These Easy Air Fryer Chicken Nachos are loaded with layers of melty cheese, pre-cooked chicken, and crispy tortilla chips for a quick lunch or snack. Finished with fresh avocado and pico de gallo, this 10-minute recipe is the ultimate cheesy bite for two.

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Go-To Quick Snack
When I think of nachos, I imagine more than just a party dish; they're one of my go-to quick and easy snacks or a fast lunch whenever I've got leftover cooked chicken breast waiting in the fridge.
Instead of fussing over a long recipe, I grab a baking sheet or line my air fryer with parchment, toss on a single layer of tortilla chips, and scatter chopped, shredded chicken over the top.
From there, it's all about favorite toppings: a blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack for that irresistible melted cheese, a sprinkle of red onion and green onions for crunch, and maybe even black olives or refried beans if I have them on hand.
Why You'll Love It
- Fast and easy: Ready in just 10 minutes using pre-cooked chicken breast or shredded chicken.
- Perfect for any occasion: Great for movie night, game day, or a quick lunch.
- Customizable toppings: Add refried beans, black olives, tomato salsa, or your favorite toppings for endless variations.
- Cheesy goodness: A blend of Monterey Jack and pepper jack creates that perfect gooey, melted cheese layer.
- Healthier options: Easily adapt with a healthier variant of cheese or pile on lots of veggies for extra nutrients.
- Air fryer friendly: Comes out hot, bubbly, and golden brown with minimal effort.
It's a recipe that works for every mood a fun movie night snack, a casual game day bite, or even a lighter lunch when you want something filling but fast. The best part is how versatile it is.
You can lean into a healthier variant of cheese, pile on lots of veggies, or keep it classic with avocado and tomato salsa. However you build it, these nachos always come out golden brown with gooey cheese and layers of fresh flavor.
Recommended Reads
- Protein-Packed Loaded Vegetarian Nachos Recipe
- Ultimate Loaded Nachos Recipe | Cheese Sauce & Pepper Crema
- Easy Air Fryer S'mores Chocolate Chip Cookies
- How to Bread Chicken the Easy Way (Step-by-Step Guide)
- Comforting Turkey Chili Baked Potatoes | Sour Cream & Chives
Ingredients with Steps
Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper and spread out a single layer of tortilla chips. Sprinkle on half of the shredded cheese, add the shredded chicken, then finish with the remaining cheese.
Air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown. Carefully remove the nachos, then top with pico de gallo, avocado, and any of your favorite toppings such as red onion, green onions, or black olives. Serve immediately for the best results.
Equipment
Here's what you'll need to make this recipe with ease:
- Air fryer - basket style or toaster oven style.
- Parchment paper - to line the basket and make cleanup easy.
- Cutting board and knife - for chopping chicken, avocado, and toppings.
- Mixing bowls - for pico de gallo or prepping extra toppings.
- Tongs or spatula - to lift nachos out of the basket.
Kitchen Must-Haves Reviews
Find a collection of my reviews of kitchen equipment that I have purchased or recommend. Kitchen Must-Haves - Find other tools I use here.
Review: The Cosori Turbo Blaze Air Fryer has been an absolute big help in my kitchen! The large basket is perfect for cooking bigger portions, and cleanup is a breeze—just toss it in the dishwasher, and it comes out spotless with no damage. I also love the thoughtful design, with a flat grid basket and silicone feet that prevent scratching and are super easy to remove and reinsert. The big, clear display with multiple preset temperature and time options makes cooking so quick and hassle-free, taking all the guesswork out of the process. Honestly, I love it so much that I haven’t had to pull out my Ninja air fryer since getting this one!
My Review: I absolutely love this Plastic Cutting Board Set of 4 with a Storage Stand! The color-coded boards are a lifesaver for preventing cross-contamination, especially when I’m switching between meats and veggies. The plastic is super sturdy, so I don’t have to worry about it flexing while I’m chopping. What really stands out for me is how easy they are to use after chopping. I slide everything straight into the pot, which keeps my kitchen clean and saves time. Cleanup is such a breeze, too; they go right into the dishwasher without any warping. Plus, the storage stand keeps everything neat and organized. These boards have made cooking so much easier and more enjoyable!
My Review: This knife is well-made. Super solid and multi-functional. It is made with high-carbon steel, so it will not rust. Slicing meat like fish is easier with the grooves. It doesn’t stick to the knife. The handle has an excellent grip, and it's not heavy. For some background, a Santoku is a versatile Japanese kitchen knife characterized by its straight edge and "sheepsfoot" blade, designed for precise slicing, dicing, and chopping. Its name means "three virtues," referring to its ability to handle meat, fish, and vegetables efficiently, making it a staple in both professional and home kitchens.
My Review: I love the clean, classic look of this Pyrex 3-piece glass mixing bowl set. It’s a staple in my kitchen. Pyrex is known for its durability, and these bowls definitely live up to that reputation. I use them for everything from mixing batters to storing leftovers, and the fact that they’re microwave-safe makes them super multifunctional. They’re also easy to clean and stack nicely in the cabinet. The only reason this isn’t a five-star for me is because I always have that little fear of breaking them when I’m using or storing them, even though they’re made to last.
My Review: I've currently switched to the ThermoWorks Hi-Temp Silicone Spatula, and it's been great. The fact that it's all silicone makes it easy just to throw it in the dishwasher and ensures that it will last a long time. It is well made, and the tip is super thin, which is great for scraping; at first, I was afraid it would crack, but it has not yet. Just be careful with it around blades. I made this mistake and have a small snip on mine, but it hasn't cracked around it. So it's still holding well.
