PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a production method for a nanofluid having excellent thermal conductivity where Au nanoparticles in a form suitable for being used as a thermal conduction fluid are formed inside a liquid medium utilizing in-liquid plasma.SOLUTION: The production method for a nanofluid comprises a step: where an aqueous solution including Au(III) ions and an ionic surfactant is prepared; and a step where plasma is generated in the aqueous solution while holding the temperature of the aqueous solution to the temperature range of the solidification temperature of the aqueous solution or higher to below 5°C to reduce the Au(III) ions, thus Au nanoparticles are formed inside the aqueous solution.