Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries

These crispy, perfectly seasoned Taco Bell Nacho Fries let you enjoy the beloved fast food favorite anytime right at home. Paired with a creamy nacho cheese sauce, they make a fantastic snack, appetizer, or side that’s satisfyingly flavorful. Making these fries in your air fryer means you get that irresistible crunchy texture without the mess of deep frying.

I first made these during a family movie night craving something fun and crunchy. Everyone loved having the cheesy dip to dunk the fries in and they quickly became a repeat request.

Ingredients

• Oil: helps the seasoning stick and crisp the fries Use a neutral oil such as avocado or light olive oil for best results
• Paprika: adds smoky warmth Choose a vibrant, fresh paprika for the best flavor
• Kosher salt: essential for balancing and enhancing all the spices
• Chili powder: brings that characteristic Tex Mex flavor Don’t skip this for authenticity
• Garlic powder: adds savory depth Make sure it is fresh as old powders can taste dull
• Onion powder: complements the garlic and livens the seasoning
• Black pepper: for a subtle bite Use freshly ground if possible
• Cayenne pepper: optional for adding mild heat Adjust or omit based on spice preference
• Extra crispy fast food style frozen fries: ideally crinkle cut or regular cut for the best texture These mimic the original fries closest
• Cheez Whiz cheese dip: the base of the creamy nacho cheese sauce A staple ingredient and perfect melting quality
• Shredded cheddar cheese: adds sharpness and richness Can be skipped if preferred
• Pickled jalapeño juice: thins the cheese sauce and adds tangy heat Use sparingly to control spice level

Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

Preheat your 6 quart basket air fryer for 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit If your air fryer does not need preheating you can skip this step

Mix the Seasoning:

In a bowl combine one tablespoon paprika, two teaspoons kosher salt, one teaspoon chili powder, one teaspoon garlic powder, one teaspoon onion powder, one quarter teaspoon black pepper and one quarter teaspoon cayenne pepper if using Stir them well and set this seasoning blend aside

Prepare the First Batch of Fries:

Add half of the frozen fries into the air fryer basket Drizzle one tablespoon oil over the fries Shake the basket to evenly coat them with oil Sprinkle half of the seasoning mixture onto the fries Shake the basket to coat the fries fully with the seasoning

Cook the Fries:

Air fry the fries for about 10 minutes Then shake the fries gently to toss and move them around Cook for another 5 minutes or until the fries reach your desired level of crispiness The second batch may need less time since the air fryer will be hotter from the first batch

Repeat for Second Batch:

Repeat the same oil drizzle and seasoning steps for the second half of the fries Cook the second batch as you did the first Season with extra salt to taste after cooking if needed

Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce:

While the fries cook, combine a 15 ounce jar of Cheez Whiz, half a cup of shredded cheddar cheese and a quarter cup of pickled jalapeño juice in a small pot Over medium heat whisk the mixture constantly until smooth and melted Remove from heat when fully combined and creamy

Serve:

Plate your crispy nacho fries and serve alongside the warm cheesy dipping sauce Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor

One of my favorite parts of this recipe is how the pickled jalapeño juice transforms the cheese sauce adding a subtle tanginess that cuts through the richness. When my kids first tried these fries they declared it the best snack ever and have asked for the cheese sauce with other dishes since.

Storage Tips

Store leftover nacho fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator separate from the cheese sauce The fries will keep for about three to four days Reheat fries in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for five to eight minutes to help them regain crispiness Gently warm the cheese sauce in the microwave or on the stove in short bursts to avoid curdling

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap the Cheez Whiz for any good quality nacho cheese sauce or even melted Velveeta if you prefer Not a fan of spicy jalapeño juice Use regular milk or a mild vinegar based juice for the sauce seasoning If you don’t have fast food style fries crinkle cut or regular frozen fries work well as alternatives

Serving Suggestions

These nacho fries make an excellent snack party appetizer or side dish alongside tacos burritos or Mexican pizzas Add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or sliced jalapeños for extra pop Serve with salsa guacamole or sour cream on the side for more dipping options

Enjoy these nacho fries hot with the warm cheese sauce for the best crunch and flavor. Adjust the spice to suit your family and serve immediately.

Common Recipe Questions

→ What type of air fryer is best for cooking these fries?

A 6-quart basket-style air fryer works best, providing even cooking and crispiness. Adjust cooking times if using different fryer types.

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

Yes, you can pan-fry fries in hot oil until crispy, then toss with the seasoning blend for the best flavor.

→ Is it possible to bake the fries instead?

Absolutely. Bake fries at 425°F for 15-20 minutes on a baking sheet until crispy, then add seasoning and cheese sauce as desired.

→ Can I adjust the spice level in the seasoning?

Yes, omit or reduce the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor while keeping the chili powder for authentic taste.

→ How should leftover fries and cheese sauce be stored?

Store fries in airtight containers or bags in the fridge for 3-4 days, keeping cheese sauce separate. Reheat fries in the air fryer and warm sauce gently in the microwave.

→ What can I use if I don’t want to use Cheez Whiz?

You can substitute with homemade nacho cheese sauce or any favorite melted cheese sauce that melts smoothly.