Description
Make your own Taco Bell-style Nacho Fries at home with this easy recipe! Crispy, seasoned fries coated in bold Mexican spices, served with a creamy, velvety nacho cheese sauce. Perfect for snacking, parties, or a fun appetizer—better than fast food!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Fries:
- 2 large Russet potatoes (or 1 lb frozen French fries)
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- ½ tsp salt
Taco Bell-Style Seasoning:
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp salt
For the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (sharp for more flavor)
- ½ cup whole milk (or heavy cream for richness)
- 1 tbsp butter
- ½ tsp cornstarch
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Potatoes (If Using Fresh):
- Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into thin fries (¼-inch thick).
- Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
Coat the Fries:
- Toss fries with vegetable oil.
- Sprinkle with cornstarch and mix well.
- In a small bowl, mix all seasoning ingredients, then coat fries evenly.
Cook the Fries:
- Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Fryer: Air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Deep Fryer: Fry at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
Make the Nacho Cheese Sauce:
- Melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Whisk in cornstarch for 30 seconds.
- Add milk and stir constantly.
- Gradually add cheese, stirring until melted and smooth.
- Season with salt and cayenne pepper.
Serve & Enjoy:
- Serve fries hot with warm nacho cheese sauce for dipping.
Notes
- Use frozen fries for a quicker version.
- For extra crispy fries, toss in cornstarch before cooking.
- Adjust spice levels by modifying cayenne pepper.
- Reheat fries in the air fryer or oven to maintain crispiness.
- Cheese sauce can be made ahead and reheated with a splash of milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: DINNER
- Method: Baking, Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: Taco Bell Nacho Fries, homemade nacho fries, crispy fries, nacho cheese sauce, fast food copycat