Take your visions of a plate of nachos and replace the tortilla chips with sliced potatoes, and you have these air fryer Irish nachos! You can top them up in a variety of ways just like traditional nachos, but my favorite is akin to a loaded baked potato. This fun variation is a tasty appetizer or snack!
Slices of potato make the perfect vessel for holding and scooping all of your favorite nacho toppings! Instead of baking or frying them, though, I’m air frying mine. You get those nice browned edges and tender potato in less time than the oven!
You can top them with a variety of different toppings, like taco meat, pulled pork, brisket, or give them some Irish flair with corned beef! It’s a great way to use up leftovers from St Patrick’s Day (even though “Irish nachos” aren’t authentically Irish).
I’m using bacon, combined with some cheddar, green onions, and sour cream to give them a loaded baked potato feel. That’s the great part about these potato nachos, though, is that you can fix them up any way you like!
Just like their corn tortilla chip counterparts, potatoes are also naturally gluten free, so you can still use this adaptation even if that’s a part of your dietary needs!
1 cup shredded Irish cheddar cheese (I use Kerrygold)
1 green onion, sliced
Sour cream for topping (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Substitutions
I use Russet potatoes, but Yukon Gold and red are great as well (though cooking times can vary slightly). You can also shortcut this recipe by frozen waffle fries (which cook in about 10 minutes at 400°F), or by using kettle cooked potato chips as a base and skipping to the cheese melting, which takes under 5 minutes!
Seasonings are adjustable to taste (including omission). Other good options include onion powder, thyme, or oregano
You can use other types of cheese instead of the Irish cheddar. Try yellow or white cheddars, or cheddar jack. If you dislike cheddar cheese, you could also use monterey jack, or swiss pairs well with corned beef
Instead of bacon, substitute any cooked meats you like. Brisket, corned beef, taco meat, shredded chicken, or black beans for a vegetarian option
Other good topping options include pico de gallo, pickled onions, fresh or pickled jalapenos, guacamole, chives, cilantro, or horseradish sauce
Step By Step Instructions
Wash and dry your potatoes, and then cut them into thin slices (a mandolin slicer is great if you have one to ensure even thickness). I try to shoot for about ⅛” – ¼” thick
Add the potato slices to a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and toss them until well coated
Place the potato slices into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (a tiny amount of overlap is OK, but try to keep them even; cook in batches if needed)
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 5 minutes. Then, flip the slices over and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the edges are browned to your liking and the potato is tender. Note: if your potatoes are uneven, some will cook faster than others. You can remove brown ones to a plate and leave those that need some extra time in for a few more minutes
Once all of your potatoes are air fried, add a piece of foil or parchment to your air fryer’s basket or rack. For basket styles, it’s fine to have it come up the sides a bit so it’s easier to grab later. Note: the air fryer will be hot at this point, so use caution and some oven mitts for this step!
Place half the fried potatoes onto the foil, then add half the cheese and bacon. Repeat with a second layer (I try not to go higher than about ⅔ or ¾ of my basket, as you don’t want toppings flying up into the heating element)
Cook on the air fry setting at a lower temperature of 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted
Use the edges of the foil to grab the potato nachos out of the air fryer (or you could carefully tip them onto a plate with the help of a spatula). Top with green onions and sour cream (if desired) and enjoy!
Air fryer Irish nachos are a delicious twist on traditional nachos, featuring crispy potato slices instead of tortilla chips. They are usually topped with cheese, bacon, green onions, and other flavorful ingredients.
Instead of deep frying or baking, potatoes are sliced, seasoned, and fried until crispy. Then, just add your favorite toppings before serving.
Can I Use Different Types of Potatoes for Air Fryer Irish Nachos?
Yes, you can use various types of potatoes for air fryer Irish nachos, including russet potatoes, Yukon Gold potatoes, or red potatoes. Cooking times may vary slightly between different varieties.
Each type will offer a slightly different texture and flavor, so choose the variety that you prefer or have on hand.
What Toppings Can I Add to Air Fryer Irish Nachos?
You can customize air fryer Irish nachos with a variety of toppings to suit your taste preferences. Popular options include shredded cheese, cooked bacon or ground beef, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, green onions, sour cream, salsa, or guacamole.
However, it can be made with any of your favorite nacho toppings. It’s also a great way to use up leftover corned beef from St Patrick’s Day, or barbecued meats from your backyard cookout.
How Do I Prevent the Potato Slices from Sticking Together in the Air Fryer?
To prevent the potato slices from sticking together in the air fryer, make sure to arrange them in a single layer with some space between each slice.
This allows the hot air to circulate evenly around the potatoes, ensuring that they cook evenly and become crispy.
What Is the Best Temperature and Time for Cooking Air Fryer Irish Nachos?
The best temperature for cooking the potatoes for air fryer Irish nachos is typically around 380-400°F (190-200°C). Cooking time can vary depending on the thickness of the potato slices and your desired level of crispiness, but it usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Once toppings are added, about 3-5 minutes at 350°F to melt the cheese is usually sufficient.
Can I Make Air Fryer Irish Nachos Ahead of Time and Reheat Them?
Air fryer Irish nachos are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer. However, you can prepare the components ahead of time and assemble/reheat them later.
Store the cooked potato slices and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator, then reheat the potato slices in the air fryer. Add cheese and meat a few minutes before the end to warm them. Then, add cold toppings and serve.
Are Air Fryer Irish Nachos Gluten-Free?
Yes, air fryer Irish nachos use a base of potatoes, which are naturally gluten free.
Make sure to use certified gluten free ingredients for your cheeses, meats, toppings, and seasonings.
Can I Make Air Fryer Irish Nachos Vegan-Friendly?
Yes, you can make air fryer Irish nachos vegan-friendly by using dairy-free cheese or omitting the cheese altogether.
Opt for vegan-friendly toppings such as vegan bacon, black beans, corn, avocado, and dairy-free sour cream or guacamole.
Recipe Pro Tips
A lot of the potato doneness level is personal preference. After flipping, at about 5 minutes the potatoes were tender but floppy still, but at 10 minutes they were crispy, brown, and closer to chips. Both taste great, so it’s really your call how you’d like to enjoy them!
I made my Irish nachos in my Ninja air fryer and cooked my potatoes for about 13 minutes in total, and 4 minutes for the cheese melting as a reference point. Other air fryers can vary slightly, as well as the thickness of your potatoes
Storage and Reheating Tips
Irish potato nachos are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can cook the potatoes and bacon ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Then, simply assemble and cook for about 5 minutes at 350°F to melt the cheese and warm the potatoes and bacon
If you do have leftovers you want to reheat, try to scrape off toppings as much as possible. Reheat on a sheet of foil or parchment for 3-5 minutes at 350°F. Your cheese and potatoes will get a little more brown, but it will still taste good! Add new cold toppings before serving
These air fryer Irish nachos are a fun twist on the classic nacho, with potato slices filling in for the traditional tortilla chips. You can make them as crispy as potato chips or just enjoy some tender potato slices, depending on your preference!
Top them up loaded potato style with bacon, sour cream, and green onions. I like to add pickled onions too! It’s also a great recipe to use up leftover St Patrick’s corned beef, or barbecue meats. Potato nachos are very customizable, but always delicious!
The potatoes are still naturally gluten free, making it an easy swap for the traditional recipe that still keeps it viable for those on a gluten free diet. You can also make it vegetarian by using beans instead of meat, so it suits a lot of different dietary needs!
Air Fryer Irish Nachos Recipe (With Bacon)
These savory air fryer Irish nachos use potato slices in place of the traditional tortilla chips. Top them with bacon, cheddar, green onions, and sour cream for a loaded potato taste!
Wash and dry your potatoes, and then cut them into thin slices (a mandolin slicer is great if you have one to ensure even thickness).I try to aim for about ⅛” – ¼” thick
2 Medium potatoes
Add the potato slices to a bowl with the olive oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder, and toss them until well coated
2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tsp salt, 1 Tsp garlic powder, ½ Tsp black pepper
Place the potato slices into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (a tiny amount of overlap is OK, but try to keep them even; cook in batches if needed)
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 5 minutes. Then, flip the slices over and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the edges are browned to your liking and the potato is tender. Note: if your potatoes are uneven, some will cook faster than others. You can remove brown ones to a plate and leave those that need some extra time in for a few more minutes
Once all of your potatoes are air fried, add a piece of foil or parchment to your air fryer’s basket or rack. For basket styles, it’s fine to have it come up the sides a bit so it’s easier to grab later. Note: the air fryer will be hot at this point, so use caution and some oven mitts for this step!
Place half the fried potatoes onto the foil, then add half the cheese and bacon. Repeat with a second layer (I try not to go higher than about ⅔ or ¾ of my basket, as you don’t want toppings flying up into the heating element)
4 Slices bacon, 1 Cup shredded Irish cheddar
Cook on the air fry setting at a lower temperature of 350°F for 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is melted
Use the edges of the foil to grab the potato nachos out of the air fryer (or you could carefully tip them onto a plate with the help of a spatula). Top with green onions and sour cream (if desired) and enjoy!
1 Green onion, 1 Tbsp sour cream
Notes
I use Russet potatoes, but Yukon Gold and red are great as well (though cooking times can vary slightly). You can also shortcut this recipe by frozen waffle fries (which cook in about 10 minutes at 400°F), or by using kettle cooked potato chips as a base and skipping to the cheese melting, which takes under 5 minutes!
Seasonings are adjustable to taste (including omission). Other good options include onion powder, thyme, or oregano
You can use other types of cheese instead of the Irish cheddar. Try yellow or white cheddars, or cheddar jack. If you dislike cheddar cheese, you could also use monterey jack, or swiss pairs well with corned beef
Instead of bacon, substitute any cooked meats you like. Brisket, corned beef, ground beef, shredded chicken, or black beans for a vegetarian option
Other good topping options include pico de gallo, pickled onions, fresh or pickled jalapenos, guacamole, chives, cilantro, or horseradish sauce
The potato crispiness is personal preference. After flipping, at about 5 minutes my potatoes were cooked but floppy still, but at 10 minutes they were crispy, brown, and closer to chips. Both taste great, so it’s really your call how you’d like to enjoy them!
I made my Irish nachos in my Ninja air fryer and cooked my potatoes for about 13 minutes in total, and 4 minutes for the cheese melting as a reference point. Other air fryers can vary slightly, as well as the thickness of your potatoes
Irish potato nachos are best enjoyed fresh. However, you can cook the potatoes and bacon ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Then, simply assemble and cook for about 5 minutes at 350°F to melt the cheese and warm the potatoes and bacon
If you do have leftovers you want to reheat, try to scrape off toppings as much as possible. Reheat on a sheet of foil or parchment for 3-5 minutes at 350°F. Your cheese and potatoes will get a little more brown, but it will still taste good! Add new cold toppings before serving
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand, variety, and size of ingredients, toppings and sauces added, thickness of potato slices, and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
