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Overhead shot of a snack plate piled with colorful nachos, ready to serve.

Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Crispy air fryer nachos layered with seasoned ground beef, cheddar cheese, black beans, and fresh toppings—ready in under 20 minutes for a fast, flavorful appetizer or snack.
4 Servings

Ingredients

For the Nachos:

  • Cooking spray
  • 8 oz lean ground beef
  • 1 tablespoon water
  • 1 teaspoon taco seasoning
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 5 oz thin corn tortilla chips
  • 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese

Toppings:

  • 1/2 15 oz can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1/3 cup salsa or to taste
  • 3 tablespoons sliced green onions
  • 1/3 cup sour cream or more if desired

Instructions
 

Preheat the Air Fryer:

  1. Begin by preheating the air fryer to 360°F (182°C) for approximately 5 minutes. While preheating, line the air fryer basket with foil or a perforated parchment liner. Lightly coat the liner with cooking spray to prevent sticking.

Prepare the Ground Beef:

  1. In a small skillet set over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned and crumbly, approximately 3 to 4 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the water, taco seasoning, cayenne pepper (if using), and season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove from heat and set aside.

Assemble the Nachos:

  1. Arrange the tortilla chips evenly in the air fryer basket, allowing them to slightly overlap. Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded Cheddar cheese over the chips. If desired, create a second layer by adding more chips and repeating the cheese layer.

Add Toppings:

  1. Evenly distribute the prepared ground beef and black beans over the cheese layer. Spoon small amounts of salsa across the top and finish with a sprinkling of sliced green onions.

Cook the Nachos:

  1. Place the basket into the air fryer and cook for 4 to 6 minutes, or until the cheese is fully melted and begins to lightly brown around the edges. Monitor closely to avoid overcooking.

Serve:

  1. Transfer the cooked nachos carefully to a serving plate. Garnish with sour cream and additional toppings if desired. Serve immediately for optimal texture and flavor.

Notes

To ensure this recipe is gluten-free:
  • Use certified gluten-free corn tortilla chips (some varieties contain flour or are processed in facilities that handle wheat).
  • Confirm that the taco seasoning and salsa are gluten-free, as some store-bought blends may contain wheat-based additives or thickeners.
  • All other listed ingredients are generally gluten-free but always check product labels to confirm.
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