You will have a game-changing nacho experience with these Air Fryer Pasta Nachos. Imagine crispy gnocchi pasta chips replacing the traditional tortilla chips, perfectly crisped up in your air fryer. Picture a vibrant nacho plate loaded up with savory ground beef, vibrant peppers, black beans and a medley of toppings like sour cream, cheese, guacamole and red onion. This creative twist on nachos is packed with flavor and texture, making it an irresistible appetizer, snack or main course. They are also perfect for game day or a holiday party. These pasta nachos are easy to customize for different dietary restrictions and can be made gluten free and dairy free. I bet you’ve never eaten nachos like this before!
Why You’ll Love This Nacho Recipe
It is a unique and creative recipe! Ditch the ordinary tortilla chips and embrace the unexpected crunch of gnocchi chips.
These nachos are loaded with flavor from savory ground beef and vibrant peppers to creamy toppings.
They are easily customizable and adaptable!
This recipe is easily made gluten free and dairy free.
These pasta nachos make the perfect appetizer, snack or lunch.
They are great for game day or a holiday party!
These are made in the air fryer, which makes everything better!
Equipment Needed
All you need to make these air fryer pasta nachos is an air fryer, cutting board, knife and a plate. This is my favorite air fryer because it doubles as an instant pot also!
Ingredients Needed
Pasta: I used gnocchi here because I am obsessed with gnocchi. Feel free to use any kind of pasta you desire! If you are gluten free, use gluten free pasta.
Meat: I used ground beef in my air fryer pasta nachos. Alternatively, you could use chicken, turkey, lamb or omit the meat for a vegetarian option. I try to use grass-fed and grass-finished ground beef whenever I can. My favorite place to get my meat and fish is Butcher Box because they have organic and high-quality options and it gets delivered right to your door!
Vegetables: I used peppers, black beans and onion here. Using frozen peppers is a great timesaver! Feel free to experiment with different veggies.
Toppings: For toppings, I opted for guacamole, queso and coconut yogurt. I am dairy free so I used dairy free coconut yogurt and dairy free queso. Feel free to use regular queso and sour cream if you are not dairy free!
Oil: You will need oil for the pasta chips when you make them in the air fryer. I like to use avocado oil because it has a high smoke point.
Spices: My favorite salt is Redmond’s Real Salt because it is high-quality and made with zero fillers. If you use my discount code LESSWITHLAUR you can get 15% off Redmond’s website. I also like to use their garlic salt! Feel free to experiment with spices here and use taco seasoning if you desire!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Step 1: Gather your ingredients.
Step 2: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal crispiness. Toss gnocchi with oil, salt and your favorite seasonings. Arrange the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy. If you have any questions please check out my air fryer gnocchi post.
Step 3: While the gnocchi is in the air fryer, cook the ground beef in a pan on medium heat. Section the meat off and add the peppers and black beans. Cook until browned.
Step 4: Chop any raw vegetables you are adding to the nachos, like raw onion.
Step 5: Assemble your nachos. Start with the pasta chips on a plate and add ground beef, peppers, onions, beans, queso, guacamole and sour cream or coconut yogurt. Enjoy!
Nacho Toppings
- Cheese: I opted for queso here, but you could also add a generous layer of your favorite shredded cheese, like cheddar.
- Beans: Black beans add a rich, protein-packed element. Feel free to try out kidney beans, pinto beans or white beans as well.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers and red onions provide a burst of flavor and crunch. If you want extra heat, try adding some jalapeños.
- Meat: Ground beef, seasoned to perfection, adds a savory layer. Experiment with different meats here by trying out turkey, chicken, lamb or using sausage.
- Creamy Touches: Sour cream, guacamole and queso provide a cooling contrast and rich creaminess. If you are dairy free, try out dairy free queso and coconut yogurt on these air fryer past nachos.
How to Make Pasta Chips
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal crispiness. Toss gnocchi with oil, salt and your favorite seasonings. Arrange the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
Storage
This is a single-serve nacho plate and I doubt you will have any leftovers, but in case you do, feel free to store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Recipe FAQs
What should I put on my nachos?
The beauty of nachos lies in their versatility. Experiment with different toppings like salsa, olives, jalapeños and even pineapple for a tropical twist.
What is the secret to good homemade pasta nachos?
Quality ingredients, even cooking and a generous layer of queso are keys to pasta nacho success.
How do you keep loaded nachos from getting soggy?
Avoid oversaucing and serve immediately.
What is the best kind of pasta to use for pasta nachos?
My personal favorite is gnocchi!
Related Recipes
Be sure to try these air fryer recipes next:
Air Fryer Cucumber Salmon Bites
If you make these air fryer pasta nachos and love them, I would really appreciate a 5 star review! I also love seeing your creations so please tag me on Instagram or TikTok.
Air Fryer Pasta Nachos
Equipment
- 1 air fryer
- 1 cutting board
- 1 knife
- 1 plate
Ingredients
- 1 package gnocchi
- 1/2 cup ground beef
- 1/2 cup bell peppers
- 1/2 cup black beans
- 1/8 cup red onion
- 2 tsbp queso
- 2 tbsp guacamole
- 1 tbsp coconut yogurt
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- dash salt
Instructions
- Gather your ingredients.
- Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal crispiness. Toss gnocchi with oil, salt and your favorite seasonings. Arrange the seasoned gnocchi in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.
- While the gnocchi is in the air fryer, cook the ground beef in a pan on medium heat. Section the meat off and add the peppers and black beans. Cook until browned.
- Chop any raw vegetables you are adding to the nachos, like raw onion.
- Assemble your nachos. Start with the pasta chips on a plate and add ground beef, peppers, onions, beans, queso, guacamole and sour cream or coconut yogurt. Enjoy!
Leave a Reply