These tasty air fryer nachos feature taco seasoned ground beef and a variety of toppings. They’re naturally low carb and perfect for game day, or a snack or appetizer anytime.
Heat a pan over medium high heat, then add the ground beef and cook until it’s mostly brown (around 4-5 minutes)
1 Pound lean ground beef
Drain the grease, then add your packet of taco seasoning and ¼ cup water, stirring to mix it well
1 Ounce package taco seasoning
Cook until the liquid is evaporated and you’re left with just seasoned meat, approximately 1-2 more minutes
Line the bottom of your air fryer’s basket or rack with nonstick foil or parchment paper, letting it come about halfway up the sides of the basket to form a “bowl”
Spread half the tortilla chips evenly across the lined basket
4 Cups tortilla chips
Top with half the shredded cheese and then the cooked, seasoned ground beef
8 Ounces shredded Mexican four cheese blend
Repeat with a second layer of chips, cheese, and beef (just make sure not to go higher than about ⅔ fill of your basket, or else it may blow into the heating element)
Cook on the air fry setting at 350°F for about 3-5 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted (it will vary between different air fryers; start checking at 3 and add additional time in small increments)
Use the edges of the parchment or foil to grab and slide the nachos out of the air fryer and transfer to a plate or serving platter. Top with your favorite toppings and serve!
Sliced black olives, Salsa, Sour cream, Prepared guacamole, Jalapeno slices, 1 Green onion, Fresh cilantro
Notes
I have yellow corn triangular tortilla chips, but you can also use round shapes and white or blue corn varieties. Substitute Doritos for even more flavor!
Use cheddar cheese instead of the four cheese Mexican blend if preferred, or split it with a 50/50 mix of liquid nacho cheese plus shredded
The ground beef can be swapped for cooked and diced chicken, steak, pulled pork, pulled chicken, burnt ends, or refried beans for a vegetarian option. Use leftovers you have on hand to save yourself the cooking steps!
All the toppings are optional and to taste. Some other topping ideas I’m not putting on mine would be: cubed avocado, pico de gallo or a diced fresh tomato, corn salsa, beans, or diced onion
Always put your meat or other toppings on top of the shredded cheese, which helps to weigh it down and keep your air fryer from blowing it around
I do not recommend preheating your air fryer for this recipe. It isn’t needed, and trying to layer nachos in a hot air fryer basket is just a burn waiting to happen
While typically you should not block air flow at the bottom with foil or parchment, this recipe is an exception. Since I’m only melting the cheese from the top, air flow isn’t as important, so it’s OK to block it off (and a LOT easier to get out later)!
If you do not have a stove for cooking the meat, you can also air fry it! Use an oven safe dish and air fry the beef for about 10 minutes at 400°F, stopping halfway to break it up, drain it, and add the taco seasoning, until browned through
Store any leftover nachos in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days
To reheat, remove any remaining cold toppings and sauces as best you can. Place the nachos on some foil or parchment and air fry at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, until the cheese is re-melted and the meat is warmed. Add cold toppings back in, and enjoy!
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand and flavor of ingredients, any sauces, toppings, or sides added, and quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
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