Air Fryer Bacon Cheese Fries: Quick, Crispy, Cheesy!

Bacon cheese fries are a delicious snack that can be made in an air fryer with minimal effort. This mouth-watering dish combines crispy French fries with the salty, smoky flavour of bacon and the gooey texture of melted cheese. The addition of toppings such as green onions, jalapeños, and sauces like ranch dressing or sour cream takes these loaded fries to the next level. Whether served as an appetizer, side dish, or game-day treat, bacon cheese fries are sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Choosing the right type of potato

Potato Variety

The type of potato you choose will impact the texture and taste of your fries. Russet potatoes, also known as Idaho potatoes, are a popular choice for air fryer fries due to their starchiness. They result in fries that are crispy on the outside and drier on the inside, resembling traditional restaurant-style fries. On the other hand, Yukon Gold potatoes are waxier and will give you fries with a firmer, creamier texture while still maintaining a crispy exterior. Yukon Golds also have a naturally buttery taste, adding a richer flavour to your dish. Both options are viable, so feel free to experiment and select the variety that aligns with your preferences.

Cutting Technique

The way you cut your potatoes can also affect the cooking process and the overall texture of your fries. Aim for matchstick-sized pieces, about 1/4-inch wide on each side and 3 to 4 inches in length. This size ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Using a mandoline or a very sharp knife will help you achieve uniform cuts.

Soaking

While it may seem like an unnecessary step, soaking your potato matchsticks in hot water for about 10 minutes before air frying is essential. Soaking helps remove excess starch, which is the key to achieving that coveted crispiness. It's like creating the "double-fried" effect you find in addictive restaurant fries. Make sure to pat your potatoes dry with kitchen or paper towels after soaking to ensure they crisp up nicely.

Batches and Layering

When it comes to cooking your potatoes in the air fryer, it's best to work in batches and arrange the potatoes in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcrowding, which can lead to sogginess. Depending on the size of your air fryer basket, you may need to cook in multiple batches. While it may take a bit more time, the results will be worth it!

Preparing the bacon

Choosing the Right Bacon

Start by selecting the type of bacon you prefer. You can opt for streaky bacon slices or pre-cooked bacon bits. If you go with pre-cooked bacon, simply chop or crumble them into smaller pieces. If you're using raw bacon slices, you'll need to cook them before adding them to your fries.

Cooking the Bacon

To cook the bacon in the air fryer, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the bacon slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking. Set the cooking time for 8-10 minutes, or until the bacon reaches your desired level of crispiness. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Once done, remove the bacon from the air fryer and drain the excess fat by placing it on paper towels. Allow it to cool down before crumbling it into smaller pieces.

Customizing Your Bacon

Feel free to experiment with different seasonings or flavors for your bacon. You can sprinkle it with black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, or even a special seasoning blend like Nature's Seasoning, which is a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This adds an extra layer of flavor to your bacon and enhances the overall taste of your bacon cheese fries.

Combining with Other Ingredients

When it comes to combining the bacon with the rest of the ingredients, timing is essential. You'll want to add the bacon to your fries after they are cooked and before adding the cheese. Sprinkle the crumbled or chopped bacon over the hot fries, creating an even layer. Then, return the basket to the air fryer for a short duration, usually 1-2 minutes, to allow the cheese to melt and the flavors to blend.

Storage and Reheating

If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bacon cheese fries can be reheated in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crispy.

Cooking the fries

To make bacon cheese fries in an air fryer, start by cooking the bacon. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the bacon slices for 8-10 minutes, or until crispy. Remove the bacon from the air fryer and set it aside on paper towels to drain the excess fat. Once cooled, crumble the bacon into bits.

Next, cook the French fries. Place the frozen French fries in the air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. If you're using fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries, cut them into fry shapes, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, dry them thoroughly, and then air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

Once the fries are cooked, it's time to add the cheese and bacon. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the hot fries, and then sprinkle the crumbled bacon on top of the cheese. Return the basket to the air fryer and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Finally, it's time to garnish and serve. Transfer the cheesy bacon fries to a serving plate. You can add a dollop of sour cream on top and sprinkle with chopped green onions. If you like your fries spicy, add some sliced jalapeños. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious air-fried bacon cheddar cheese fries!

Adding cheese and other toppings

For the cheese, you can use shredded cheddar, Monterey Jack, mozzarella, or a blend of your favourites. Sprinkle the cheese evenly over the hot fries and return the basket to the air fryer for 1-2 minutes, or until the cheese is melted to your liking.

For the bacon, you can use pre-cooked bacon bits or cook and crumble your own. Fry the bacon in a skillet or air fryer until crispy, then chop or crumble it over the fries. You can also add extra bacon for a more indulgent treat.

At this stage, you can also add other toppings such as sliced jalapeños, diced tomatoes, avocado, sour cream, or ranch dressing. If you're feeling adventurous, try something different like taco-seasoned ground beef, nacho cheese sauce, pico de gallo, or scallions.

Once you've added all your desired toppings, return the basket to the air fryer for a final time, cooking for just 1-2 minutes to ensure the cheese is melted without burning. Keep a close eye on it!

Serving suggestions

Bacon cheese fries are a versatile dish that can be served as a side, an appetizer, or a snack. They are perfect for game days, get-togethers, and parties. You can also serve them with a main course, such as a burger or sandwich.

For a more substantial meal, serve the bacon cheese fries with a protein, such as slow cooker pulled pork, BBQ pulled pork sliders, or air fryer brussels sprouts with bacon. You can also pair them with other side dishes, like caramelized onion hummus, to create a full meal.

If you're serving the bacon cheese fries as a snack or appetizer, consider offering a variety of dipping sauces on the side, such as ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, buffalo sauce, or blue cheese dressing. You can also provide extra toppings, such as chopped tomatoes, avocado, or sour cream, so that your guests can customize their fries.

For a fun and interactive dining experience, set up a "build-your-own" bar with the cooked fries, a variety of toppings, and sauces, allowing your guests to create their own unique combinations.

Finally, don't forget to offer some refreshing beverages to go along with the bacon cheese fries. Some options could include ice-cold beers, fruity cocktails, or refreshing lemonade.

Frequently asked questions