20 Layer Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

Cook Time: 15 minutes

This recipe yields 12 servings of deliciously cheesy and savory loaded nachos, perfect for a snack or a casual meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. ground sirloin
• 1 cup finely chopped onion, divided
• 1 package taco seasoning
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 1/2 bags (about 20 ounces) tortilla chips, divided
• 16 ounces shredded Cheddar cheese, divided
• 2 (4-ounce) cans diced green chiles
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed, divided
• 1 cup salsa
• 1/2 cup sliced pickled jalapenos, plus more for garnish if desired
• 1 (2.25-ounce) sliced black olives, drained
• 8 ounces sour cream
• 1 avocado, peeled and diced
• 2 Roma tomatoes, seeded and diced
• 1/2 cup cilantro

Directions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and chopped onion. Cook, crumbling the beef with a spoon and stirring often, until the beef is browned.
2. Add taco seasoning and water to the skillet. Stir well and cook for about 3 minutes, or until the mixture thickens slightly. Remove from heat.
3. Line the bottom of a deep air fryer basket with parchment paper, ensuring the parchment paper rises up the sides of the basket. Arrange a layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of the basket.
4. Top the chips with half of the beef mixture, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle 1/3 of the shredded Cheddar cheese over the beef.
5. Spoon the diced green chiles over the cheese. Add a second layer of chips, then top with half of the drained black beans and spoon salsa evenly over the chips.
6. Sprinkle the second 1/3 of shredded Cheddar cheese over the salsa. Add the final layer of tortilla chips, then top with the remaining black beans, sliced pickled jalapenos, and the remaining cheese.
7. Add the sliced black olives on top. Set the air fryer to 350F (175C) and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, or until the cheese has melted and is beginning to brown.
8. Carefully remove the nachos from the air fryer using the parchment paper, transferring them onto a serving platter.
9. Top the nachos with sour cream, diced avocado, diced Roma tomatoes, cilantro, and additional jalapenos if desired.
10. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

• Calories: 730
• Total Fat: 43g (55% Daily Value)
• Saturated Fat: 15g (77% Daily Value)
• Cholesterol: 118mg (39% Daily Value)
• Sodium: 885mg (38% Daily Value)
• Total Carbohydrates: 52g (19% Daily Value)
• Dietary Fiber: 9g (33% Daily Value)
• Total Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 38g (76% Daily Value)
• Vitamin C: 53mg (59% Daily Value)
• Calcium: 388mg (30% Daily Value)
• Iron: 4mg (21% Daily Value)
• Potassium: 877mg (19% Daily Value)

Note: Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

History and Origins of Nachos

Nachos trace their roots back to 1943 in Piedras Negras, a small city just across the border from Eagle Pass, Texas. The dish was reportedly created by Ignacio Nacho Anaya, who improvised a snack for a group of hungry American military wives using what he had on hand: tortilla chips, cheese, and jalapeos. From this modest beginning, nachos grew into a culinary icon in Tex-Mex cuisine, evolving from a simple bar snack into a versatile dish enjoyed worldwide.

Regional Variations and Characteristics

Although the original nachos were basic, modern versions reflect the influence of regional tastes. In Texas and the southwestern United States, nachos are often loaded with ground beef, beans, and a variety of cheeses, similar to this 20-layer air fryer version. In contrast, northern Mexico emphasizes fresher toppings like pico de gallo, crema, and avocado. Some regions even incorporate unique ingredients such as chorizo, carnitas, or regional cheeses, making each variation distinct while preserving the crunchy base of tortilla chips.

Comparison with Similar Dishes

Nachos are frequently compared to other layered Tex-Mex dishes, such as tacos or tostadas. Unlike tacos, which are individually wrapped and handheld, nachos are served as a communal plate with overlapping layers of chips and toppings. Tostadas use a single, flat fried tortilla per serving, while nachos rely on stacking multiple chips with layers of cheese, meat, and vegetables. This multi-layer structure creates a textural contrast between crunchy chips and creamy toppings that is central to their appeal.

Typical Serving Occasions

Nachos are especially popular in casual settings and social gatherings. Sports bars and game-day events often feature large platters for sharing, while family kitchens enjoy scaled-down versions for weekday meals. Air fryer adaptations, like this 20-layer recipe, make it possible to achieve a crisp, evenly melted dish without traditional oven baking, making it convenient for modern home cooking.

Interesting Facts

• The term nacho itself became so famous that it was trademarked for a brief period in the 1950s.
• Loaded nachos have inspired competitive eating contests, showcasing the dishs popularity and versatility.
• Nachos have a Guinness World Record for the largest serving, weighing over 5,000 pounds, demonstrating their status as a cultural and culinary phenomenon.
• Air fryers offer a healthier alternative by reducing the oil required to melt cheese and crisp chips, while still maintaining the classic taste.
• Vegetarian or vegan nachos are increasingly common, substituting beans, vegetables, or plant-based cheeses, reflecting the dishs adaptability to modern dietary trends.

From its humble origins to its status as a party favorite, nachos have evolved across regions, adapted to contemporary cooking methods, and distinguished themselves from other Tex-Mex dishes through their layered construction and communal presentation. This 20-layer air fryer version exemplifies both tradition and innovation, making it a must-try for enthusiasts of bold, flavorful comfort food.

FAQ about 20 Layer Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

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