Air Fryer Vegan Black Bean Nachos

Servings: 2–3

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 8–12 minutes

Ingredients

For the Nachos:

• 6–8 corn tortillas, cut into triangles (or store-bought tortilla chips)

• 1 cup cooked black beans (or canned, drained and rinsed)

• 1/2 cup vegan shredded cheese (cheddar-style or mozzarella-style)

• 1 small red onion, finely diced

• 1 small tomato, diced

• 1/4 cup sliced black olives (optional)

• 1/4 cup corn kernels (fresh, frozen, or canned)

• 1 small jalapeño, thinly sliced (optional, for spice)

• 1 tsp olive oil or cooking spray

For Toppings (after air frying):

• Fresh cilantro, chopped

• Vegan sour cream or cashew cream

• Avocado slices or guacamole

• Lime wedges

Spices / Seasoning:

• 1 tsp smoked paprika

• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

• 1/2 tsp cumin

• 1/4 tsp chili powder (optional, for heat)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Tortilla Chips

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C).

2. Lightly brush or spray tortilla triangles with olive oil.

3. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to do multiple batches).

4. Air fry for 5–6 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy. Set aside.

2. Season the Black Beans

1. In a small bowl, mix black beans with:

   • Smoked paprika

   • Garlic powder

   • Cumin

   • Chili powder

   • Salt & pepper

2. Optional: heat for 1–2 minutes in the microwave or on a pan to enhance flavor.

3. Assemble Nachos in the Air Fryer

1. In the air fryer basket (or a heatproof dish that fits inside), layer:

   • 1/3 of the tortilla chips

   • 1/3 of black beans

   • 1/3 of diced onion, corn, tomatoes, olives, jalapeño

   • Sprinkle 1/3 of vegan shredded cheese

2. Repeat for 2 more layers (or until ingredients are used). Top with a final sprinkle of cheese.

Tip: Avoid overloading the basket; air circulation is key for crispiness.

4. Air Fry the Nachos

1. Cook at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes, until the cheese is melted and toppings are warm.

2. Check halfway — gently shake or move chips with tongs to prevent burning.

5. Add Fresh Toppings

1. Remove from air fryer and transfer to a serving plate.

2. Garnish with:

   • Chopped cilantro

   • Vegan sour cream or cashew cream

   • Avocado slices or guacamole

   • Lime wedges for squeezing

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Nachos

• Prevent soggy chips: Make sure the beans are not watery; drain excess liquid.

• Layering: Chips on bottom, cheese + beans in middle, chips + cheese on top works best.

• Crispy edges: Add a few chips around the top layer without toppings so they stay crunchy.

• Optional extra flavor: Sprinkle nutritional yeast or taco seasoning on top before air frying.