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Tortilla chips for air fryer nachos for one, shown before adding beans, cheese and toppings.

Air Fryer Nachos for One

Air fryer nachos for one with black beans and melted cheese. Get exact portions, crisp-chip tips and a shallow-pan method for a quick solo lunch.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 1 serving
Course: Main Course, Snack
Cuisine: Tex-Mex-inspired
Calories: 410
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 1/2 ounces sturdy tortilla chips 42 g
  • 1 ounce shredded cheddar cheese 28 g
  • 1/4 cup drained rinsed canned black beans (43 g)
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon diced tomato drained
  • 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon salsa served on the side
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh cilantro optional

Equipment

  • 3-quart or larger basket air fryer
  • Shallow air-fryer-safe metal pan about 6 inches across, fitting with airflow clearance
  • measuring spoons
  • Oven mitts and heatproof trivet

Method
 

  1. Drain and pat the cooked canned beans dry; toss with cumin. Grate the cheese and prepare cold toppings.
  2. Preheat to 325 F (165 C) only if your model recommends it. In a shallow, approved pan, layer half the chips, beans and cheese, then the remaining halves. Keep the stack loose and low, with chip edges visible.
  3. Set the pan in the basket with airflow clearance. Air fry at 325 F (165 C) for an estimated 3 to 5 minutes, checking at 2 minutes and then in short intervals. Stop when cheese melts and beans are hot, before chip edges darken. Do not shake.
  4. Use oven mitts to remove the pan to a heatproof surface. Add drained tomato, yogurt and optional cilantro. Serve salsa alongside and eat promptly.

Notes

Use only fully cooked canned beans; this short melt is not a raw-meat cooking method.
No loose parchment or foil covers. Stop the appliance if chips lift toward the element and follow its manual.
All cooking times and nutrition are estimates; total excludes any model-specific preheating.
Refrigerate perishables within 2 hours, or 1 hour above 90 F (32 C); use within 3 to 4 days. Reheat leftovers to 165 F (74 C). Texture may soften.
Contains milk; check chip labels. Photo shows chips before toppings, not the finished recipe.