Air fryer nachos are the PERFECT snack for those moments when you want a quick salty, crunchy snack, but you don't want a ton of calories to go with it. This recipe is much lower in carbs and calories than a plate of restaurant nachos because we're air frying our own corn tortillas (so easy) and using lighter ingredients. I think you're going to love this recipe - let's dig in.
What you'll need to make air fryer nachos
5 small corn tortillas (you can also use pre-made corn chips, but this is a much healthier, lower calorie option)
- Reduced fat (or regular) shredded cheese (I prefer a Mexican blend)
- Salsa of your choice
- Avocado chopped (you can use guacamole instead)
- Jalapeños (optional if you don't enjoy spice)
- Green onion (for garnish)
- Cilantro finely (for garnish)
- Salt & Chili lime seasoning (optional)
- Light sour cream (optional)
- Non stick spray
How do you make crispy nachos?
There is definitely an art to this, but it varies based on your specific air fryer. I find the sweet spot is to cook for 8 minutes total, but yours might be a minute or two more or less. I suggest you open your air fryer at 7 mins, evaluate and then go from there. It shouldn't take more than 9 mins to get 6 tortillas perfectly crispy.
Can you reheat nachos in the air fryer?
You can, but you risk the nachos getting hard. For the best results, I would eat them as soon as they are made.
How do you make nachos that aren't soggy?
Part of this is air frying the tortillas until they are optimally crisp, but it's also about what you put on them. Wet toppings like salsa, sour cream and guac should be put on at the last minute or served on the side.
What's the best cheese for air fryer nachos
Personally I prefer to use a shredded cheese because it's healthier and easier. It's not as runny as a queso style-melted cheese which can make your nachos soggy. A light shredded Mexican blend cheese is perfect for this recipe. For best results, make sure you get a little cheese on every nacho!
What else can you top your nachos with?
Healthy options include:
- Black beans
- Fresh cut green onion
- Salsa (green or red)
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Shredded chicken
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Black olives
- Ground beef, chicken or turkey
*Adding additional toppings will change the macros and calories mentioned below.
Are you counting macros?
If you are counting macros, this recipe serves 2 (as an appetizer). Therefore, each serving = 184 cals, 7.4g fat, 23g carbs, 4.5g fiber, 6.5g protein
Are you on the 21 Day Fix or Ultimate Portion Fix Meal Plan?
Then you're in luck, because this is a 21 Day Fix approved recipe. One serving of air fried nachos = 1 yellow and 1 blue container.
Curious what the Ultimate Portion Fix (a.k.a. the 21 Day Fix Meal Plan) is? Click here to learn more.
Want More Guiltless Air Fryer Recipes?
- Air Fryer Carrot Fries
- Air Fryer Cauliflower Buffalo Wings
- Air Fryer Chicken Parmesan
- Air Fryer Thai Turkey Meatballs
The BEST Air Fryer Nachos (21 Day Fix Approved)
Air fryer nachos are the PERFECT snack for those moments when you want a quick salty, crunchy snack, but you don't want a ton of calories to go with it. This recipe is much lower in carbs and calories than a plate of restaurant nachos because we're air frying our own corn tortillas (so easy) and using lighter ingredients. I think you're going to love this recipe - let's dig in.
Ingredients
- 5 small corn tortillas
- 1/4 cup reduced fat (or regular) shredded cheese
- 1/4 cup salsa
- 1 ounce avocado chopped
- 5 jalapeño finely chopped
- 1 green onion chopped
- 3tablespoons cilantro finely chopped
- Salt & chili lime seasoning for seasoning (optional)
- 2 tablespoons light sour cream (optional)
- Non stick spray
Instructions
- Cut the corn tortillas into chip-sized prices.
- Spray the base of your air fryer with non-stick spray and place the tortillas in the air fryer. Season with salt and Tajin before cooking.
- Pre-heat broiler on oven or toaster oven.
- Air fry on 400 for 8 minutes or until golden brown.
- Lay chips out on a small sheet pan, covered in tin foil.
- Cover evenly with salsa and cheese
- Place under broiler for 1 min or until cheese starts to brown.
- Remove sheet pan and cover nachos with remaining ingredients, season and drizzle sour cream over top (if you choose to use it)
- Serve hot.
Notes
Additional Topping Ideas:
- Black beans
- Fresh cut green onion
- Salsa (green or red)
- Pico de gallo
- Guacamole
- Shredded chicken
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Black olives
- Ground beef, chicken or turkey
*Adding additional toppings will change the macros and calories mentioned below.
Want to use ready-made tortilla chips? No problem, just follow the recipe starting from step 5 above.
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Nutrition Information
Yield 2 Serving Size HalfAmount Per Serving Calories 184Total Fat 7.4gCarbohydrates 23gNet Carbohydrates 18.5gFiber 4.5gProtein 6.5g
Caren is a certified yoga teacher, fitness instructor and ADHD Coach. As the founder of The Fit Habit, she shares ADHD-friendly self-care, food & fitness inspiration, along with practical ways to foster mind + body wellness.
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