Storage and Reheating
Learn how to properly store leftovers and reheat them so they stay fresh and flavorful. Learn more about Understanding Food Temperature Safety Zones: Cook, Store & Serve Safely.
Storing: Nachos are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store the toppings separately from the chips for the best results. Keep the shredded chicken and cheese-covered chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place the nachos back in the air fryer at 325°F for 3-4 minutes until the cheese is melty and the chips are crisp again. Add fresh ingredients like pico de gallo, avocado, red onion, or green onions only after reheating to preserve their flavor and texture.
Substitutions
Find easy ingredient swaps to fit dietary needs or what you already have in your pantry.
Dairy-Free
- Cheese - Use a plant-based shredded cheese blend that melts well instead of Monterey Jack or pepper jack.
- Queso - Try cashew queso or a vegan cheese sauce for a creamy, dairy-free layer.
- Sour cream - Add a dairy-free version made from cashews, tofu, or coconut milk.
- Vegetables - Load up with lots of veggies like grilled peppers, corn, and black beans for extra flavor.
- Avocado - Slice ripe avocado or add more tomato salsa for creamy richness without dairy.
Gluten-Free
- Yay! This recipe is already dairy-free.
Vegetarian
- Beans - Use refried beans, black beans, or both to replace chicken and add protein.
- Vegetables - Add lots of veggies such as sautéed bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Seasoning - Toss beans or vegetables with taco seasoning before layering for extra flavor.
Convenience
- Chicken - Swap chicken breast for chicken thighs or use rotisserie chicken for faster prep.
- Beans - Add black beans or refried beans for extra protein or as a meat replacement.
- Cheese - Use Monterey Jack, cheddar, or a Mexican blend if pepper jack isn't available.
- Chips - Choose baked tortilla chips or whole grain chips for a healthier variant.
- Toppings - Switch up with black olives, tomato salsa, or lots of veggies for variety.
Change Heat Level - Modify the recipe's heat level to your liking and learn more about the Scoville Scale and Chili Pairings.
5 Cooking Tips
Cook's Notebook is your Cooking Tips Resource Guide. Become a better home cook with tips to help you cook more efficiently.
- Layer wisely - Keep chips in a single layer so the toppings heat evenly and the cheese melts without burning.
- Use parchment paper - Lining the basket makes cleanup easier and prevents chips from sticking.
- Watch the time - Air fry at 350°F for 4-5 minutes; nachos cook fast and can go from melty to overdone quickly.
- Add fresh toppings last - Ingredients like pico de gallo, avocado, green onions, or tomato salsa should be added after cooking for the best flavor and texture.
- Choose sturdy chips - Thicker tortilla chips hold up better to melted cheese and toppings, preventing soggy nachos.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, you will find a list of common questions that I have answered. If you have questions, please write them in the comment section below.
Yes, chicken thighs work just as well as chicken breast. Just make sure they're cooked and chopped or shredded before layering onto the nachos for the best results.
Spread the chips in a single layer and avoid overloading them with wet toppings. Always add fresh toppings like tomato salsa and avocado after air frying.
A mix of Monterey Jack and pepper jack creates gooey, flavorful melted cheese. For a lighter option, try a healthier variant of cheese or a dairy-free blend.
Yes, you can easily make vegetarian nachos by swapping the chicken for refried beans, black beans, or extra veggies like bell peppers and corn.
Classic favorite toppings include red onion, green onions, black olives, and sour cream. For a fresher twist, try tomato salsa, jalapeños, or lots of veggies.
Quick and Easy Recipes
Looking for other delicious and easy recipes like this? Try these:
- Rotisserie Chicken Salad | Quick & Easy Meal Prep
- How to Make Ata Gige Paste - A Nigerian Aromatic Base for Cooking
- Garlic and Ginger Paste: A Flavor Shortcut Every Home Cook Needs
- Haitian Djon Djon Rice Recipe (Diri Djon Djon)
Mexican Recipes
Looking for other Mexican-inspired recipes like this? Try these:
- Protein-Packed Loaded Vegetarian Nachos Recipe
- Ultimate Loaded Nachos Recipe | Cheese Sauce & Pepper Crema
- 4 Must-Try Tacos Recipes to Inspire Your Next Craving
- Air Fryer Chicken and Pork Belly Tacos | Easy & Crispy
📖 Recipe
Easy Air Fryer Chicken Nachos Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 cups corn tortilla chips
- 1 cup pre-cooked chicken shredded or diced
- 1 ½ cups pepper jack-colby cheese blend shredded
- 1 avocado ripe and diced
- ½ cup pico de gallo
- fresh cilantro, lime wedges Optional
Equipment
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: Line your air fryer basket with parchment paper. Spread an even layer of tortilla chips.
- Layer: Top with half the cheese, then the chicken, then the rest of the cheese.
- Air Fry: Cook at 350 °F for 4-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Top & Serve: Carefully lift the parchment out, then finish with pico de gallo, avocado chunks, and any extras like cilantro or lime juice.
Notes
- Use thicker tortilla chips so they don't get soggy under the toppings.
- Swap in rotisserie chicken for ultra-fast prep.
- Add sliced jalapeños or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- For extra crunch, layer in roasted corn or black beans before air frying.
- Always add fresh toppings after cooking so they keep their texture.
Nutrition
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Chef Maika Frederic
Chef and Educator
Haitian-American chef and educator Maika Frederic blends bold flavors with approachable recipes. With a background in both professional kitchens, classrooms, and children therapy as a trained chef, former teacher and technician she brings a thoughtful, inclusive touch to every dish. Through her platform, Just Maika Cooking, she shares diverse meals and practical tips to empower home cooks of all ages and levels.
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