Crispy Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Make crispy, perfectly seasoned Taco Bell Nacho Fries at home using an Air Fryer and enjoy a creamy nacho cheese sauce for dipping. This copycat recipe allows you to satisfy your cravings any time without a trip to the drivethru. Whether you want a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish for your favorite Mexican inspired meals, these fries come together quickly and pack that iconic bold flavor.

I first made these during a casual game night and they were gone within minutes. Now they are a must have for every movie night at our house because everyone loves dipping those crispy fries into the cheesy sauce.

Ingredients

• Paprika: for a smoky depth that complements the cheese flavor choose a vibrant, fresh paprika for best taste
• Kosher salt: to balance and enhance all the seasonings use flaky kosher salt for even coating
• Chili powder: gives the fries a subtle warmth and authentic Tex Mex flavor mild chili powders work well if you want less heat
• Garlic powder: amplifies savory notes make sure it is finely ground for easy mixing
• Onion powder: adds a touch of sweetness and complexity fresh powders retain flavor better than old ones
• Black pepper: brings a mild bite and rounds out the seasoning blend
• Cayenne pepper: optional for those who want a bit more kick use sparingly if sensitive to spice
• Neutral oil: such as avocado or light olive oil to help the seasoning stick and promote even crisping
• Frozen fries: extra crispy fast food style frozen fries for that perfect texture crinkle cut or regular cut fries also work well
• CheezWhiz cheese dip: serves as the base for the creamy nacho cheese sauce it melts smoothly and is easy to heat
• Shredded cheddar cheese: optional for extra richness and cheesy flavor use freshly shredded for best melt
• Pickled jalapeno juice: adds tang and mild heat to the sauce adjust to taste or omit if you prefer less spice

Instructions

Preheat the Air Fryer:

Heat your 6 quart basket style Air Fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for five minutes to ensure an even cooking temperature. If your model does not require preheating you can skip this step.

Make the Seasoning Blend:

Combine paprika kosher salt chili powder garlic powder onion powder black pepper and the optional cayenne pepper in a bowl. Stir thoroughly to make sure the spices are evenly mixed.

Prepare the Fries Batch One:

Place half of the frozen fries into the Air Fryer basket in a single layer to avoid overcrowding. Drizzle one tablespoon of oil over them. Gently shake the basket to coat the fries in oil.

Add Seasonings to Batch One:

Sprinkle half of the spice mixture over the fries. Shake the basket again so the seasoning clings evenly to the fries.

Cook Batch One:

Air fry the fries for 10 minutes. Then shake the basket to toss the fries and cook for an additional 5 minutes or until the fries are crispy to your liking.

Prepare the Fries Batch Two:

Repeat the same oil and seasoning steps with the remaining fries. Since the Air Fryer is already hot the second batch may cook a little faster. Keep an eye on them and remove when crispy.

Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

While fries cook combine the CheezWhiz cheese dip shredded cheddar and pickled jalapeno juice in a small pot. Heat over medium heat whisking constantly until melted and smooth.

Serve:

Remove the fries from the Air Fryer and transfer to a serving bowl or plate. Pour the warm cheese sauce into a bowl on the side or drizzle it over the fries. Enjoy while hot and crispy.

My favorite part of this recipe is the cheese sauce because it brings everything together with a creamy, tangy kick. One of my most memorable moments with these fries was during a casual family movie night when everyone reached for the cheese dip after the first bite of fries it was pure happiness all around.

Serving Suggestions

These Nacho Fries are fantastic paired with classic Mexican dishes like enchiritos chili cheese burritos or a homemade Taco Bell Mexican Pizza. They also work great as a snack with a cold soda or beer on game day.

Storage Tips

Store leftover fries in a sealed container in the refrigerator. The cheese sauce must be kept separate to prevent the fries from getting soggy. Reheat fries in the Air Fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 8 minutes to recover their crispness. Warm the cheese sauce gently in the microwave in short intervals stirring in between.

Ingredient Substitutions

If CheezWhiz is not available or desired melted Velveeta or a homemade nacho cheese sauce made with real cheese and a bit of cream will work wonderfully. For the fries any frozen style that crisps well in the Air Fryer can be used such as crinkle cut or shoestring. Oil can be swapped for any neutral variety like sunflower or grapeseed oil.

Serve the fries hot with the warm cheese sauce for best results. Reheat in the Air Fryer to preserve crispiness.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of air fryer works best?

A 6 quart basket style air fryer is recommended for even cooking and crispiness, but times may vary with different models.

→ Can I fry the fries in oil instead of air frying?

Yes, you can fry them in hot oil on the stovetop or using an electric fryer, then toss with the seasoning while still hot.

→ Is there a way to bake these fries instead?

Baking at 425°F for 15-20 minutes on a single layer can achieve crispy fries, though cooking time is longer.

→ How spicy are these fries?

They have a mild heat thanks to chili powder and optional cayenne. Adjust seasoning to reduce spiciness if desired.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store fries in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days; reheat fries in the air fryer and cheese sauce in short microwave bursts.