Nacho Fries
Our nacho fries are the perfect easy appetizer for game day, parties, or a fun family dinner. Add your favorite toppings and its a fiesta!
Equipment
- Small Bowl
- Spoon
- Large Bowl
- air fryer
Ingredients
- 28 ounce frozen steak fries
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 teaspoons nacho cheddar cheese popcorn seasoning
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon cayenne optional
Instructions
- Add the onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, sugar, salt and nacho cheddar cheese popcorn seasoning to a small bowl. Whisk to combine.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400℉If you want to use a conventional oven, set the temperature at 425 degrees F. and bake at the convection setting for 20-25 minutes.
- Place the frozen fries in the large bowl, drizzle the olive oil over them and then sprinkle the spice mixture on top.
- Toss to combine until the spice mixture is on all of the fries.
- Transfer the seasoned fries to your air fryer and air fry for 15 minutes, shaking or turning them over halfway through.
- Serve with nacho cheese sauce.
Notes
Recipe Variations
- Supreme Nacho Fries: Top with zesty taco beef, melted cheese, and fresh toppings like lettuce, tomato, sour cream, and guac.
- Breakfast Nacho Fries: Top the fries with scrambled (or fried) eggs, cheese sauce, crumbled bacon or sausage, jalapeños, and a little salsa.
- Vegetarian Nacho Fries: Add black beans, pinto beans, corn, peppers, onions, and extra cheese. Season the beans well, or the whole thing falls flat.
- The “Philly Cheesesteak” Style: Top your seasoned fries with thinly sliced ribeye, sautéed peppers, and onions.
- Pulled Pork & BBQ Nacho Fries: Use leftover slow-cooked pulled pork and a drizzle of smoky BBQ sauce.
- Chicken Nacho Fries: Use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover grilled chicken tossed with taco seasoning.
- Chili Cheese Nacho Fries: Top the fries with warm chili and cheese sauce, then finish with sour cream and green onions.
- Buffalo Chicken Nacho Fries: Toss shredded chicken with buffalo sauce, add cheese sauce, then drizzle with ranch or blue cheese dressing.
- The “Extra Crispy” Rule: Always bake your fries for 5 minutes longer than the package suggests.
- Soggy Fries: Adding “wet” toppings like salsa or sour cream too early is an absolute disaster for texture. Add right before serving.
- Warm the cheese sauce before pouring it over the fries.
- Serve nacho fries right away: This is not a "make it and wait an hour" recipe.
- Serve these fries directly on the sheet pan for a communal feel. Garnish with a drizzle of Chipotle Sauce and a handful of fresh cilantro for presentation.
- They're great with tacos, quesadillas, grilled chicken, burgers, wings, or a big salad.
- For a party, serve toppings on the side and let everyone build their own plate. That keeps the fries from getting soggy too fast.
How to Store and Reheat Nacho fries are best when eaten immediately. However, you can store the seasoned beef and cheese sauce separately for up to 3 days. To revive the fries, use an air fryer or oven at 400°F. It is the perfect way to restore their crispiness; the microwave is an absolute “no” here!
Recipe FAQs Can I use a different potato? You sure can. Waffle fries, crinkle-cut fries, and sweet potato fries are all good options. How do I keep the fries from sticking? Using parchment paper on your sheet pan helps ensure an easy release. Are nacho fries spicy? There is ‘heat’ from some of the spices, but you can dial up or down any spice or heat to suit your palate.
Nutrition
Calories: 399kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 4gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 7gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 15gTrans Fat: 0.003gSodium: 854mgPotassium: 593mgFiber: 6gSugar: 0.5gVitamin A: 234IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 17mgIron: 2mg
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