How to Reheat Nachos So They’re Cheesy and Crunchy Instead of Soggy

Nachos are a snack staple, especially for the Super Bowl, but it can be tricky to finish the whole tray in one sitting. The good news: It’s easy to reheat nachos so they taste fresh and crispy as if they just came out of the oven. By following one of the reheating methods below, you’ll be able to serve a tasty plate of nachos in 10 minutes or less—whether you have a small or large batch! Read on for our simple guide on how to reheat nachos and two recipes we love.

The best method for reheating leftover nachos

When your snack cravings strike, you might be tempted to grab those leftover nachos and pop them in the microwave. But unless you have a magic trick up your sleeve, reheating nachos in the microwave usually creates a big soggy mess, especially if you’re trying to reheat nachos with sour cream. So, your best bet is using your oven or an air fryer as it will evenly distribute heat around the nachos so they crisp up nicely. Make sure to first scoop off any cold toppings, such as sour cream, salsa and lettuce, that you don’t want to heat up.

For a large batch: how to reheat nachos in the oven

To reheat nachos in the oven so they’re crispy and cheesy, follow these steps from Jessica Randhawa, recipe creator behind The Forked Spoon.

1. Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. 




2. Spread the nachos out on a parchment-lined baking sheet in a single layer. 




3. If desired, sprinkle a small handful of cheese on top of the nachos. Randhawa explains that “adding a bit of extra cheese before reheating can help revive them, but they may still not be as crispy as when first made.”




4. Bake the nachos for five to 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy. Keep a close eye on them to avoid burning. 




5. Take the nachos out and let cool for three to four minutes. Enjoy!

For a small batch: how to reheat nachos in the air fryer

The air fryer also works great for reheating nachos, especially if you only want to heat a small amount. Since air fryers use circulating heat, you can use this method to thoroughly warm up nachos with hearty toppings like beans or meat. Just make sure to scoop off any cold toppings (i.e., sour cream, salsa, lettuce, etc.) that could split or wilt in the appliance. Below, Randhawa shares three steps for reheating nachos in the air fryer.

1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. (Click through to learn why preheating your air fryer before using it is a crucial step for crisping up food.)




2. Spread the nachos in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. 




3. Cook the nachos for three to five minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the chips are crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. 

2 mouthwatering nacho recipes worth reheating

Below, you can find two recipes for smoky and hearty nachos that are just as delicious when reheated the next day!

Nachos with Spicy Guacamole

Jazzed-up ready-made guac is our test kitchen’s secret to this fave!

Ingredients:

• 1 cup store-bought guacamole




• 2 Tbs. chopped fresh cilantro




• 1 Tbs. chopped + ½ cup sliced drained pickled jalapeño peppers




• 2  plum tomatoes, seeded, diced




• 1 (2.25 oz.) can sliced black olives, drained




• 12 cups tortilla chips, from 13-oz. package




• 8 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, shredded




• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt




• 1 scallion, chopped

Directions:

• Active: 20 mins




• Total time: 30 mins




• Yield: 6 servings

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Mix guacamole, cilantro and 1 Tbs. peppers; reserve. Reserve 1 Tbs. each tomatoes and olives. In 10-inch oven-proof skillet, layer chips, cheese and remaining peppers, tomatoes and olives.




2. Bake until cheese melts, 10 minutes. Top with yogurt and guacamole. Sprinkle with scallion, reserved tomatoes and olives.

Ultimate Loaded Nachos

This recipe comes from Traeger and calls for using a w00d-fire grill, such as their newly launched Woodridge Grill Series, to add a smoky flavor to these delicious loaded nachos.

Ingredients:

Directions:

• Active: 15 mins
• Total time: 25 mins
• Yield: 4 servings