It’s being hailed as a culinary triumph. But I can’t subscribe to this new nachos hack. Josh Elkin, hailed as the king of nouveau-egg implementations, has shared his secrets for perfect Air Fryer nachos. And I’m sluicing them across the Net to you…
Elkin is, first and foremost, one of the most recognizable Internet Food Influencers working today. He’s also an off-the-wall creative guy and I just love to hear what’s up to.
Most recently, he’s been tinkering with Nachos in Air Fryers. But I have to say, it might not be the apex way to make the classic Tex-Mex snack.
What he does
His not-so-simple but (sort of) authentic recipe commands the following:
“We chose to layer in the following order: Chips, chorizo, cheese, […] Salsa, beans, another layer of chips, cheese, pickled jalapenos, diced onions, more chips, more cheese, pico de gallo, beans, more Salsa, one more layer of chips, chorizo, another handful of cheese, and a layer of fresh jalapeños.”
I’ll admit, this recipe is more complex Than I would do. I’d go with: Chips, chorizo, shredded cheese, salsa, refried beans, diced onions, more chips, more salsa and more cheese.
And even that is what I consider a deluxe version of what I cherish as a simple chips, beans, onions, cheese and salsa snack. I want to go on record as opining that Elkin’s Air Fryer Nachos are really a main. And not an outstanding one, really.
21 layers?
That’s what all that stacking stacks up to. And the result is truly amazing to behold. But I immediately noted that – as Josh removed the monster Naco ‘mass’ from his air fryer – it looked a little dry, overall. And it was literally glued together by the cheese. I thought it would probably be difficult to pluck out a single dressed chip (or 2) to eat.
If Josh mentioned in the video how many folks his monster Nachozilla is designed to serve, I missed it. But that’s definitely a party- or game day-sized creature.
The Air Fryer part
He simply suggests:
- Cook in [the] Air Fryer at 400 F for 10 minutes
- Serve with traditional Guacamole and crema/sour cream
- Enjoy!
Back in the real world…
Remember: You can put anything you want on your Nachos, regardless of how you bake them!
But: If you dress them my way, that’s less mass for the heat to penetrate, and 6-8 minutes at 400 F might be more appropriate. Use common sense, trial and error to determine your perfect temp and time.
My take
My verdict on the video: 60 percent theatre, 40 percent recipe.
Sorry, Josh. After looking at your Air Fryer Nacho hack – up, down and sideways – I am forced to conclude that I won’t bother to try making mine that way.
I could probably tinker for a long time with various combinations of toppings, in different amounts, AF-ing them at different temperatures for different times. But why would I, when I get the absolute best Nachos I’ve ever had out of my Breville Convection Broiler/Oven? In even less time?
~ Maggie J.