Nachos are a crowd-pleasing appetizer or snack made of tortilla chips, cheese, and an array of tasty toppings. But leftover nachos often end up soggy and lacking their original crunch. Fortunately, with the right reheating method, you can revive yesterday’s nachos to their former glory. Here’s how to reheat nachos using the oven, microwave, or air fryer.
Reheating Nachos in the Oven
The oven allows you to reheat nachos gently and evenly for a crispy result.
What You Need
- Leftover nachos
- Oven-safe baking sheet or pan
- Aluminum foil
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F.
- Place nachos in a single layer on a foil-lined baking sheet. Make sure chips don’t overlap.
- Cover pan with more foil, sealing the edges to keep in steam.
- Bake for 10-15 minutes until hot and crunchy.
- Remove foil and bake 2-3 more minutes to recrisp any soggy chips.
Pro Tip: For the best texture, avoid piling on heaps of toppings which can make nachos soggy and hard to reheat. Save extras like guacamole, salsa, and sour cream for serving.
Common Questions
How long should you reheat nachos in the oven? Depending on amount, nachos take 10-15 minutes covered in foil plus 2-3 minutes uncovered. Watch carefully near the end to avoid burning.
Can you reheat nachos with toppings in the oven? Yes, but go light on wet ingredients like salsa, cheese, beans or it may create sogginess. Save excess toppings to add after reheating.
Reheating Nachos in the Microwave
The microwave provides a fast, convenient way to reheat nachos when you’re short on time.
What You Need
- Leftover nachos
- Microwave-safe plate or bowl
Instructions
- Place nachos on a microwave-safe plate in a single layer.
- Microwave on high in 30 second intervals until heated through, about 1-3 minutes total.
- Allow to sit 1 minute before serving.
Pro Tip: Microwaves can create hot and cold spots. Rotate the plate every 30 seconds for even reheating. Add a glass of water along with the nachos to create steam.
Common Questions
How long should you microwave nachos? Cook times vary based on amount and power level. Nachos take 1-3 minutes on high in a typical microwave. Heat in 30 second bursts then check to avoid overcooking.
How can you make nachos crispy again in the microwave? The key is to go low and slow. Cook at 50% power for a longer time to gently crisp without scorching. Let sit 1 minute before eating so chips fully recrunch.
Reheating Nachos in the Air Fryer
The hot air circulating technology of an air fryer makes it ideal for crisping up leftover nachos.
What You Need
- Leftover nachos
- Air fryer
Instructions
- Place a single layer of nachos in the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Check frequently and cook until heated through and crispy.
Pro Tip: Like the oven, limit cheese and wet toppings when air frying or they’ll make nachos soggy. Brush both sides of chips with oil before air frying for extra crunch.
Common Questions
How long do you air fry nachos? Cook time can vary based on amount and air fryer. Most take 3-5 minutes at 375°F to reheat nachos evenly. Shake or flip chips halfway for optimum crispness.
What’s the best way to crisp up nachos in an air fryer? Brush both sides of chips lightly with oil before air frying. Cook in a single layer, shaking the basket occasionally for even crisping.
Recipes
Bacon Nacho Bake
- Layer leftover nachos in a casserole dish. Top with crunchy bacon bits, shredded cheddar, and diced tomatoes. Bake at 350F for 15 minutes until hot and melty.
Nacho Quesadillas
- Fill a tortilla with reheated nachos and shredded cheese. Fold in half and cook in a skillet with oil until crispy on both sides. Cut into wedges.
Nacho Loaded Potatoes
- Slice baked potatoes in half. Scoop out insides and mix with reheated nachos, bacon, green onions, cheese, and sour cream. Stuff back into potato skins and broil until crispy.
Nacho Soup
- Make a cheese soup with chicken broth, milk, flour, onions, and cheddar. Add reheated nachos into individual bowls and top with avocado, tomatoes, and crunchy tortilla strips.
Nacho Pizza
- Top a pizza crust with nacho cheese sauce, reheated nachos, ground beef, peppers, onions, olives, lettuce, tomatoes, and jalapeños. Bake until crust is crispy and toppings are hot.
Here are 5 specific product recommendations:
Microwaves:
- LG LMC0975ST Countertop Microwave Oven
- Panasonic Microwave Oven NN-SN966S
- Toshiba EM131A5C-SS Microwave Oven
- Sharp ZSMC0710BW Microwave Drawer Oven
- GE JES1656SRSS Microwave Oven
Ovens:
- GE JB750SJSS 30″ Electric Double Oven
- Bosch 500 Series Electric Double Oven
- LG LDE4415ST Double Electric Oven
- Frigidaire FGET3065PF Gallery Double Oven
- Samsung NX58K9850WG Double Oven Gas Range
Air fryers:
- Philips Premium Airfryer XXL
- Ninja Air Fryer AF101
- Instant Vortex Plus Air Fryer
- Cosori Smart WiFi Air Fryer
- Cuisinart AirFryer Toaster Oven
With a short time in the oven, microwave, or air fryer, you can revive leftover nachos to taste freshly made. Limit cheese and wet toppings when reheating to prevent sogginess. Above all, keep a close watch and don’t overcook or you’ll lose that crave-worthy crunch. Now you’re ready to reinvent last night’s nachos into today’s snack time sensation.
