The Ultimate Nacho Fries Recipe: Crispy, Cheesy, Homemade Joy

Crispy, golden nacho fries burst with flavor that’ll make your taste buds dance with excitement!

Spuds become irresistible when coated in a zesty seasoning blend that packs a serious punch.

Crunch meets heat in this addictive side dish perfect for game nights or spontaneous snack attacks.

Each potato strip promises a mouthwatering experience that goes beyond ordinary french fries.

Salt, spices, and a touch of culinary magic turn simple ingredients into a crave-worthy treat.

No boring potato can compete with these loaded, cheese-covered delights that scream comfort and fun.

You’ll want to devour every last crispy morsel, so grab your favorite dipping sauce and get ready for a flavor explosion!

Why Nacho Fries! Are a Crowd-Pleasing Snack

• Blast Crispy Textures: Air fryer transforms ordinary fries into irresistibly crunchy delights with minimal oil and maximum flavor.
• Speed Up Dinner Prep: Quick cooking method lets you go from raw ingredients to loaded nachos in less than half an hour, perfect for busy weeknights.
• Customize Your Flavor Adventure: Flexible recipe allows personal touches like adjusting spice levels, swapping protein, or adding extra toppings to match individual taste preferences.
• Family-Friendly Crowd Pleaser: One-pan meal that appeals to both kids and adults, creating a fun shared dining experience with interactive topping options.

Essential Ingredients for Nacho Fries! Success

• Frozen French Fries: Crispy potato base for the loaded nacho-style dish.
• Ground Beef: Protein-rich topping that adds hearty flavor to the fries.
• Cheddar Cheese: Melty cheese that creates a classic nacho-style topping.

• Seasoning Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the fries.
• Taco Seasoning: Adds a zesty Mexican-inspired flavor to the ground beef.

• Red Bell Peppers, Green Onions, Jalapenos: Fresh vegetables that add color, crunch, and additional flavor.
• Salsa, Sour Cream: Cool and tangy condiments that complement the spicy beef and crispy fries.

• Vegetable Oil: Helps to crisp up the fries and prevent sticking.

How to Make Nacho Fries! Perfectly Every Time

Step 1: Prepare Air Fryer

Warm up your air fryer to 400°F, getting it ready for some serious potato action.

Step 2: Season Potato Strips

• Seasoning salt
• Vegetable oil

Ensure each fry gets a light, even coating for maximum flavor.

Step 3: First Fry Session

Spread the fries in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding to guarantee crispiness.

Cook for 10 minutes, letting them turn golden and crunchy.

Step 4: Shake and Crisp

Give the basket a good shake to ensure even cooking.

Return to air fryer for an additional 3 minutes until they’re super crisp and irresistible.

Step 5: Prepare Savory Beef Topping

In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown ground beef with diced onions.

Sprinkle in taco seasoning for a zesty kick.

Step 6: Layer the Cheesy Goodness

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Seasoned beef mixture
• Diced red bell peppers

Step 7: Melt and Blend Flavors

Return the loaded fries to the air fryer for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt and ingredients to mingle.

Step 8: Garnish and Serve

• Chopped green onions
• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh salsa
• Dollop of sour cream

Dive into your ultimate nacho fry experience!

Tips to Nail Nacho Fries! Every Time

• Arrange fries in a single layer for maximum crispiness and even cooking in the air fryer.
• Experiment with different spice blends like Cajun, ranch, or southwest seasoning for unique flavor profiles.
• Watch carefully during the final 5-minute cheese melting stage to avoid burning or overcooking.
• Swap ground beef with black beans, plant-based crumbles, or roasted vegetables for a meat-free version.
• Cook ground beef mixture in advance and store separately to quickly assemble nachos when ready to serve.

Creative Twists on Nacho Fries! to Try

• Vegetarian Nacho Fries: Replace ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat crumbles for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free taco seasoning and ensure all toppings are certified gluten-free.
• Spicy Southwestern Style: Add chorizo instead of ground beef and include pepper jack cheese for extra heat.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Swap potato fries with crispy zucchini or cauliflower fries to reduce carbohydrate content.

