Epic Beef Nachos Supreme (Air Fryer)
Intro
These Epic Beef Nachos Supreme are everything you love about Tex-Mex comfort food — crisp tortilla chips layered with savory taco-seasoned beef, creamy refried beans, melty cheese, and fresh toppings for the perfect bite every time. The air fryer is the secret weapon here: it crisps the chips without drying them out, melts the cheese evenly, and reheats everything fast without turning on the oven. With bold flavors and customizable toppings, these nachos will easily become your go-to for quick, satisfying meals or party snacks.
Preheat air fryer: 350°F (175°C) — 2 minutes
Melt & heat nachos: 350°F (175°C) — 4–5 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
8 oz (225 g) tortilla chips (sturdy, restaurant-style)
½ lb (225 g) ground beef
1 tbsp taco seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
½ cup water
1 cup refried beans (optional but recommended)
1½ cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar + Monterey Jack)
½ cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup sliced black olives (optional)
¼ cup pickled jalapeños (optional)
¼ cup chopped green onions
Sour cream and guacamole for serving
Cooking spray (light)
Instructions
Cook the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned (5–6 minutes).
Drain excess grease, add taco seasoning and water, stir, and simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened.
Set aside.
Prep the Base
If using refried beans, warm them slightly in the microwave so they spread easily.
In the air fryer-safe pan or foil tray, arrange a layer of tortilla chips (about half).
Dot chips with refried beans, sprinkle some beef, and scatter cheese evenly.
Repeat with another layer of chips, beans, beef, and cheese.
Air Fry the Nachos
Lightly spray the top with cooking spray (helps cheese melt evenly).
Air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 4–5 minutes, just until cheese is fully melted and chips are crisp but not burnt.
Keep an eye in the last minute — nachos can brown fast.
Load on Fresh Toppings
Remove nachos carefully (tray will be hot).
Sprinkle with diced tomatoes, olives, jalapeños, and green onions.
Serve immediately with sour cream and guacamole on the side.
Serving Tips
Serve straight from the tray for a casual, shareable style.
Add cooked black beans or corn for extra heartiness.
For spicy lovers, drizzle with hot sauce or chipotle crema before serving.
Air Fryer Pro Tip
If your air fryer basket is small, build single-serve nacho portions so cheese melts evenly and toppings don’t slide off.
I can also make you a Taco Bell–style nacho cheese sauce recipe to drizzle over these so they taste even more like fast food heaven.