Air Fryer Nachos [Vegan Black Bean Nachos]

Name: Air Fryer Nachos [Vegan Black Bean Nachos]
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 3 ½ cups of tortilla chips (divided); 7 ounces of vegan cheese; 15 ounces of black beans, drained, rinsed, and dried; Sliced jalapenos (optional); Dollop of guacamole (optional); Dollop of vegan sour cream (optional); Sliced black olives (optional); Minced cilantro (optional)

Air fryer nachos in 5 minutes (no preheating required)! These vegan black bean nachos are loaded with flavor, topped with all your favorite toppings, and make for a quick and simple snack or appetizer!

completed Vegan Air Fryer Nachos on air fryer tray against white surface

Easy Black Bean Loaded Vegan Nachos in an Air Fryer

For anyone who loves Southwestern food and fuss-free snacks, get ready for these air fryer nachos to become a new favorite. These vegan black bean nachos are salty, spicy, 'cheesy', tangy, and delicious. Plus, they’re ready in minutes, require minimal prep, are budget-friendly, and made with just a few simple pantry staples.

By making these nachos in an air fryer, there’s minimal clean-up, too. Especially if you eat them directly from the basket (which I usually do!). They are just as adaptable as other nachos recipes, too. Choose your favorite toppings, add extra plant protein, adjust the spice level, etc. Perfect for impromptu snacking, game days, and parties!

While there are many vegetarian nachos recipes already, this easy nachos recipe relies on just a few simple vegan ingredient swaps for delicious vegan nachos. Honestly, It’s never been easier to be a vegan!

I highly recommend making these air fryer vegan nachos (and vegan jalapeño poppers) whenever you need a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

The Ingredients

This recipe requires 8 base ingredients with plenty of additional topping options.

measured out ingredients for Vegan Air Fryer Nachos against white background

Tortilla chips: Use your favorite sturdy corn chips (triangles, rounds, etc.). Note that flavored corn chips like vegan Doritos may burn, so avoid them.

Did you know you can make your own air fryer tortilla chips?

It’s actually really simple. Just slice the corn tortillas into 4-6 chips. Lightly spray each one with a bit of oil on both sides, and air fry for 4-5 minutes at 400F/205C, until crispy and golden brown. Then load them up with the vegan cheese and beans and pop them back in the machine for air fryer nachos.

Vegan cheese: Use a vegan melty cheese like a dairy-free cheddar cheese or a spicy vegan Mexican cheese. A block will be better than pre-shredded. You could also use vegan nacho cheese (queso).
Black beans: Use canned or pre-cooked black beans or pinto beans.
Jalapenos: Use fresh or pickled jalapenos (or green chilies), thinly sliced. Adjust the amount to taste.
Avocado: I used guacamole, but vegan avocado crema or chunks would work, too.
Vegan sour cream: Use low fat if preferred.
Black olives: Technically optional, but I love the briny flavor.
Cilantro: Or green onions for any non cilantro fans.

Other Vegan Nachos Toppings

For air fryer loaded nachos, choose any of the below toppings to add to your nachos!

Salsa: Pico de Gallo or another red salsa would work perfectly.
Tomatoes: Finely diced tomatoes (instead of salsa).
Sauteed peppers and onions: Optionally with a bit of taco seasoning.
Vegan ground beef/chili: You could use soy protein/TVP or a meat alternative with taco seasoning.
Lentil taco meat: For a soy-free plant-based protein option.
Bell peppers: Fresh or jarred.
Corn: Canned or blackened/grilled corn tastes amazing in veggie nacho recipes.
Pickled pink onions: Wonderfully tangy and pretty and pink.
Refried beans: To swap out with the black beans.
Shredded tofu: Use a fork or grater to shred some tofu and cook it with taco seasoning/chili powder and cumin.
Shredded lettuce: Added right before serving.
Hot sauce: For those who like theirs with a bigger kick.
Taco seasoning: Lightly sprinkle it over the layers of chips and vegan cheese.

If you’re serving these loaded vegan nachos to a large group, try keeping the various toppings in separate dishes so everyone can pick and choose.

How to Make Air Fryer Nachos?

This air fryer nachos recipe requires just four practically effortless steps, including:

1) First, spread two cups of tortilla chips across the bottom of the air fryer basket. Overlap them, so the vegan cheese doesn’t melt and drip through the chips.

2) Then sprinkle over half of the shredded vegan cheese and ¾ cup of beans. Then repeat the layers once more before sprinkling over the jalapeno peppers (if using them).

process shot of vegan cheese being added to chips on air fryer rack

process shot of adding beans to air fryer rack

3) Set the air fryer to 320F/160C and cook the vegan nachos for 3-5 minutes, until the vegan cheese melts.

Vegan Air Fryer Nachos on air fryer tray against white surface prior to being air-fried

4) Then, transfer them to a large plate (or eat them from the air fryer for less washing up!) and top them with all your favorite toppings. I used guacamole, black olives, vegan sour cream, and minced cilantro.

FAQs

Are air fryer nachos healthy?

Well, I wouldn’t go adding these vegan nachos to my post-workout snacks list, but they also don’t have to be loaded with fats and unhealthy ingredients.

If you track macros and calories closely, feel free to measure out the ingredients and tweak ratios to your liking. However, with black beans, guacamole, and corn chips, this snack is loaded with protein, fiber, and heart-healthy fats.

Are nachos gluten-free?

Corn chips are usually gluten-free, but I recommend checking the packaging details, just in case. Otherwise, the ingredients in these black bean nachos are naturally vegan.

Can you reheat nachos?

I wouldn’t recommend it once all the toppings are on. However, the base black bean nachos and vegan cheese combo can be reheated in an air fryer for 2-3 minutes.

Can I make black bean nachos in the oven?

Yes, baked nachos are also simple to prepare but take longer. Spread the tortilla chips across a baking sheet, top with the vegan cheese and beans, then bake at 375F/190C for 9-12 minutes, or until the dairy-free cheese has fully melted. Then serve them with your favorite toppings.

Can I make them ahead?

I don’t recommend preparing the entire air fryer nachos dish in advance. You can, however, prepare many of the elements in advance.

I.e., if making homemade salsa, chopping veggies, homemade vegan queso, guacamole, any ‘meaty’ topping like vegan mince or chili, etc. All (except the guacamole) can be made 2-3 days in advance.

If you do have any leftover nachos, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for a day at most.

Top Recipe Tips and Notes

Use the best tortilla chips: It’s best to use thick, sturdy chips for these air fryer nachos so they don’t become soggy too quickly. i.e., Casa Sanchez, Mission tortilla rounds, etc. Or make your own with corn tortilla chips.
Don’t overfill the air fryer: I recommend up to 3 layers of tortilla chips maximum (or around ⅔ the way up the side of the basket).
To avoid 'naked' chips: Spread the vegan cheese evenly across each layer of the vegan nachos.
For super easy clean up: You could place a layer of aluminum foil at the bottom of the basket, going a couple of inches up the sides of the basket (which you can use to pull it out of the machine).
Cooking time may vary: Based on your type and air fryer model. So keep an eye on them to avoid burning.
Enjoy immediately: The tortilla chips will soften as they sit, so enjoy these air fryer nachos immediately for the best texture.