Description
Crispy Spicy Loaded Nacho Fries are a flavorful twist on classic fries, double-fried to achieve the perfect crunch and tossed in a bold spice blend. Topped with melted cheddar cheese, zesty jalapeños, creamy sour cream, fresh guacamole, and tangy salsa, these nacho fries make for an irresistible appetizer or snack that’s bursting with bold Tex-Mex flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries
- 4 large russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4 inch fries
- 2 cups vegetable oil, for frying
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Toppings
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1 jalapeño, sliced
- 1/2 cup guacamole
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Fries: Rinse the potato fries thoroughly in cold water to remove excess starch, which helps to prevent them from sticking together and ensures crispiness. Pat the fries completely dry using paper towels to avoid oil splatter during frying.
- Heat the Oil: Preheat 2 cups of vegetable oil in a large pot or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C), ensuring a suitable oil temperature for the initial frying stage.
- Make the Spice Mix: In a small bowl, combine paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well and set aside to season the fries later.
- First Fry: Fry the potato strips in batches to avoid overcrowding for about 5 minutes or until they start turning golden. This cooking step partially cooks the fries. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Second Fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) for the final crispiness. Fry the potatoes again for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until they are golden brown and crispy. Drain thoroughly on paper towels to remove excess oil.
- Season the Fries: While the fries are still hot, evenly toss them with the prepared spicy seasoning mix, allowing the flavors to coat the fries thoroughly.
- Add Cheese: Spread the seasoned fries onto a serving platter and immediately sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese over the hot fries, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Add Toppings: Top the cheesy fries with dollops of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, guacamole, and salsa to build layers of rich, creamy, spicy, and tangy flavors.
- Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro over the top for a burst of fresh herbaceous aroma and color.
- Serve: Serve the loaded nacho fries immediately while they are hot and crispy for the best texture and taste experience.
Notes
- Double frying is essential to achieve the crispy texture; do not skip the second fry.
- You can adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the cayenne pepper according to your taste.
- To save time, prepare toppings like guacamole and salsa in advance.
- Use fresh russet potatoes for best fry quality and crispiness.
- If you prefer baked version, you can bake the fries but the texture will be different.
