Irresistibly Crunchy Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe At Home

Craving a quick snack that packs a punch of flavor?

These homemade crispy taco bell nacho fries burst with zesty spices and irresistible crunch.

The secret to perfect nacho fries lies in achieving that golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside soft and potato-y.

Every bite delivers a delectable blend of seasoned potatoes that rivals the fast-food classic.

We’ve decoded the recipe to bring restaurant-style magic right to your kitchen.

The crispy coating and bold seasonings will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to transform your snack game with this mouthwatering recreation that’s sure to become a new favorite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories: 300 kcal

Servings: 4

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Ingredient Lineup

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy spuds perfect for creating crispy exterior with fluffy centers, choose firm potatoes without green spots or sprouts.
• Cornstarch: Magical coating ingredient that helps create extra crunchiness and golden-brown exterior for fries.
• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil ideal for deep frying, ensuring even and consistent cooking temperature.

• Paprika: Adds warm, smoky depth and beautiful reddish color to the fries.
• Garlic Powder: Delivers intense savory flavor without raw garlic texture.
• Onion Powder: Contributes sweet, aromatic undertones to the spice mix.
• Chili Powder: Brings gentle heat and complex southwestern-style zest.
• Cayenne Pepper: Introduces fiery kick for adventurous taste buds.
• Salt: Essential flavor enhancer that balances all spices.

• Butter: Creates smooth, rich base for cheese sauce, adding luxurious mouthfeel.
• Jalapeno: Optional ingredient providing fresh, spicy punch to cheese sauce.
• Evaporated Milk: Creamy liquid ensuring silky, consistent cheese sauce texture.
• Cheddar Cheese: Sharp, melty cheese delivering classic nacho flavor profile.
• Garlic Powder: Complementary seasoning boosting cheese sauce complexity.

What You’ll Need to Make Nacho Fries at Home

• Large Deep Pot or Fryer: Essential for deep-frying crispy fries at the perfect temperature.
• Slotted Spoon: Perfect for safely removing hot fries from oil and draining excess oil.
• Kitchen Towels: Great for drying potatoes after soaking and removing moisture.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for coating fries with cornstarch and oil.
• Small Mixing Bowls: Used for preparing seasoning mix and cheese sauce.
• Small Saucepan: Ideal for preparing smooth, creamy nacho cheese sauce.
• Cheese Grater: Helps grate fresh cheddar cheese for the best sauce texture.
• Paper Towels: Excellent for draining excess oil from fried fries.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures precise seasoning measurements.
• Sharp Knife: Required for cutting potatoes into fry shapes.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for potato preparation.

Cook Nacho Fries with Bold Flavor

• Prep Potato Strips

Slice potatoes into thin french fry shapes. Soak in cold water to remove extra starch, then thoroughly dry.

• Season and Coat

Mix spicy seasoning blend. Toss potato strips with cornstarch and oil until completely covered.

• Fry to Golden Perfection

Heat oil in deep pot to sizzling temperature. Drop potato strips in carefully, cooking until crispy and rich golden brown. Remove and sprinkle with spice mixture immediately.

• Create Zesty Cheese Sauce

Melt butter in small pan. Add milk and cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy. Season with bold spices for extra kick.

• Serve and Enjoy

Arrange hot crispy potato strips on plate. Drizzle or serve cheese sauce on side for dipping. Enjoy immediately while everything is piping hot and flavor-packed.

Custom Fries Tips for a Saucy Snack

• Crispy Coating Tricks: Cornstarch is the secret weapon for achieving that extra-crispy exterior, creating a perfect golden crunch every single time.
• Potato Soak Strategy: Soaking potatoes removes excess starch, guaranteeing fries that are crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside with zero soggy disappointments.
• Spice Level Control: Adjust the cayenne pepper quantity to dial up or tone down the heat – perfect for those who love mild or blazing hot flavors.
• Dairy-Free Modification: Swap regular milk and cheese with plant-based alternatives like coconut milk and vegan cheddar to create a delicious dairy-free version that everyone can enjoy.
• Healthier Baking Option: Instead of deep-frying, bake the seasoned fries in a preheated oven at 425F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for an equally delicious but less greasy alternative.

