Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

This is my version of the ever-popular Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos. And believe me, it took less than 15 minutes from start to finish. If you want an AMAZING appetizer or quick lunch, this is my solution; my kids loved it!

As most of you know if you have been following ForktoSpoon.com, I make real meals and foods based on common ingredients, no fancy stores for me. So, if you can grab it from your local grocery store, that is my goal.

Today, I had more Aldi’s Frozen Chicken Breast since I love a great Chicken Sandwich. My kids love a great Chick-fil-A sandwich, so I created my version of a Copycat Sandwich. I had a couple of extra chicken breasts and all of the fixings for nachos, which I had just made, so I thought, why not? My youngest son loves BBQ sauce on everything.

If you are looking for some other quick and Delicious Air Fryer Meals, here are some of my personal favorites: EASY AIR FRYER CHICKEN SANDWICH (CHICK-FIL-A COPYCAT), AIR FRYER GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICH and INSTANT POT PULLED PORK SANDWICHES.

Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

The key here is to use your air fryer twice: once to make the frozen chicken and again to heat it all. Find any oven-safe pan—usually, if it’s oven-safe, it is air fryer-safe—and load your nachos on top.

You can use almost anything you love on Nachos for the toppings. I always use whatever I have in the house (my family’s favorite).

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

Here are the simple ingredients to make chicken tacos in the air fryer.

Remember the step-by-step directions below in the printed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

• Frozen Breaded Chicken Breast: These crispy chicken breasts provide a flavorful and convenient protein base for your nachos, adding a satisfying crunch and savory taste when air-fried.
• BBQ Sauce: Smothered over the chicken, BBQ sauce infuses a sweet and tangy flavor, adding a delicious barbecue twist to your loaded nachos.
• Tortilla Chips: As the crispy foundation, tortilla chips provide the perfect crunch and texture for your nachos, holding up well under the layers of toppings.
• Shredded Cheese: Melted over the nachos, shredded cheese adds gooeyness and richness, creating a savory blanket that binds all the ingredients together.
• Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes offer a burst of freshness and juiciness, balancing out the richness of the other ingredients while adding vibrant color and texture to your nachos.
• Bacon (Cooked or Bacon Bits): Crumbled bacon or bacon bits contribute a smoky, salty flavor and a satisfying crunch to your loaded nachos, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
• Sour Cream: Dolloped on top, sour cream provides a cool and creamy contrast to the bold flavors of the BBQ chicken and cheese, offering a refreshing touch with each bite.
• Ranch Dressing: Drizzled or served on the side, ranch dressing adds a creamy and tangy flavor that complements the BBQ sauce and harmonizes all the flavors, elevating your nacho experience.

How To Make Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Nachos

Here are the step-by-step directions to make BBQ chicken nachos in the air fryer.

Place your frozen breaded chicken breast into the air fryer basket, then set the temperature to 370 degrees F. Air fry for about 8-10, until fully cooked. Dice your cooked chicken and mix in with the BBQ sauce.

Place your tortilla chips into a pan.

Add your shredded cheese on top and then your BBQ-coated chicken. Set back into the air fryer for 3-5 minutes at 320 degrees F. You want the cheese to melt. When the cheese is melted, add all your favorite toppings.

Pro Tips

Here are some pro tips for making delicious air fryer chicken nachos:

• Precook Ingredients: Precook any required ingredients, such as chicken, bacon, or vegetables. This ensures all components are correctly cooked and evenly distributed on the nachos.
• Layering: Layer the ingredients evenly on the tortilla chips to ensure each bite is flavorful. Start with a base of chips, followed by chicken, cheese, and other toppings, repeating as needed for multiple layers.
• Use Parchment Paper: Line the air fryer basket with parchment paper to prevent the melted cheese from sticking to the basket and making cleanup easier.
• Avoid Overloading: Do not overload the air fryer basket with too many nachos, as this can prevent proper airflow and result in uneven cooking. Cook in batches if necessary.
• Monitor Closely: Monitor the nachos while cooking to prevent burning. Cooking times may vary depending on the size and thickness of the ingredients, so it’s essential to monitor them closely.
• Add Toppings After Cooking: Add any cold toppings, such as tomatoes, sour cream, or ranch dressing, after the nachos are cooked to maintain their freshness and prevent them from becoming too warm or soggy.
• Customize Toppings: Create unique flavor combinations by getting creative with toppings to suit your taste preferences. Experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, sauces, or proteins.
• Serve Immediately: Serve the nachos immediately after cooking while they’re still warm and the cheese is gooey. Nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer!

Following these pro tips, you can impress your family and friends with perfectly crispy and flavorful air-fried chicken nachos!

Faq’s

Can I use pre-cooked chicken for chicken nachos? Yes, you can. Rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, or leftover cooked chicken are all great options. Shred or chop the chicken and use it as a topping for your nachos.

Can I make chicken nachos ahead of time? While chicken nachos are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, you can prepare some components ahead of time to save time. Cook the chicken and chop the toppings, then assemble and cook the nachos just before serving for the best results.

Can I use different types of cheese for chicken nachos? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite cheese or a combination of cheeses. Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Pepper Jack, or Mexican blend cheese are all popular choices that melt well and add delicious flavor to the nachos.

How do I prevent the nachos from getting soggy? Avoid overloading the nachos with too many wet toppings or sauces to prevent them from getting soggy. Cook the nachos in a single layer in the air fryer basket, and add cold toppings, such as tomatoes or sour cream, after cooking to maintain their freshness.

Can I make chicken nachos without an air fryer? Yes, you can make chicken nachos using a conventional oven or microwave. Assemble the nachos on a baking sheet or microwave-safe plate and cook them according to the instructions for your chosen method.

What are some popular toppings for chicken nachos? Popular toppings include diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, black beans, sliced olives, green onions, guacamole, salsa, sour cream, and cilantro. Get creative and customize your nachos with your favorite toppings!

Can I use store-bought tortilla chips for chicken nachos? Yes, you can use store-bought tortilla chips for chicken nachos. Look for sturdy tortilla chips that can withstand the weight of the toppings without becoming soggy.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER IRISH POTATO NACHOS
• AIR FRYER CHEESY HAM & PICKLE EGG ROLLS
• EASY AIR FRYER HOMEMADE FRENCH BREAD PIZZA
• AIR FRYER GARLIC PARMESAN FRIES
• AIR FRYER JALAPENO POPPER STUFFED MUSHROOMS

Equipment Used

• INSTANT VORTEX AIR FRYER 4 IN 1, BEST FRIES EVER, ROAST, BAKE, REHEAT, 6 QT, 1700W

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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