The Best Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

Since you are here and looking for a tasty copycat recipe, check out this Air Fryer Panda Express Orange Chicken, this Easy Taco Bell Chicken Chipotle Melt, or this Popeyes Blackened Chicken Recipe.

Nacho fries with a side of nacho cheese are a Taco Bell staple that was release back in 2018. They combined the spices of nachos in the fry seasoning and of course they served that with their signature cheese sauce.

Unfortunately they aren't always on their menu and that's why I had to recreate the recipe for you so you can have it as a snack, or as an appetizer whenever your heart desires.

Ingredients for this Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

Scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page for the detailed ingredient measurements.

• Frozen French Fries: Ore-ida was the brand we picked for this recipe, but you can use any frozen brand or even homemade French fries if you want.
• Salt: Start with less and adjust to taste.
• Chili Powder, Black Pepper, Cayenne Pepper: bring the heat to this seasoning blend.
• Onion Powder and Garlic Powder: add the savory flavors to the fries.
• Velveeta Cheese: is the perfect melty and cheesy base for the sauce.
• Evaporated Milk: helps with the texture and creaminess of the decadent cheese sauce.
• Pickled Jalapeno Brine: helps balance the overall flavor of the spicy nacho sauce.

How to Make this Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

Make sure to scroll down to the recipe card at the end of this post for the full step-by-step instructions.

1. Preheat the air fryer to 400F. Read the notes if you prefer to fry the fries in oil.
2. In a medium bowl combine the paprika, salt, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne pepper together until combine.
3. Add the frozen fries to a large bowl and season with the spice mixture. Mix until everything is evenly coated.
4. Air-fry the fries in the preheated air fryer for 4 minutes, before giving them a good shake then air fry for another 4 minutes.
5. While the fries are cooking, place the Velveeta cheese, pickle brine, and evaporated milk in a medium saucepan.
6. Cook on medium low heat stirring constantly until the cheese is smooth and fully melted.
7. Serve the nacho cheese with the seasoned fries and enjoy!

Why You Need to Make this Recipe!

• This easy recipe is simple to make and only requires a handful of ingredients.
• It tastes so much better homemade than from the restaurant!
• You can add your favorite nacho toppings like meat or veggies and customize however you want!
• It's a great side dish or snack to enjoy with friends and family!

Frequently Asked Questions - FAQ

How to Store Leftover Homemade Nacho Fries

To store, put these in an airtight container and place it in the fridge. It will last for 3-4 days. Throw them back in the oven or air fryer for 10 minutes or until fully warm on 350 degrees to reheat them. You could microwave but the fry texture won't be as good.

What Toppings Can I Add?

There are plenty of options for making this Taco Bell nacho fries recipe even better, especially if you're having it as the main course for your meal.

• Meats: Ground beef, shredded chicken or pork, or fajita shrimp are great meat toppings for nachos. Use a taco seasoning mix or Mexican spices when cooking to make it taste like taco meat.
• Vegetables: Pico de gallo, classic salsa, or fresh veggies like chopped white onion, green onions, or cilantro would add a great taste of freshness to the spicy fries.
• Additional Sides: like sour cream, refried beans, and guacamole add moisture, texture, and flavor.

How Can I Make Homemade Fries?

Start by slicing your potatoes as thin or as thick as you want. Soak them in cold water for an hour to remove the starch. Then rinse them and pat them dry.

• For deep frying, preheat your oil to 350-400 degrees. Make sure your fries are completely dry of water and gently drop them into the hot oil for 10-15 minutes. The amount of cooking time will depend on thickness of your fry and how hot your oil stays as it's cooking. For extra crispy fries, fry them for an additional 5 minutes after pulling them out of the deep fryer the first time.
• For air frying, toss your raw fries in oil in a large mixing bowl until they're completely coated. Put them in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook on as high as you can for 15-20 minutes. After 15 minutes, shake up the basket to move the fries around and cook again for another 5-10 minutes or until golden brown.
• For baking, toss your fries in oil in a large bowl. Spread them across a baking sheet and toss them in the oven for 15-20 minutes at 400 degrees. After 15 minutes, move them around the sheet and bake for another 10 minutes.

The Best Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe