for a last minute idea sent to my inbox exactly at the time I needed it.5 stars

    1. Glad you enjoyed it, Jennifer! It so easy to whip these nachos up any time of the day. Definitely a favourite over here too.

  2. BEST NACHOS EVER! I’m re-heating the leftovers now, and will be making these very often. Thanks for some wicked good nachos, Holly!5 stars

    1. I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe Susie! Once I started making nachos in the air fryer I never looked back!

  3. Love love love these nachos. Will definitely be making these again & again. Also I put up a review of the beef stew by accident but it’s also fantastic a family favourite5 stars

  4. Thank you, thank you, thank you!!! This is now my midnight snack. . Sad but true! It’s just that convenient and GOOOOOD! Temp and time is on point! You should be awarded! I’m cooking my nachos as I’m writing this so thank you again!5 stars

      1. sounds good! I have never made nachos hos before, but want to use ground beef. when should I add the beef?

      2. The beef should be browned (I like to add taco seasoning), cooled slightly, and added along with this cheese.

  5. I’m excited to make this. This looks so good. I just got my air fryer yesterday and already made two things..bratwurst n brownies LOL