These Air Fryer Nachos are the perfect easy dinner for busy nights! Load them up with your favorite toppings and enjoy a 10 minute dinner!
*Originally published August 4, 2022 and updated with new copy and photos 4/20/23.
We all have those days where we are rushing around and trying to get everything done, only to realize that we still haven't made dinner yet. I know that I have those days way more often than I would like to admit. Well, I think I have found a solution to that! What is easier than a 10-minute dinner that is hands-off? These Air Fryer Nachos are incredibly easy to make and are delicious! So versatile, you can load them up with your favorite toppings and have dinner ready in just 10 minutes!
For some other great dinner ideas, check out this Easy Air Fryer Quesadilla these Saucy and Spicy Garlic Noodles or this Ultimate Walking Taco Casserole!
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What Makes These Air Fryer Nachos So Great
- These Air Fryer Nachos are a fun, family-friendly dinner!
- These nachos have endless opportunities for variations!
- Everything you could want for a hearty dinner you can find in this recipe.
- This recipe is vegan, dairy-free and plant-based!
Ingredient Notes
- Vegan Cheese-Vegan Cheddar Cheese is the perfect cheese for these nachos. I love using the Follow Your Heart brand. I find that it has the best melt and the best cheese taste.
- Tortilla Chips- Corn Tortilla chips are perfect for this recipe. Feel free to use your favorite brand or make your own!
- Black Beans-I love how filling black beans are. They are one of my favorite protein sources. We will use a whole can for this recipe. If you don't like black beans, feel free to swap it for your favorite vegan protein.
A complete list of ingredients and amounts is located on the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Cut parchment paper and line the inside of the air fryer basket
- Layer the chips into the air fryer basket, and try to spread them evenly as possible.
- Drain and rinse the black beans
- Layer the black beans, and cheese over the top of the tortilla chips.
- Air Fry at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the nachos are warmed through.
- Top with your favorite nacho toppings
- Serve this family-style or serve up on plates and enjoy!
Hint: Make sure to spread the toppings over the tortilla chips all the way. You don't want bare tortilla chips!
Substitutions
- Black Beans - Feel free to swap the black beans for your favorite source of vegan protein. I love loading these up with some Impossible Meat every once and a while.
- Vegan Cheese - You can make your own vegan nacho cheese, check out a similar recipe with these Zucchini Nachos!
- Tortilla Chips - If you want to keep this lower carb, swap the tortilla chips for a low carb vegetable such as sliced zucchini!
Variations
- Extra Spicy - Load up these nachos with jalapeños or habaneros to kick it up a notch!
- Loaded - Make sure to serve these nachos up with lots of guacamole, vegan sour cream and salsa!
- Extra Protein- Add some vegan beef to up the protein level in these nachos!
Recipe Serving Suggestions
These nachos are hearty and filling enough on their own, however here are some ideas of what to serve with them if you want a full meal!
- Frozen Taquitos in the Air Fryer
- Spanish Rice
- Refried Beans
- Avocado Salad
Storage
The best way to store and reheat nachos is to store them deconstructed. Store the nacho toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days and when ready to reheat, layer the fresh chips and then the leftover toppings and microwave until warmed through.
I would not recommend freezing these nachos as the chips will become a weird texture when thawing and will no longer be crisp.
Top tips
- Make sure to load these nachos up with cilantro, green onions, and diced peppers. Serve alongside some salsa, sour cream, and guacamole!
- You can easily serve this to picky eaters by turning this into a nacho buffet. Grab some oven-safe plates and allow the whole family to layer their nachos and then put the plates on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted.
- Yes, you can use parchment paper in the air fryer. Just make sure you don't pre-heat the air fryer with the parchment paper in it.
Other Fast Recipes You Will Love
Easy Air Fryer Nachos
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer
- 1 Can Opener
Ingredients
- 32 ounces Tortilla Chips
- 14.5 ounces Black Beans
- 2 Cups Dairy-Free Cheese
Instructions
- Cut parchment paper and line the inside of the air fryer basket
- Layer the chips into the air fryer basket, and try to spread them evenly as possible.
- Drain and rinse the black beans
- Layer the black beans, and cheese over the top of the tortilla chips.
- Air Fry at 375 degrees for 10 minutes or until the cheese is melted and the nachos are warmed through.
- Top with your favorite nacho toppings
- Serve this family-style or serve up on plates and enjoy!
Notes
- Make sure to load these nachos up with cilantro, green onions, and diced peppers. Serve alongside some salsa, sour cream, and guacamole!
- You can easily serve this to picky eaters by turning this into a nacho buffet. Grab some oven-safe plates and allow the whole family to layer their nachos and then put the plates on a baking sheet and bake until the cheese is melted.
- Yes, you can use parchment paper in the air fryer. Just make sure you don't pre-heat the air fryer with the parchment paper in it.
Nutrition
FAQ
Yes! Air Fryer Nachos are delicious! The Air Fryer acts as a convection oven, making these nachos crisp and delicious!
Cook these Air Fryer Nachos at 375 degrees, it will make them crisp up and not burn the cheese.
Yes! You can safely put parchment paper in the air fryer, just make sure if you need to pre-heat your air fryer, that you don't add the parchment paper first. The parchment paper needs to be weighed down so it doesn't fly around in the air fryer.
Food safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Peter says
I just bought my air fryer and am amazed at all the recipes I can make! This one was perfect, crispy, quick and easy, with little mess to clean up afterwards!
Nora says
At the next game night we will try this recipe! Can not wait! Thanks for the delicious recipe!
Nancy says
I didn’t know you can make this in the air fryer. So awesome!!
Alexandra says
Love nachos, and they worked so well in the air fryer!
Oscar says
Oh my gosh, air fryer nachos? Love my air fryer but never thought of making nachos in my air fryer, what a great idea. They turned out just like they were made in the oven. Thanks for the recipe.
Amy says
What an awesome idea! I love nachos and I'll be making them this way more often!
Leeanne says
I'm new to air frying, just got given one as a gift. These nachos turned out great and it was easier than I thought it would be. Thanks!
Keri says
I absolutely love an easy air fryer recipe, and I've never thought to make nachos in mine. What a fab idea. They came out great!
Megan says
This is an awesome recipe! So quick and easy. I got home late and had this on the table in no time. Perfect!
Sunrita says
What a brilliant recipe. Loved how it is loaded with cheese and all things I love. Perfect to share.
Jerika says
These Air Fryer Nachos are the perfect easy dinner for busy nights indeed!:) For a busy mom like me this very easy and practical. Love it! Thanks for this.:)
Kristina says
One of the easiest ways to make nachos! My family does different toppings and by the time one person is done assembling, the air fryer is already done cooking the first plate. We never use the oven anymore.
Agnieszka says
I never thought of making nachos in the air fryer. This is life changing!
Deb says
First time even making nachos in the air fryer. Why didn't I think of this!!!
Jan says
I am bringing this into my life on a weekly basis as they are so good. I love these nachos so much, thank you!