The Easy, Mess-Free Way To Make Air Fryer Nachos That Keep Chips Crispy, Not Soggy

In theory, nachos should be brilliant every time, they're pretty much the perfect snack. But let's be honest, sometimes a homemade batch can be bit of a soggy and underwhelming disaster. And the make or break factor often comes down to how the chips are layered, what goes on top, and whether steam gets trapped, which is where an unexpected kitchen appliance could be the saving factor — your air fryer. Because air fryers, unlike ovens, circulate hot air quickly enough to crisp both the toppings and the base, plus it takes a fraction of the time with much less clean up. Honestly, this is one of the air fryer hacks you wish you'd known sooner.

The trick to making a perfect batch is limiting the build: Just one or two layers of chips is all you actually need. And a parchment liner — specifically the kind with holes which will encourage air flow — is essential for keeping chips crisp. Plus the paper will prevent melted cheese from sticking the chips to the basket, then all you have to do is lift the parchment liner and toss it, which is a clear win for anyone who loves a good snack but hates cleaning up after. 

Now that you know you have crisp and reliable nachos guaranteed, you can focus on the best part: the toppings. The key here is to build toppings on top of the chips without crushing them into oblivion, so stick to just cheese and whatever protein you're using, keeping it to just two layers of chips. That way a blast in the air fryer will melt the cheese evenly without burning, while beans or meat can also heat up. So if you're looking to make the ultimate chicken nachos, this is your moment to layer on shredded chicken breast, black beans, and a good handful of cheese before popping it all in the air fryer.

Then once it's cooked, it's time for fresh toppings like chopped tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, etc. These don't need to be heated up, and in fact, many of the fresh toppings are watery and will reduce the chips crunch if added too early, so keep the veggies and dips like sour cream, salsa, and guacamole for the moment it's all done and melted. The unexpected history of nachos is proof that simple ideas can become iconic, and this air fryer version is the modern day equivalent of that.