How to Reheat Nachos [Air Fryer, Oven, Skillet]

Nachos are the ultimate party food. But can you keep them from going to waste? Find out how to reheat nachos the right way, without them turning soggy or bland.

how to reheat nachos

Got a favorite best nacho recipe? You don’t have to throw away those delicious leftovers just because they’ve gone cold. Here are some tips for reheating nacho and other tortilla chip dishes the right way so that they taste just as fresh as when they were first served.

Oven

nachos fresh from reheating in oven to maintain crispy freshness

The best way to warm leftover nachos is in your oven. It allows you to get them piping hot and crispy without letting them turn soggy. Here’s how to do it.

What you will need

  • Regular or toaster oven   
  • Oven gloves     
  • Baking pan or tray     
  • Oven-proof plate
  • Spatula
  • Cooking spray   
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions

Pre-heat the oven and ensure that it reaches 225°F (107°C). After removing the nachos from the fridge, place them on an oven-proof plate or dish. Ensure that all cold toppings and dressings have been removed.

Apply cooking spray to the baking tray. By doing this, you won’t lose any nachos if they stick to the tray. If you’re using a toaster oven, you will need to cover the nachos in aluminum foil.

Bake the nachos for 15 minutes. If you want them more crispy, bake them for a few extra minutes or increase the oven temperature for a couple of minutes.

Using oven mitts, remove the nachos from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes before serving. 

Pros 

  • Fast and effective
  • Retains the original flavor and texture of your nachos

Cons

  • If you’re using a toaster oven, you may find it too small 

Air fryer

Using the air fryer is an easy and healthy option, so it is one of the popular methods. To reheat nachos in an air fryer, you will need:

What you will need

  • Air fryer
  • Cooking spray
  • Cheese (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (187°C) and set the timer for 6 or 7 minutes. Spray the pan with cooking spray to ensure the nachos don’t stick to the fryer. 

Remove all the cold toppings, such as salsa, sour cream, or guacamole. You want to make sure it’s just the nachos going into the fryer.

Transfer the nachos into the air fryer pan, reassembling or relayering them if need be. If you do relayer them, place extra cheese between each new layer.

Heat the nachos until they have reached the level of crispiness you are looking for. Remove from fryer and rest on a plate, allowing theme to cool for a few minutes.

Pros

  • Fast and easy

Cons

  • No ventilation to let out any emissions from dripping food
  • Transferring into and out of the fryer can create mess

Cast Iron Skillet

nachos assembled on skillet for reheating

Cast iron skillets are well known for their excellent heat distribution, cooking food evenly across the frying pan or skillet surface. The good news is that this also extends to warming leftover nachos.

What you will need

  • Cast iron skillet
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions

Make sure the skillet is hot and ready for the reheating process. The nachos need to be prepared by removing cold toppings. Then, place the nachos in the skillet, making sure they are evenly spread across the skillet. Try to avoid piling them on top of each other. The point is to get even heat distribution.

Cover the skillet with aluminum foil. This will help keep the heat in. You will then cover the skillet with its lid, set the burner on medium, and reheat the nachos for about 5 minutes. You want to make sure the cheese is adequately melted.

Remove the nachos from the skillet and leave them on a cool plate. Add the cold toppings back on, and then enjoy.

Pros

  • Heats the chips evenly
  • Cast iron is a great heat conductor

Cons

  • Risk of burning the chips

Broiler

Broiling is a method that uses direct heat, making it fast and easy. It’s also best for warming thin or delicate food, making it perfect for nachos.

What you will need

  • Broiler
  • Oven-proof pan
  • Aluminum foil

Instructions

Remove the cold toppings from your nachos, then line the baking tray or oven-proof plate with aluminum foil. Spread the nachos evenly on the plate and try to avoid overcrowding.

Preheat the broiler to 400˚F. After this, put the plate on the broiler and heat the nachos at 500˚F.

Reheat the nachos for up to 3 minutes. As they heat up, make sure to continue checking on them so they don’t burn.

To serve them, remove them from the broiler and put them on a plate. Make sure to let them rest for at least 5 minutes before digging in.

Pros

  • You can reheat the nachos with their toppings, as long as they are not cold.
  • The process is fast

Cons

  • The nachos will not be heated evenly
  • You might find that the heat doesn’t reach the center

Microwave

warming leftover nachos in microwave

The microwave is one of the easiest and most convenient ways to reheat just about anything. As such, it is an obvious choice for reheating nachos.

The issue with reheating nachos in the microwave is the same that you would face trying to reheat any fried food. There’s the risk of the food getting soggy. But there are ways around this.

What you will need

  • Microwave
  • Microwave-safe plate or dish
  • Paper towels

Instructions

Line the microwave tray or pan with paper towels. This will help suck up any moisture and, in turn, will help get the crispiness you desire. Lay the nachos out evenly and make sure they aren’t stacked one on top of the other. Then put the nachos in the microwave for 1 minute.

Setting it to 1 minute gives you the time to check whether they are cooking well and are at the right crispiness. And this means that you can constantly adjust and add more time if need be. The point is to have crispy nachos with melted cheese. When they are ready, you may serve and enjoy them.

Pros

  • Easy
  • Versatile and allows you to tweak recipes

Cons

  •  Risk of chips going soggy
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