Best Pairings to Enjoy with Nacho Fries!

Crack open a crisp, light Mexican beer like Corona or Modelo to cut through the rich, spicy nacho fries and refresh your palate.

Mix a classic margarita with fresh lime juice and tequila to complement the bold flavors of the ground beef and spicy seasonings.

Prepare a tangy, crunchy coleslaw with cilantro and lime to balance the heavy, cheesy nacho fries and add a bright, clean contrast.

Whip up a creamy avocado dip with sour cream, lime, and a touch of salt to provide a smooth, cooling element against the spicy and crispy fries.

How to Keep Nacho Fries! Fresh and Crispy

• Store leftover nacho fries in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Preheat air fryer to 350F. Spread fries in a single layer and cook for 3-4 minutes until hot and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the basket.
• Place fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Warm at 375F for 5-7 minutes, checking periodically to prevent burning.
• Not recommended as fries will become soggy. If using, heat in short 15-second bursts and expect texture loss.

FAQs

• Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh ones?

Yes, frozen fries work perfectly. Just make sure to adjust cooking time slightly and check for crispiness.

• Do I need a special type of seasoning salt?

Any seasoning salt will work, but Lawry’s or a taco-style seasoning salt adds extra flavor to the fries.

• What if I don't have an air fryer?

You can bake the fries in a preheated oven at 425F on a baking sheet, turning them halfway through cooking for even crispiness.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace ground beef with black beans, plant-based crumbles, or simply skip the meat and add more vegetables.

Nacho Fries! Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 33 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy, golden nacho fries burst with Mexican-inspired flavors that dance across taste buds. Bold spices and melted cheese create an irresistible snack perfect for game day or casual gatherings you’ll devour in minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) frozen crinkle-cut French fries (Ore-Ida Extra Crispy Frozen Fast Food Fries)
• 1/2 pound (227 grams) lean ground beef
• 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 1/2 medium onion, finely diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely chopped
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 1 jalapeno, sliced (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt
• 1 teaspoon taco seasoning

Garnish:

• Salsa
• Sour cream

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Instructions

1. Heat air fryer to 400F, ensuring even temperature distribution.
2. Gently coat fries with seasoning salt and a light drizzle of vegetable oil for enhanced crispiness.
3. Arrange fries in a single, uncrowded layer within the air fryer basket to promote optimal cooking.
4. Cook fries for 10 minutes, allowing them to develop a golden exterior.
5. Vigorously shake the basket to ensure uniform browning, then continue cooking for an additional 3 minutes until achieving maximum crispness.
6. While fries are cooking, sauté ground beef and diced onion in a skillet over medium-high heat until thoroughly browned.
7. Incorporate taco seasoning into the beef mixture, stirring to distribute flavors evenly.
8. Sprinkle a generous layer of shredded cheddar cheese atop the crispy fries.
9. Distribute the seasoned beef mixture and vibrant red bell peppers over the cheese-covered fries.
10. Return the loaded fries to the air fryer for 5 minutes, allowing the cheese to melt completely.
11. Carefully remove from air fryer and embellish with freshly chopped green onions, optional jalapeños, zesty salsa, and a dollop of creamy sour cream.

Notes

• Ensure fries are evenly coated with seasoning salt for maximum flavor distribution.
• Use a light touch of oil to prevent sticking and enhance crispiness in the air fryer.
• Avoid overcrowding the basket to maintain proper air circulation and achieve crispy results.
• Experiment with different cheese blends like pepper jack or a Mexican cheese mix for added excitement.
• Create a vegetarian version by substituting ground beef with black beans or plant-based meat alternatives.
• Prep all toppings beforehand to streamline the final assembly and serve hot and fresh.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 18 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 570 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 36 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 35 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg