Air Fryer Nachos with Melted Cheese
Crispy tortilla chips layered with optional seasoned chicken, black beans, and melted Mexican cheese blend, cooked in an air fryer until cheese is gooey. Top with fresh avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and jalapeños for a quick appetizer or casual meal.
Ingredients
- 3 cups tortilla chips
- ½ recipe ground chicken taco meat(optional)seasoned ground beef1:1protein
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- ¾ cup cooked black beans
- 2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend
- ½ cup salsa
- avocado, diced
- cilantro, chopped
- sour cream
- jalapeños, slicedserrano peppers1:1produce
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Instructions
- 1
Choose an 8 or 9 inch oven-safe metal pan or plate with low rim.
- 2
Arrange half the tortilla chips in a single layer.
- 3
Top with half the chicken if using, half the black beans, and half the cheese.
- 4
Layer remaining tortilla chips over the top.
- 5
Add remaining chicken if using, remaining black beans, and remaining cheese.
- 6
Preheat air fryer to 330 degrees Fahrenheit for 3 minutes.
- 7
Using a foil sling, gently place the prepared pan into the hot air fryer.
- 8
Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until cheese melts.
- 9
Carefully remove pan using the sling and place on a rack.
- 10
Top with diced avocado, cilantro, sour cream, and sliced jalapeños.
- 11
Serve immediately.
Tips
Create a foil sling by placing a strip of foil under the pan before cooking to easily remove hot cookware from the air fryer.
Parchment paper can be shaped and used instead of a metal pan if preferred.
For a basket method without a pan, arrange nachos directly in the air fryer basket and cook until cheese melts, then top and serve from the basket.
Good to Know
Prepare pan with chips and toppings up to cheese layer 30 minutes ahead, refrigerate, then air fry when ready.
Immediately after adding fresh toppings while cheese is hot.
Common Mistakes
Do not skip the foil sling to avoid burning hands when removing hot pan from air fryer.
Do not exceed 3 minutes cooking time to avoid overcooked chips and burnt cheese.
Do not use non-oven-safe materials to avoid warping or melting in the air fryer.
Substitutions
Dairy-Free Swaps
General Alternatives
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