Serve Nacho Fries the Fast Food Way

• Flavor Party Platter: Arrange fries on a large shared platter with multiple dipping sauces like salsa, sour cream, and guacamole for a fun group experience.
• Loaded Nacho Fries Fiesta: Top the fries with seasoned ground beef, diced tomatoes, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, and extra cheese for a hearty meal transformation.
• Game Day Crowd-Pleaser: Serve these crispy fries as a centerpiece appetizer during sports watching parties, making them perfect finger food for social gatherings.
• Spicy Customization Station: Set up a small tray with additional hot sauces, allowing guests to adjust the heat level and personalize their nacho fries experience.

Store Nacho Fries That Stay Crunchy

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Taco Bell Nacho Fries in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, keeping fries and cheese sauce separately to maintain crispiness.
• Reheating Magic: Revive cold fries in a preheated oven at 425F for 5-7 minutes. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer to restore original crunchiness. Warm cheese sauce gently in microwave, stirring every 15 seconds.
• Batch Preparation Hack: Prepare seasoning mix and cut potatoes in advance. Store uncooked seasoned fries in sealed container with parchment paper between layers for up to 24 hours before frying. Keep seasoning blend in an airtight jar for quick weeknight cooking.
• Freezer-Friendly Option: Partially cook fries, cool completely, then freeze on a baking sheet. Transfer frozen fries to ziplock bag and store for up to 1 month. Thaw and finish frying when ready to serve, ensuring maximum crispness and flavor.

Crispy Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Taco Bell nacho fries bring crispy potato magic to classic Mexican-inspired street snacks. Seasoned fries topped with melted cheese sauce and signature toppings create a crave-worthy experience you’ll want to devour immediately.

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Ingredients

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• 4 russet potatoes, peeled and cut into thin fries
• 1 cup sharp cheddar cheese, grated
• ¼ cup evaporated milk
• 2 tbsps vegetable oil
• 1 small jalapeno, finely minced
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• 1 tbsp butter
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp chili powder
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ½ tsp salt
• Salt, to taste
• ¼ tsp garlic powder

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Instructions

1. Potato Preparation: Soak potato strips in ice water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then drain and thoroughly dry with a clean kitchen towel.
2. Seasoning Coating: Dust potato strips with cornstarch and lightly coat with vegetable oil, creating a crisp base for the signature Taco Bell seasoning blend of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, and salt.
3. Frying Technique: Heat vegetable oil to 175C and carefully fry potato strips in small batches until achieving a golden, crispy exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes per batch.
4. Quick Seasoning: Immediately sprinkle prepared spice mixture over hot fries, ensuring maximum flavor absorption.
5. Cheese Sauce Creation: Melt butter in a saucepan, adding minced jalapeno for subtle heat, then gradually incorporate evaporated milk and grated cheddar cheese, stirring consistently to develop a smooth, creamy texture.
6. Final Flavor Adjustment: Season cheese sauce with additional garlic powder, chili powder, and salt to taste.
7. Serving Presentation: Arrange crispy seasoned fries on a platter and serve alongside warm, velvety nacho cheese sauce for an indulgent dipping experience.

Notes

• Soak Strategically: Rinse potato strips in ice-cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, guaranteeing ultra-crispy exterior and preventing soggy results.
• Dry Thoroughly: Completely eliminate moisture by patting potato strips with clean kitchen towels, crucial for achieving golden, crunchy texture during frying.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Maintain precise oil temperature at 175C to ensure perfect golden-brown fries without burning or undercooking, using a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
• Seasoning Technique: Sprinkle spice blend immediately after frying while fries are piping hot, allowing maximum flavor absorption and even coating for authentic Taco Bell experience.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 7 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg