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Air Fryer Irish Potato Nachos

Name: Air Fryer Irish Potato Nachos
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: 1 pound Russet potatoes (sliced thin); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 2 cups cheddar cheese (shredded ); 1 cup sour cream; 1 cup guacamole; 1 cup salsa; 1 whole jalapeno (diced); 1 stalk green onion (sliced); 1/4 cup bacon bits (or 3 pieces of cooked bacon crumbled)

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Air Fryer Irish Potato Nachos are amazing. With the St. Patrick’s Day Holiday coming up, I wanted to treat my kids to an authentic Irish dish. Made with thin potato rounds instead of Nachos, this was a delicious treat for the entire family.

Is there anything better than a platter of Irish Tacos? They are one of the best pub foods you can find in Boston. Especially when they have a huge parade, you will find these in every restaurant lining the parade route.

It is an excellent take on the classic loaded potatoes or a massive platter of Air Fryer Nachos.

If you have never had them, try them. I promise you will love them. Add your favorite nacho toppings. I made them in my Ninja Foodi today, but they are the same no matter what air fryer you use.

What Are Irish Nachos?

Irish Nachos are a delightful twist on the classic Mexican nacho dish. They substitute traditional tortilla chips for sliced potatoes, which can be fried or baked until crisp and golden. The potato slices are then layered with cheese and a variety of toppings, such as chopped green onions, bacon bits, diced tomatoes, jalapeños, and sour cream, much like their Mexican counterpart. Some versions also include ground beef or shredded chicken to make the dish more substantial.

This inventive snack combines the comforting appeal of crispy potatoes with the beloved, cheesy goodness of nachos, creating a unique and savory dish that’s perfect for gatherings, game days, or as a hearty appetizer. The concept celebrates Irish love for potatoes while embracing nachos’ communal and customizable nature, offering a versatile platform for various toppings to suit different tastes.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Irish Potato Nachos

Here are the simple ingredients to make a delicious plate of air-fried Irish Potato Nachos.

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

Russet potatoes, sliced thin, about 1/4 inch thick, serve as the sturdy and crispy foundation, reminiscent of classic nacho chips, but with a comforting, potato-based twist.
Olive oil is brushed on the potato slices to ensure they crisp up beautifully in the air fryer, adding a subtle richness.
A sprinkle of sea salt enhances the natural flavors of the potatoes, bringing out their earthy notes.
Shredded cheddar cheese melts into a gooey, savory layer, binding the toppings to the potato slices.
Cooked bacon or bacon bits add a smoky, crunchy texture, infusing the dish with a robust, meaty flavor.
A dollop of sour cream introduces an excellent, creamy contrast to the warm spices and textures, adding a tangy finish.
Salsa drizzled over the top adds a vibrant, zesty kick, complementing the other ingredients with its tomato-based acidity.
Guacamole is a creamy, rich addition that infuses the dish with the fresh flavors of avocado, lime, and cilantro.
Sliced or diced jalapenos add a spicy element, elevating the dish with a burst of heat that can be adjusted to taste.

How To Make Air Fryer Irish Potato Nachos

Air Fryer Irish Potato Nachos blend the heartiness of traditional Irish cuisine with the beloved, shareable concept of potato nachos, all with the convenience and health benefits of air frying. Here’s a straightforward recipe to create this delightful fusion dish

Start by slicing your potatoes with a mandolin or a sharp knife. You want them all cut about the same thickness so they cook simultaneously. I used 1/4 inch thick.

Add the potato slices to a large bowl with olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Make sure that all of the potatoes are coated so they crisp up.

Pour your potatoes into a pan and set the pan into the air fryer, air fryer, or air crisper for 15-20 minutes at 370 degrees F. I use tongs and flip my potatoes every 5 minutes to cook them evenly. If you have a basket air fryer, shake the basket several times during cooking.

Once the potatoes are crisped up, spread them onto a dish that will fit in your air fryer, spread the cheese on top, and place into your air fryer for 3-5 minutes, at 300 degrees F, air fryer setting, just long enough for the cheese to melt.

Garnish with your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips

Sure, crafting the perfect batch of Air Fryer Irish Potato Nachos can turn into a delightful cooking adventure with these pro tips:

Uniform Potato Slices: Use a mandoline slicer to ensure your potato slices are uniform in thickness. This promotes even cooking and crispiness throughout.
Avoid Overcrowding: If necessary, cook the potato slices in batches to prevent them from overlapping in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than crisping.
Season in Stages: Season the potato slices with salt before air-frying, and consider adding other seasonings (like paprika or garlic powder) after cooking but before adding the cheese. This will layer the flavors more effectively.
Cheese Matters: Opt for freshly shredded cheese rather than pre-shredded. Fresh cheese melts better and provides a creamier texture.
Bacon Tip: If using bacon, cook it until it’s crisp. This adds a nice crunch and ensures it doesn’t become soggy under the cheese and other toppings.
Layer Wisely: After the initial air frying, layer the cheese and bacon bits, then air fry again until the cheese melts. After cooking, add cold toppings like sour cream, salsa, guacamole, and jalapeños to maintain their freshness and texture.
Serving Immediately: These nachos are best enjoyed immediately after cooking while the potatoes are at their crispiest and the cheese is perfectly melted.
Customize Your Toppings: You can customize the toppings based on your preferences. Add diced tomatoes, green onions, black olives, or even a drizzle of ranch dressing for extra flavor.

With these tips, you’ll elevate your Air-Fried Irish Potato Nachos to a crowd-pleasing favorite, perfect for any gathering or a fun family dinner.

Faq’s

Can I use different types of potatoes? Yes. While Russet potatoes are recommended for their crispiness and flavor after air frying, you can also use Yukon Gold or red potatoes for a slightly different texture and taste.

How do I prevent the potato slices from sticking to the air fryer basket? Use a light cooking oil spray on the basket before adding your potato slices. Also, ensure the potato slices are lightly coated with olive oil, which helps them crisp up without sticking.

Can I make these nachos vegan? Absolutely. Substitute the cheddar cheese with your favorite vegan cheese alternative and use vegan bacon bits. To keep it plant-based, top with guacamole, salsa, and vegan sour cream.

How can I add more protein to these nachos? Cook and season meat or plant-based protein, such as ground beef, chicken, turkey, or a vegan alternative, before adding it to the nachos along with the other toppings.

Are these nachos gluten-free? Yes, as long as all the added toppings and sauces are gluten-free. Potatoes and the other base ingredients are naturally gluten-free, but always check the labels on store-bought items like salsa and bacon bits.

What’s the best way to serve and eat Irish Potato Nachos? Serve immediately while hot and crispy. They’re best enjoyed as a shared appetizer or a casual meal. Use a spatula to serve, ensuring you get layers of potato and toppings with each portion.

Can I prepare these nachos in advance? Partially. You can slice the potatoes and prepare the toppings ahead of time. However, to maintain the best texture and temperature, it’s best to air fry the potatoes and assemble the nachos just before serving.

What if my air fryer is small and I can’t cook all the potato slices at once? Work in batches. It’s better to cook the potato slices in multiple batches to ensure even cooking and crispiness. You can keep the cooked slices warm in an oven set to a low temperature while you finish air frying the rest.

How do I store leftovers and reheat them? Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F to restore some crispiness. However, they’re best enjoyed fresh, as reheating may not fully return the initial texture.

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