Description
Loaded Nachos with spiced ground beef, melted cheddar cheese, fresh vegetables, and creamy sour cream, air fried to crispy perfection in just 30 minutes. This easy-to-make recipe serves as a perfect appetizer or snack packed with bold flavors and vibrant toppings.
Ingredients
Meat Sauce
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 yellow onion, finely chopped
- 8 oz ground beef
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1 cup (8 fl oz) canned crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chipotle paste
Assembly & Toppings
- 5 oz corn chips
- 1 cup (4¼ oz) shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 2 small Roma tomatoes, seeds removed and cut into ½-inch dice
- 1 small avocado, peeled, seed removed and cut into ½-inch dice
- ½ cup (4¼ oz) sour cream
- ⅓ cup cilantro leaves, chopped
- 1 tbsp pickled sliced jalapeño peppers (to serve)
Instructions
- Cook the Meat Sauce: Place a large skillet or frying pan over high heat. Add the olive oil and finely chopped yellow onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring, until it is evenly browned. Stir in the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the canned crushed tomatoes and chipotle paste and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Preheat the Oven: Insert the oven rack into position 2 (counting from the top). Set the oven to Air Fry mode with Super Convection at 400°F, and preheat for 7 minutes. Press Start to begin preheating, and proceed to assemble during this time.
- Assemble the Nachos: Line a roasting pan with foil. Spread the corn chips evenly over the foil-lined pan. Spoon the cooked meat sauce evenly over the chips. Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese generously over the top of the meat sauce and chips.
- Air Fry: Once the oven is preheated, place the roasting pan inside and air fry for 7 minutes. When the oven signals, carefully rotate the pan to ensure even cooking and continue air frying until the chips are golden brown and the cheese is fully melted.
- Check for Doneness: Inspect the nachos. The corn chips should be crisp and golden, with melted, bubbly cheese. If necessary, add a little more cooking time using the ‘A Bit More’ function, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Serve: Remove the nachos from the oven. Sprinkle the top with finely chopped red onion, diced Roma tomatoes, and diced avocado. Spoon over the sour cream and scatter chopped cilantro leaves and pickled sliced jalapeño peppers on top. Serve immediately for the best flavors and texture.
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the chipotle paste and jalapeños.
- Using fresh ingredients for toppings adds a nice contrast to the savory meat sauce and melted cheese.
- Keep an eye on the nachos while air frying to prevent the cheese from burning.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute ground beef with seasoned cooked lentils or plant-based meat alternatives.
- Leftover nachos can be reheated in the air fryer for a few minutes but are best enjoyed fresh.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
