Healthy Nachos (in the Air Fryer)
These Healthy Nachos in the Air Fryer are the perfect high-protein appetizer or snack! Prepare them in less than 15 minutes, and serve them warm with your favorite toppings.
Who doesn’t love nachos? They’re the perfect crowd-pleasing meal for game day, parties, and any time you need a quick option. However, traditional recipes aren’t exactly nutritious or filling.
So, in true HappiHomemade fashion, we put a slight twist on the classic dish, adding lots of protein and nutrients to keep you full. The best part? These air fryer nachos are so tasty picky eaters don’t even realize we sneak in veggies! Plus, they’re the perfect way to use up any leftovers you have on hand.
Just layer, cook, and serve. Then, whip up a batch of peanut butter caramel apple nachos or dessert nachos with white chocolate and peaches for dessert!
Recipe Ingredients and Variations
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions for this healthy air fryer nachos recipe. Please be sure to scroll down to the recipe card below for the complete details!
- Tortilla Chips – Use any homemade or store-bought tortilla chips you like best. If you really want to amp up the protein content, try an option like Quest chips!
- Bell Peppers – We use mini bell peppers, but you can use full-sized peppers, too. Just slice them into thin strips.
- Taco Meat – Use leftover taco meat, zesty crockpot shredded chicken, ground turkey, seasoned ground beef, or even healthy sloppy joes meat!
- Shredded Cheese – We use cheddar cheese, but mozzarella, Monterey Jack, or any cheese you like best will taste great. For the best taste and texture, buy a block of cheese, and grate it yourself. Pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting.
- Toppings – Go crazy with your favorite toppings! Some of our go-to’s include Greek yogurt, sour cream, lime juice, pickled red onions, diced tomatoes, fresh cilantro, olives, black beans, guacamole, jalapeños, pico de Gallo, green onions, and crumbled bacon.
How to Make Healthy Nachos in Air Fryer
Before you begin, line your air fryer basket with aluminum foil. Yes, you can do this! Just make sure it doesn’t touch the heating element.
- Layer. Add a layer of tortilla chips to the bottom of the air fryer basket. Then, arrange the peppers in an even layer in the second half. Top the chips and peppers with taco meat and cheese.
- Cook. Air fry at 350 degrees Fahrenheit until the cheese is melted.
- Serve. Transfer the nachos to a plate, and sprinkle your toppings of choice on top. Enjoy warm!
Helpful Tools
Make Ahead and Storage Options
- Make Ahead: Prepare the taco meat up to 4-5 days in advance, and slice the veggies up to 1-2 days in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the fridge.
- Store: These healthy nachos are best served right away. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1-2 days.
- Reheat: For the best results, warm leftover air fried nachos in the air fryer or oven just until warmed through. You can also heat them in the microwave, but they’re likely to come out soggy.
Common Questions about Healthy Nachos
Feel free to substitute the tortilla chips with pita chips, naan bread, or all pepper peppers.
If your nachos turn out soggy it’s likely that the air fryer was overcrowded. Arrange the chips and peppers in a single layer, working in batches as needed to ensure they cook evenly.
You can easily serve air fryer nachos on their own as a complete meal! Or, pair them with easy Mexican rice, refried beans, or roasted corn salsa.
More Air Fryer Recipes
Healthy Nachos (in the Air Fryer)
Equipment
- 1 aluminum foil
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 1 serving tortilla chips
- 3-4 mini bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- 1/2 cup taco meat (I use ground venison and turkey)
- 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- salsa
- plain Greek yogurt or a dollop of yogurt mixed with lime juice drizzled over nachos
- pickled red onions
- 5 halved cherry tomatoes
- cilantro
- sliced black olives, guacamole, and jalapenos (optional toppings)
Instructions
- Line the air fryer with aluminum foil.
- Add a layer of tortilla chips to half of the tray and the bell pepper halves.1 serving tortilla chips, 3-4 mini bell peppers, halved and deseeded
- Top the chips and peppers with warm taco meat and sprinkle with cheese.1/2 cup taco meat, 1/4 cup shredded cheese
- Put tray in air fryer at 350F for 2 minutes or until cheese is melted.
- While nachos are in the air fryer, cut your tomatoes in half, shred your lettuce or dice finely, and dice up the cilantro. Add as much lettuce and cilantro as you want.
- Remove nachos and top with salsa, plain Greek yogurt, pickled red onions, tomatoes, and cilantro. Other possible toppings are sliced black olives, guacamole, and jalapenos.salsa, plain Greek yogurt, pickled red onions, 5 halved cherry tomatoes, cilantro, sliced black olives, guacamole, and jalapenos
- Lift the aluminum foil out of the hot air fryer tray and eat immediately.
My air fryer is my favorite appliance and I love that these nachos only take minutes to make. Really yummy!