Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos

Get ready to party! These Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos are a quick, easy, and tasty appetizer. Tortilla chips stacked with moist and tender pulled pork, black beans, and plenty of melty cheese are transformed into crispy, irresistible bites of pure deliciousness. Top them with jalapenos, tomatoes, black olives, and sour cream for the perfect snack. Betcha can’t eat just one!

Hearty Air Fryer Appetizers

Air fryers are my favorite way to whip up some appetizers when I'm craving an easy snack or getting ready for a party. They cook most appetizers in a fraction of the time it would take using conventional methods with as good or better results. They’re also a healthier alternative to frying, using almost no oil and still providing that crispiness we all love. Plus, cleanup is a breeze! Sounds like a winner!

Not to mention they’re extremely versatile and can cook a wide variety of appetizers—from Air Fryer Pizza Bites, to Air Fryer Jalapeno Poppers, and Air Fryer Southwest Egg Rolls to Air Fryer Steak Bites— all with the same consistent, crispy results.

Why You'll Love This Air Fryer Nachos Recipe

You're going to be totally obsessed with these Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos! So much better than regular nachos! Here's a few tasty reasons why.

• Crispy Chips: The quick cooking time of an air fryer is a game changer. No more soggy nachos! What you get is the crunchiest, most satisfying nachos ever, really! It will have you wondering why you ever made nachos any other way.
• Quick: In 6-7 minutes this loaded nachos recipe can satisfy that nacho craving whenever the mood strikes.
• Ooey-Gooey Deliciousness: Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, every bite is a mix of crispy chips, tender pulled pork, creamy beans, and that melty cheese we all crave.
• Best of all Nacho Toppings: Everything you love about Mexican -fresh tomatoes, spicy jalapenos, cool sour cream, and rich avocado add layers of flavor.
• Versatile: When you're trying to satisfy picky eaters or a variety of tastes it's easy to let everyone make their own nachos. It’s like a nacho bar in your kitchen!

Ingredients

Let's talk ingredients for these irresistible Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos, You'll find the exact measurements and everything you need listed in the printable recipe card below.

• Sturdy tortilla chips such as Tostitos
• Pulled pork - homemade pulled pork, any leftover pulled pork, or store-bought
• Taco seasoning
• Water
• Black beans
• Shredded cheese - Cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack cheese, or a combination of both. Make sure to shred your own cheese as pre-shredded cheese will not melt as well.
• Toppings - See the variety of toppings listed below

Ingredient Substitutions and Recipe Variations

When it comes to whipping up these irresistible Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos, there's plenty of room to play with your food and make them just the way you like them. From using up what you have in your pantry or fridge to leftovers, mix, match and be creative! Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Protein Swap: Not in the mood for pork? No problem! Feel free to mix it up with ground beef, shredded chicken or turkey.
• Bean Bonanza: Stick with the classic black beans for that rich, earthy flavor, or try pinto beans, refried beans, kidney beans, or even a fun mix.
• Cheese Lovers: While the recipe calls for shredded cheese, the sky's the limit. A Mexican cheese blend will give you that traditional nacho vibe, but experiment with pepper jack for some heat, colby jack for a smoother melt, cotija for a salty kick, or queso fresco for a crumbly, fresh finish.
• Chip Choices: While white corn tortilla chips are my go-to for their crunch and flavor, you can also try flour chips or whatever you have on hand. Nachos are very forgiving.
• Beyond Tortilla Chips: For a twist, try a base of thick-cut potato chips or tater tots.
• BBQ Twist: For something different, skip the taco seasoning and black beans, and add a generous drizzle of bbq sauce. Pair it with baked beans and a side of coleslaw for some unbelievable nachos.

Recipe Tips

Creating the ultimate Air Fryer Pulled Pork Nachos is a breeze with these handy tips.

• Layering is Key: Start with a uniform layer of chips to avoid any soggy disappointments. This sets the stage for nacho perfection.
• Basket Prep: Line your air fryer basket with a piece of parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup and to keep everything neat and tidy. This little step helps protect your air fryer and make it a mess-free cooking experience.
• Know Your Air Fryer: The type and size of your air fryer matters, so keep an eye on your nachos, especially the first time you make them. Starting at 5 minutes, check to prevent any excess browning.
• Spice to Your Liking: Tailor the heat to your family's preferences. If you don't prefer spicy foods, skip the hot sauce and jalapeños. The milder version still packs plenty of flavors.
• Oven Alternative: No air fryer? No worries! These nachos can be made in the oven at 375°F for about 10 minutes, coming out just as delicious.

Remember, the best part about making nachos is making them your own. So, play with your food, mix up the toppings, and don’t be afraid to try something new.

Pulled Pork Nachos Toppings

Deciding what to put on pulled pork nachos is part of the fun of making them. There are so many toppings that will work but here's a list of just a few to help inspire you.

• Fresh or Pickled Jalapeños: For that perfect bite of heat.
• Fresh or Pickled Red Onion: Adds a tangy crunch that brightens every bite.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: Cool and creamy, these toppings add a delightful contrast to the warmth of these delicious nachos.
• Guacamole or Avocado: Rich, creamy, and full of flavor, they're a must for any nacho lover.
• Queso or Cheese Sauce: Because who doesn’t love more cheese?
• Diced Tomatoes: A burst of juiciness that balances the richness of the cheese and meat.
• Sliced Black Olives: Their salty brininess complements the pulled pork beautifully.
• Corn Kernels: Sweet and crunchy, corn brings a pop of color and texture.
• Diced Pineapple or Mango: For a sweet, tropical twist that pairs amazingly with savory pork.
• Chopped Fresh Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herby dimension that's hard to resist.
• Sliced Green Onions: Their mild, oniony bite is perfect for layering flavors.
• Salsa or Pico de Gallo: Fresh, spicy, or fruity, salsa is the ultimate topping.
• Fresh Lime Slices or Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice can brighten the entire dish, adding a zesty flair.

How to Store and Reheat Leftovers

While we all know that nachos are a dish best served fresh, straight out of the air fryer with their chips crispy and cheese perfectly melted, sometimes leftovers are unavoidable. Here are some tips on storing and reheating to make the most out of them:

Storing Leftovers

• Keep your pulled pork and cheese stored separately from the chips. This way, you can easily whip up a fresh batch of air fryer pulled pork nachos whenever the craving strikes.
• Any leftover toppings should be kept in airtight containers in the fridge and are best used within 3 days.
• Leftover air-fried nachos should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Leftover Nachos:

• When you're ready to reheat, remember they won’t regain their original crispiness but can still be quite tasty. For best results, consider adding fresh chips to the mix to bring back some of that beloved crunch.
• The ideal way to reheat your nachos is by placing them on a baking sheet if using an oven or directly in the air fryer basket. Heat them at 350°F for about 2-3 minutes or until thoroughly warm.

More Air Fryer Appetizers

• Air Fryer Buffalo Cauliflower Wings
• Air Fryer Chicken Kabobs
• Air Fryer Quesadillas
• Air Fryer Ravioli
• Super Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Wings

Find more delicious and easy air fryer recipes right here on 2CM!

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