Air Fryer Copycat Nacho Fries Recipe

Russet potatoes: These are the best potatoes for fries due to their high starch content, which helps them get crispy.

Olive oil: This healthy oil helps the fries become golden and crispy in the air fryer.

Paprika: Adds a smoky flavor and vibrant color to the fries.

Garlic powder: Provides a savory, aromatic flavor that complements the other spices.

Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor with a subtle sweetness and depth.

Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy flavor that is key to the nacho seasoning.

Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of the other ingredients.

Black pepper: Adds a bit of heat and enhances the overall seasoning.

When cutting the potatoes into fries, aim for uniform thickness to ensure even cooking. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before seasoning to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a crispier texture. Pat them dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel before tossing with the olive oil and spices.

• russet potatoes - Substitute with sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes offer a different flavor profile and a slightly sweeter taste, which can add a unique twist to your nacho fries.

• olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a high smoke point and a neutral flavor, making it a great alternative for air frying.

• paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky flavor that can enhance the overall taste of the fries.

• garlic powder - Substitute with granulated garlic: Granulated garlic provides a similar flavor but with a slightly different texture, which can still work well in seasoning the fries.

• onion powder - Substitute with dried minced onion: Dried minced onion offers a more intense onion flavor and a bit of texture, which can add a nice touch to the fries.

• cumin - Substitute with ground coriander: Ground coriander has a citrusy, slightly sweet flavor that can complement the other spices in the recipe.

• salt - Substitute with sea salt: Sea salt can provide a more complex flavor and a slightly different texture compared to regular table salt.

• black pepper - Substitute with white pepper: White pepper has a milder, slightly different flavor profile that can still add the necessary heat to the fries.

• Allow the fries to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can make them soggy.
• Transfer the cooled fries to an airtight container or a resealable plastic bag. If using a bag, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing.
• Store the fries in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing them.
• To freeze, spread the cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents them from sticking together.
• Place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the fries are frozen solid.
• Once frozen, transfer the fries to a resealable freezer bag or airtight container. Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• When ready to reheat, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the frozen fries in the basket in a single layer.
• Cook for 5-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are heated through and crispy.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

• Preheat your air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Place the leftover nacho fries in a single layer in the basket. Cook for 3-5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they are heated through and crispy.

• Use an oven preheated to 375°F (190°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• For a quick method, use a skillet on medium heat. Add a small amount of olive oil to the pan. Once hot, add the fries and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are warmed through and crispy.

• If you prefer using a microwave, place the fries on a microwave-safe plate lined with a paper towel. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes. Note that this method may not retain the crispiness as well as other methods.

• For a toaster oven, preheat to 375°F (190°C). Place the fries on the toaster oven tray in a single layer. Heat for 5-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are hot and crispy.

• Air fryer: A kitchen appliance that cooks by circulating hot air around the food, perfect for making crispy fries without deep frying.

• Mixing bowl: A large bowl used to combine and evenly coat the cut potatoes with olive oil and seasonings.

• Knife: Essential for cutting the russet potatoes into fry shapes.

• Cutting board: A flat surface to safely cut the potatoes on.

• Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the precise amounts of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.

• Tongs: Handy for shaking the fries in the air fryer basket halfway through cooking.

• Serving plate: Used to serve the fries once they are cooked and crispy.

• Dipping sauce bowl: A small bowl to hold your favorite dipping sauce for the fries.

Pre-cut potatoes: Save time by pre-cutting the potatoes and storing them in water in the fridge up to a day in advance.

Use a mandoline: A mandoline slicer can quickly and uniformly cut the potatoes into fries, reducing prep time.

Batch cooking: Cook multiple batches of fries in the air fryer simultaneously if your model allows for it, ensuring even cooking and saving time.

Pre-mix seasonings: Prepare a large batch of the seasoning mix and store it in an airtight container for future use, making seasoning quick and easy.