The Best Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe You Can Make at Home

Crispy, golden taco bell nacho fries have become a cult favorite among fast-food enthusiasts seeking ultimate snack satisfaction.

Crunchy potatoes seasoned with bold spices deliver an irresistible flavor explosion right in your kitchen.

Recreating this iconic dish means unlocking a world of cheesy, spicy goodness that rivals the restaurant experience.

Restaurant-style magic happens when you master these simple techniques for perfectly crisp fries.

Zesty seasonings and a secret technique guarantee restaurant-quality results that will impress anyone at your next gathering.

Homemade versions often surpass takeout, giving you complete control over ingredients and flavor intensity.

Prepare to become the snack hero among your friends with this mouthwatering recipe that brings fast-food magic home.

Steps To Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries

Step 1: Prep Potato Strips

Wash russet potatoes thoroughly. Peel the skin and slice them into uniform French fry-shaped strips, making sure each strip has consistent thickness for even cooking.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Taco seasoning
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Chili powder

Step 3: Dry Potato Strips

Use paper towels to completely pat dry the potato strips, removing all excess moisture to guarantee maximum crispiness during frying.

Step 4: Coat Potato Strips

Dredge each potato strip generously in the seasoned flour-cornstarch mixture. Shake off excess coating to prevent clumping and ensure a light, crispy exterior.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or fryer. Heat the oil to 375°F, maintaining a steady temperature for perfect frying conditions.

Step 6: Fry Potato Strips

Carefully lower coated potato strips into hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding to help each fry become golden and crisp.

Step 7: Achieve Golden Crispiness

Fry the strips for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until they reach a deep golden-brown color with a crunchy exterior.

Step 8: Drain Excess Oil

Remove fries using a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil while maintaining their crispiness.

Step 9: Season Fries

Sprinkle additional salt over the hot fries to enhance their flavor profile.

Step 10: Add Nacho Cheese

Transfer fries to a serving plate and drizzle generously with warm nacho cheese sauce.

Step 11: Create Flavor Explosion

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Diced tomatoes
• Chopped green onions
• Diced jalapeños

Step 12: Serve and Enjoy

Serve immediately with a side of cool sour cream for dipping, creating a delightful contrast of hot and cold sensations.

Helpful Tips For Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Prep Potatoes Perfectly: Pat potato strips bone-dry with paper towels to guarantee maximum crispiness during frying.
• Control Oil Temperature: Maintain steady 375°F heat for golden, crunchy exterior without greasy results.
• Layer Coating Technique: Generously dredge potato strips, shaking off excess flour mixture to prevent clumping and ensure even crispness.
• Create Flavor Balance: Sprinkle extra salt immediately after frying and add diverse toppings like jalapeños and green onions for texture and zest.
• Drain Strategically: Use wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil, preserving fries' delightful crunchiness.

Twists To Try With Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Healthier Baked Version: Replace deep-frying with oven-baking on a parchment-lined sheet at 425°F, using olive oil spray for a lighter, lower-calorie alternative.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap all-purpose flour and cornstarch with gluten-free alternatives like rice flour or almond flour, maintaining the same seasoning blend.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Increase chili powder and add cayenne pepper to the coating mixture for extra heat, complemented by a cooling ranch dip instead of sour cream.
• Veggie-Loaded Nachos: Incorporate sweet potato or zucchini strips alongside russet potatoes, creating a multi-vegetable fry base with added nutritional value.

What Goes Well With Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Cool Down with Beer: Light Mexican lager or crisp pale ale cuts through the rich, spicy flavors and cleanses the palate with its effervescent character.
• Balance Heat with Creamy Margarita: Tequila-based cocktail with lime and salt neutralizes the fries' intense spiciness while providing a smooth, tangy counterpoint.
• Create Texture Contrast with Fresh Salsa: Homemade pico de gallo adds bright, zesty notes and provides a cool, crunchy accompaniment that enhances the fries' warm, crispy profile.

How To Keep Taco Bell Nacho Fries Fresh

• Store leftover fries in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Lay cooled fries flat on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bags for storage up to 1 month.
• Spread fries on a baking sheet, bake at 425°F for 5-10 minutes, flipping halfway to restore crispiness and prevent sogginess.
• Arrange fries in a single layer, air fry at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, shaking basket midway to ensure even reheating and recrisp exterior.

