Irish Nachos

Making Irish Nachos is fun and easy! With lots of crispy edges and loaded with all sorts of tasty toppings, this tasty twist on regular nachos is packed with flavor!

this for later

Aside from the amazing flavors, the best part of this recipe is how easy it is to make, especially when you make it in the air fryer. Much of it can be made ahead of time, and then you can just assemble them at the last minute and serve them hot, gooey, and delicious.

Perfect for sharing on game day or at St. Patrick’s Day parties, taking to a potluck, or just snacking on with friends or family, these potato nachos are hearty, satisfying, and different than regular nachos.

Served hot and fresh and with a bowlful of sour cream for dipping, just like in your favorite Irish pub, these potato nachos are a must-try for potato fans!

I include instructions for making these Irish Nachos in the air fryer and in the oven. But the air fryer is quicker and easier!

Perfectly crispy potatoes are the base, and with mounds of corned beef, cheese, bacon, green onions, and more, the only question is, will you share?

Key Ingredients

For exact amounts needed see the recipe card below

Potatoes – Use russet or other floury potatoes for this recipe. Red-skinned and gold potatoes won’t get quite as crispy.

Vegetable oil – Use whatever you’ve got on hand. The oil will help the potatoes get nice and crispy, so make sure you coat them well. Olive oil will also work.

Corned Beef – Use cooked corned beef for these potato nachos. You can buy deli sliced corned beef or use leftover, shredded corned beef. 

Cheddar cheese – Mild or sharp; use your favorite shredded cheddar cheese.  Or, mix it up with other cheeses like gouda, Colby, or Monterey Jack. Pick a sharp Irish cheddar to be really authentic!

Crumbled bacon – You don’t have to include bacon, but bacon makes everything taste better. I like to make a few extra slices of bacon when I cook some for breakfast to have on hand.

Green onions – Not only do the onions add lovely color, but they add a pop of fresh flavor. Slice the white and green parts and sprinkle them liberally on top of the Irish pub nachos.

How to Make this Irish Potato Nachos Recipe in the Air Fryer

For oven cooking instructions see the recipe card below

1. Cook the Potato Slices

Slice the potato thinly, about ⅛-inch thick. I like to make slice them thin so they are more like chips. Using a mandolin to slice will help ensure they are the same thickness. Then toss them with oil and then sprinkle them with salt. Potatoes need salt!

Lay them in the air fryer basket and air fry at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes, until they are crispy on top. Use tongs to flip them over and air fry for another 5 minutes so they crisp on the other side.

At this point, some will be done, but some slices might need more cooking time. So take out any that are crispy enough and set them aside. Then put the rest back in for another 2-5 minutes until they are all brown around the edges and crisp.

2. Make the Nachos

To cook the nachos with all the tasty toppings you need a plate or tray that will fit in the air fryer. If you don’t have one that works just make one out of aluminum foil.

Pile half of the crispy fried potato slices onto the plate and top them with half of corned beef and shredded cheese.

Pop them back into the air fryer at 350 F for 2-3 minutes, just long enough to melt the cheese and warm up the corned beef. Then make another plate with the rest of the ingredients.

Sprinkle with bacon and green onions and serve!

Find More Air Fryer Recipes!

How to Serve

You don’t need much with this Irish nachos recipe, just some sour cream for drizzling or dipping. If your sour cream is really thick, you can thin it with a bit of water until it is perfectly dippable. 

You can make these easy air fryer nachos a part of an appetizer bar, with other tasty dishes like these Air Fryer Pasta Chips, this Whipped Feta Dip, and these Thai Sweet Chili Wings.

How to Store Leftover Irish Nachos

Store your leftover nachos in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. You can reheat them in the air fryer, although they probably will not get as crispy as they were the first time.

How to Make Nachos Ahead of Time

1. You can slice the potatoes and keep them in water in the fridge, or cook them until crispy and then reheat them before assembling.
2. Have all your toppings ready to go: shred the cheese, cook and crumble the bacon, and shred the corned beef.
3. Have a serving platter picked out and ready to use.

Variations to Irish Pub Nachos

Irish nachos wouldn’t be Irish without corned beef, but you can take the same concept of air frying potatoes until crispy and then topping them in different ways. Some of my favorites include:

Waffle Fry Nachos – use waffle fries and your favorite nacho toppings.

Tex-Mex Potato Nachos – topped with ground beef, salsa, sour cream, and jalapenos.

Steak & Potato Nachos – topped with tender steak and loads of cheese.

Greek Nachos – use grilled chicken or shrimp, and sprinkle on feta and parsley.

Sweet Potato Nachos – they won’t get quite as crispy as russet potatoes, but they’ll still be fabulous!

Loaded potato skins – load air-fried potato skins with melted cheese, pico de Gallo, and black beans.

Let your imagination run wild! And if you love nachos make a Nacho Bar for your next party!

Did You Make This? Leave a Star Rating!