TL;DR
Cache AJAX URLs lets NitroPack cache the responses of selected AJAX requests, improving speed for dynamic interactions like filters, live search, or product sorting—without breaking functionality.
You’ve probably seen it before: a product filter that takes a few seconds to update, a “load more” button that lags, or a live search bar that stalls with every keystroke.
These interactive elements often rely on AJAX—behind-the-scenes requests that keep the page from reloading. But while AJAX improves usability, it can quietly drag your site’s performance down if left uncached.
Read on to learn how caching AJAX URLs helps make dynamic interactions on your WordPress site feel instant.
What Are AJAX URLs?
AJAX (Asynchronous JavaScript and XML) allows websites to update parts of a page without reloading the whole thing. It’s widely used to power:
- Filterable product listings
- Load-more buttons
- Autocomplete in search bars
- Comment submissions and real-time interactions
While incredibly useful for interactivity, AJAX requests can add up fast—especially on content-heavy or eCommerce sites. Without optimization, they can cause delays, increase server load, and negatively affect the overall experience.
Caching AJAX responses allows your site to:
- deliver repeat requests faster
- reduce redundant processing
- and create a smoother user journey.
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With vs Without Caching AJAX Requests (Example)
If AJAX calls are left uncached, they’re executed from scratch every time—even if the data hasn’t changed. This puts unnecessary pressure on your server and slows down response times.
Take, for example, a product category with filters:
| Scenario | Without AJAX Caching | With AJAX Caching |
| Product filters | Re-runs database queries on each click | Instant response from cached data |
| Live search suggestions | Delayed results for every keystroke | Lightning-fast suggestions appear |
| “Load more” buttons | Full backend request each time | Pulls results from cache |
| Faceted navigation on category pages | High server strain on every filter combo | Fast, seamless transitions |
Caching AJAX URLs improves performance especially in cases where content doesn’t change often but is accessed frequently. The benefits compound as user activity increases.
Why Is Caching AJAX URLs Important?
AJAX functionality is user-focused, but its backend load is real. If you run a high-traffic site, your server might be repeatedly processing the same request—slowing things down for everyone.
Caching helps by:
- Reducing response time – AJAX content loads faster for users
- Lowering server load – Decreases redundant processing for repeat requests
- Improving UX – Pages feel more responsive, particularly on mobile
- Keeping interactive features fast – Like filters, search, or sorting
Bonus: Helps Avoid PageSpeed Insights (PSI) Warnings
AJAX-heavy sites often trigger PSI warnings like:
By caching AJAX responses, you cut back on the time and resources needed to fulfill requests—resulting in better Lighthouse scores and fewer false alarms from PSI, especially on complex pages like category filters or search.
Cache AJAX URLs in NitroPack Explained
This is where NitroPack steps in with a focused solution.
NitroPack lets you specify which AJAX endpoints should be cached. When those requests are triggered, NitroPack stores the response and serves it instantly on repeat visits—no manual coding.
- You define which AJAX URLs to cache in the NitroPack dashboard.
- NitroPack stores the response of the AJAX request.
- Future requests to the same URL return the cached version instantly—until it’s updated or invalidated.
This selective caching is ideal for frequently used, low-volatility AJAX calls—helping you balance performance and accuracy.
To make the most of this feature, look for AJAX endpoints on your site that serve repeat content with minimal changes. These often include:
| Use Case | URL Pattern Example |
| Product filters | /wp-admin/admin-ajax.php?action=filter_products |
| Search suggestions | /ajax/search_suggestions?q=term |
| “Load more” posts or items | /ajax/load-more-posts |
| Infinite scroll on blog or store | /ajax/get-next-page |
NitroPack vs Manual AJAX Caching
Without a tool like NitroPack, caching AJAX requires developer intervention—setting headers, handling cache invalidation, and configuring CDNs or server rules.
NitroPack simplifies the entire process with a visual interface and automatic cache handling.
| Feature | Manual AJAX Caching | NitroPack Cache AJAX URLs |
| Requires coding | ✅ Yes | ❌ No coding needed |
| Easy to configure | ❌ Complex | ✅ Dashboard-based |
| Works with WordPress & WooCommerce | ❌ Needs customization | ✅ Built-in support |
| Auto invalidation support | ❌ Manual only | ✅ Included |
How to Cache AJAX URLs in NitroPack
To enable caching for AJAX endpoints with NitroPack:
- Go to your NitroPack dashboard
- Navigate to Cache Settings >> Cache
- Enable Cache AJAX URLs
- Enter the request/URL you want to cache
- Save and let NitroPack handle the rest
You can use full URLs or match patterns with query parameters, giving you full control over which requests get cached.
For a full walkthrough, visit our Cache AJAX URLs guide.
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FAQs
Can I cache all AJAX requests?
Not recommended. Focus on endpoints that serve repeatable, low-change content to avoid stale data.
Will this work with WooCommerce filters?
Yes—many stores benefit from caching product filter AJAX calls.
What if the data changes frequently?
Use cache selectively. NitroPack automatically purges relevant caches when you update content.
Do I need coding knowledge to use it?
Not at all—setup is handled through the dashboard.