Taco Bell Nacho Fries FAQs

• What makes the coating so flavorful?

The combination of taco seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder creates a bold, zesty flavor profile that elevates traditional french fries to a new level of deliciousness.

• How do I ensure my fries turn out crispy?

Pat the potato strips completely dry with paper towels before coating and frying. This removes excess moisture, which is key to achieving a perfectly crisp exterior.

• Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, you can easily customize the heat by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder in the coating mixture or adding more jalapeños as a topping.

• What type of potatoes work best for this recipe?

Russet potatoes are ideal due to their high starch content and ability to create a crispy exterior while maintaining a fluffy interior.

Why Taco Bell Nacho Fries Are A Hit

• Conquer Crispy Textures: Achieve restaurant-quality golden-brown fries with a perfectly crunchy exterior that'll make your taste buds dance.
• Spice Up Your Meal: Transform ordinary potato strips into a flavor-packed adventure with bold taco seasoning and multiple spices that create an exciting taste experience.
• Master Gourmet Comfort Food: Elevate a classic side dish into a loaded nacho-style masterpiece that impresses family and friends with minimal cooking skills required.
• Create Customizable Delights: Personalize your fries by adjusting spice levels, cheese toppings, and garnishes to suit individual preferences and dietary needs.

What’s Needed For Taco Bell Nacho Fries

• Russet Potatoes: Large starchy potatoes perfect for creating crispy and golden french fries with a fluffy interior.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Combination creates a light and crispy exterior that helps fries develop a crunchy golden-brown surface.

• Taco Seasoning, Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Chili Powder: Spice blend adds robust flavor and enhances the overall taste profile of the fries.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil with high smoke point ideal for deep frying and achieving crispy texture.

• Nacho Cheese Sauce, Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Provides rich, melty cheese flavor and creamy texture to the fries.
• Diced Tomatoes, Chopped Green Onions, Diced Jalapeños: Fresh ingredients add color, zest, and additional layers of flavor.

• Sour Cream: Cool and tangy condiment that balances the spicy and hot elements of the dish.

Taco Bell Nacho Fries Recipe

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4.7 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Craving a spicy kick? Taco Bell nacho fries blend crispy potatoes with bold Mexican-inspired flavors, creating an irresistible snack that satisfies midnight hunger and delivers pure comfort. Indulge in this crave-worthy treat that promises a delicious adventure.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 large russet potatoes
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 2 tbsp taco seasoning
• 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp chili powder

Toppings and Accompaniments:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup nacho cheese sauce
• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions
• 1/4 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeños

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash and peel russet potatoes, then slice into thin, uniform French fry-shaped strips, ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
2. Create a crispy coating mixture by combining all-purpose flour, cornstarch, taco seasoning, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and chili powder in a large mixing bowl.
3. Pat potato strips completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve maximum crispiness during frying.
4. Dredge each potato strip generously in the seasoned flour-cornstarch mixture, shaking off excess coating to prevent clumping.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or fryer to 375°F, maintaining a consistent temperature for optimal frying.
6. Carefully lower coated potato strips into hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding to ensure each fry becomes golden and crisp.
7. Fry for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, until fries reach a deep golden-brown color and develop a crunchy exterior.
8. Remove fries using a slotted spoon and drain on wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil, preserving their crispiness.
9. Immediately sprinkle with additional salt while still hot to enhance flavor profile.
10. Transfer fries to a serving plate and generously drizzle with warm nacho cheese sauce.
11. Garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, diced tomatoes, chopped green onions, and diced jalapeños for added texture and zest.
12. Serve immediately with a side of cool sour cream for dipping, creating a perfect balance of hot and cold sensations.

Notes

• Ensure potatoes are thoroughly dried to prevent oil splattering and achieve maximum crispiness during frying.
• Use a neutral-flavored oil with a high smoke point like canola or vegetable oil for consistent, even frying.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like ranch, BBQ, or cajun spices to create unique flavor variations.
• For a healthier alternative, try baking the coated fries at 425°F for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through for even browning.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican-American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 550
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 30 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 65 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 10 g
• Cholesterol: 30 mg