Chicken Nachos | Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Nachos

Indulge in the ultimate game day treat with these mouthwatering Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Nachos. Loaded with tender shredded chicken, melted cheese, and a drizzle of tangy barbecue sauce, these nachos are the perfect blend of savory, cheesy, and slightly smoky flavors.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy- Ready in under 20 minutes, these nachos are a breeze to make, making them a go-to option for impromptu gatherings.
• Flavor Explosion- Savory shredded chicken is smothered with gooey melted cheese and topped with the perfect balance of barbecue sauce.
• Customizable- Tailor the toppings to your liking by adding jalapenos, diced red onion, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
• Crowd-Pleaser- Whether it's game day, movie night, or a casual get-together, these nachos are sure to be a hit.

What Order Do You Layer Nachos?

Layering nachos properly is key to ensuring that each chip gets an even distribution of toppings and stays crispy. Here's the recommended order for layering nachos:

• Tortilla Chips- Start with a layer of tortilla chips on a baking sheet or oven-safe dish. Arrange them in a single layer, slightly overlapping if necessary.
• Shredded Cheese- Sprinkle a layer of shredded cheese evenly over the tortilla chips. Use a cheese that melts well, such as cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend of Mexican cheeses.
• Proteins- If using cooked meat, such as shredded chicken, ground beef, or chorizo, distribute it evenly over the cheese layer. Make sure the meat is cooked and seasoned before adding it to the nachos.
• Vegetables- Add diced vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños. You can sauté the vegetables briefly before adding them to remove excess moisture and enhance their flavor.
• More Cheese- Sprinkle an additional layer of shredded cheese over the vegetables. This helps bind the toppings together and creates a gooey, cheesy layer.
• Cold Toppings- After baking, add cold toppings that don't require cooking, such as fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sour cream, or salsa. These toppings add freshness and contrast to the warm, cheesy nachos.

How Do You Make Nachos Not Soggy?

Making nachos that are not soggy requires a few key techniques and tips to ensure that each chip stays crispy and maintains its texture. Here's how you can make sure your nachos stay delightfully crunchy:

• Even Distribution. Spread your toppings evenly. This helps ensure that the heat is distributed uniformly, preventing any one area from becoming too wet.
• Pre-Cooked Ingredients. Use pre-cooked ingredients that don't release too much moisture. For example, if using vegetables, sauté them before adding to the nachos to remove excess moisture.
• Cook in Batches. If making a large batch of nachos, consider cooking them in batches. This ensures that each batch gets even exposure to heat and avoids overcrowding, which can lead to sogginess.
• Serve Immediately. Once your nachos are assembled, serve them immediately. Nachos can start to get soggy as they sit, so enjoy them while they're still hot and crispy.

Ingredients You'll Need

These Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Nachos are a deliciously addictive snack that's easy to assemble and customize. Here's what you'll need:

• Tortilla Chips: The foundation of your nachos, opt for your favorite variety of tortilla chips or try making my keto tortilla chips.
• Cooked Chicken: Shredded cooked chicken is the protein-packed star of the show. You can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
• Barbecue Sauce: Choose your preferred barbecue sauce, whether sweet, smoky, or spicy, to drizzle over the nachos.
• Shredded Cheese: A generous layer of shredded cheese is essential for that gooey, melted goodness. Cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend work well.
• Red Onion: Finely diced red onion adds a hint of sharpness and crunch.
• Jalapenos: If you enjoy some heat, sliced jalapenos are a fantastic addition.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness and color.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream on top provides a cooling contrast to the smoky flavors.

How To Make BBQ Chicken Nachos

1. Prepare the Chicken: Start by shredding your cooked chicken. You can use leftovers or rotisserie chicken for convenience.
2. Layer the Chips: Arrange a layer of tortilla chips on the bottom of your air fryer basket, ensuring they're evenly spread out.
3. Add the Chicken: Scatter the shredded chicken over the chips, ensuring an even distribution.
4. Sprinkle Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese over the chicken and chips. Make sure to cover everything for maximum meltiness.
5. Air Fry: Place the loaded air fryer basket into the air fryer and cook at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
6. Add Toppings: Carefully remove the basket and transfer the nachos to a serving plate. Drizzle barbecue sauce over the top, then sprinkle with diced red onion, sliced jalapenos, and dollops of sour cream.

Tips And Tricks

Creating the perfect Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Nachos requires a few tips to ensure they turn out delicious every time:

• Don't Overload: While layering the ingredients, avoid overcrowding the basket. This ensures even cooking and melting.
• Layering is Key: Layering the ingredients helps distribute the flavors and cheese evenly.
• Watch Closely: Keep an eye on the nachos as they cook to prevent burning. Air fryer cooking times may vary.
• Use Cooked Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken ensures that the nachos cook evenly and the cheese doesn't burn before the chicken is safely cooked through.

Variations

Customize your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Nachos to suit your taste preferences:

• Pulled Pork Nachos: Swap the shredded chicken for pulled pork for a smoky twist.
• Vegetarian Nachos: Replace the chicken with black beans or sautéed veggies like bell peppers and onions.
• Extra Cheese: Add an extra layer of shredded cheese for the ultimate cheesy experience.

What Is The Best Thing To Put On Nachos?

Complement your Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Nachos with these delightful sides:

• Guacamole- Creamy guacamole adds a rich, avocado flavor that pairs perfectly with the smoky nachos.
• Salsa- Fresh salsa brings a burst of tanginess and a pop of color to your snack spread.
• Pico de Gallo- This chunky tomato salsa with onions and cilantro adds freshness and a zesty kick.
• Corn Salsa- A sweet and savory corn salsa balances the smoky flavors of the nachos.
• Cucumber Salad- A refreshing cucumber salad with a light vinaigrette offers a crisp and cool contrast.

How Long Do They Last?

Air Fryer BBQ Chicken Nachos are best enjoyed immediately to savor their crispy and cheesy goodness. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 days. Keep in mind that the chips may lose some crispiness.

How To Reheat Them

While nachos are best enjoyed fresh, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to regain some of their crispiness. Just be sure to keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.

More Air Fryer Appetizer Recipes

• Garlic Parmesan Wings
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• Crab Rangoon
• Coconut Shrimp
• Buffalo Cauliflower Wings

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