Air Fryer Cheese Fries: Quick, Crispy, Cheesy!

Air fryers are a great way to make delicious, crispy cheese fries in a short amount of time. With just a few simple steps, you can have a tasty snack or side dish that's perfect for any occasion. In this article, we'll show you how to make cheese fries in an air fryer, with tips on ingredients, cooking methods, and serving suggestions. So get ready to indulge in some cheesy, crispy goodness!

Choosing the right cheese

Type of Cheese

The most popular cheeses for air fryer cheese fries include cheddar, mozzarella, pepper jack, Colby jack, and Swiss. These cheeses have different flavours and melting points, so choosing the right one depends on your preference. For example, cheddar has a sharper flavour and melts well, making it a versatile option for cheese fries. Mozzarella is known for its stretchy, gooey texture when melted, perfect if you want cheesy pulls. Pepper jack adds a spicy kick to your fries, while Colby jack is a milder option. Swiss cheese has a nutty, sweet flavour and melts beautifully.

Shredded vs. Sliced Cheese

Using shredded cheese will give you a more even melt and distribution on your fries. Sliced cheese can also be used, but it may not melt as evenly. If you decide to shred the cheese yourself, be aware that some pre-shredded cheeses have anti-caking agents that can impact melting.

Fresh vs. Frozen Cheese

Using fresh cheese will give you the best melting results. However, if you're short on time or want to save some preparation steps, frozen shredded cheese can be used. Just be aware that frozen cheese may not melt as evenly or smoothly as fresh cheese.

Quantity of Cheese

The amount of cheese you use depends on your preference for cheesiness. A good starting point is one cup of shredded cheese for 16 ounces (about half a bag) of frozen French fries. You can always adjust the quantity to your taste.

Other Factors

When choosing the right cheese, consider the other ingredients and toppings you plan to use. For example, if you're making loaded cheese fries with bacon and ranch, you might want a cheese that complements those flavours. Also, if you're serving your cheese fries with a dip, such as ranch dressing or blue cheese sauce, choose a cheese that pairs well with those flavours.

Remember, the beauty of air fryer cheese fries is that you can get creative and experiment with different cheeses and combinations. Don't be afraid to mix and match to find your perfect cheesy combination!

Preparing the potatoes

When it comes to the type of potatoes to use, you can use regular potatoes or sweet potatoes. For frozen fries, you can choose from a variety of cuts, such as steak cut, crinkle cut, or waffle fries. The cut and brand you choose will determine the cooking time, as thicker cuts will take longer to cook.

Once your potatoes are prepared, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Set the temperature between 390 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook for 12 to 20 minutes, shaking the basket at least once during the cooking process to prevent sticking. For homemade fries, you may need to cook them a bit longer, up to 25 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fries.

Cooking the fries

To make cheese fries in your air fryer, start by taking a bag of frozen french fries and filling them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You can use any type of frozen french fries you like, such as crinkle-cut fries, steak-cut chips, or sweet potato fries. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as thicker cuts will take longer to cook.

Once you've filled the basket, spritz the fries with oil. This will help them get nice and crispy. Give the basket a shake to ensure that the oil is evenly distributed, and then spritz them with oil again.

Now, you're ready to start cooking! Set your air fryer to 390-400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the fries for 12-20 minutes. It's a good idea to shake the basket halfway through cooking to prevent the fries from sticking. Depending on the thickness of your fries, you may want to start checking for doneness around the 15-minute mark. You're looking for crispy, golden fries.

Once your fries have reached the desired level of crispness, it's time to add the cheese. Sprinkle your favourite shredded cheese—such as cheddar, Colby jack, or pepper jack—over the top of the fries. You can also use nacho cheese sauce or a squeezy bottled cheese sauce. Put the air fryer basket back in and cook for an additional 1-5 minutes, or until the cheese is melted.

Adding toppings

Classic Toppings

For a more classic take on loaded cheese fries, try adding toppings such as:

• Bacon bits or fried bacon
• Shredded chicken
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapenos
• Chilli peppers
• Green onions or spring onions
• Ranch dressing
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese sauce
• Guacamole
• BBQ sauce

Vegetarian Toppings

If you're looking for vegetarian-friendly toppings, consider the following:

• Garlic powder
• Black pepper
• Spicy cheddar cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Blue cheese sauce
• Garlic mayonnaise
• Tomato and chilli salsa
• Brown sugar BBQ sauce
• Roasted tomato pizza sauce
• Cilantro
• Microgreens
• Pickles

Vegan Toppings

For a vegan-friendly option, you can top your cheese fries with:

• Vegan cheese
• Vegan bacon
• Garlic mayo
• Chilli peppers
• Cilantro
• Herbs
• Veggies
• Pickles
• Lime juice

Hearty Toppings

To make your cheese fries into a more filling meal, try adding heartier toppings such as:

• Chilli
• Chicken parmesan (shredded chicken, marinara sauce, and mozzarella)
• Chicken nuggets
• Halloumi fries

Remember, the key to successful toppings is to add them at the right time and in the right order. For example, if you're using cheese as your base topping, make sure to add it first so that it melts beautifully and binds the other toppings together. Then, add your chosen toppings and finish with any sauces or garnishes.

Serving suggestions

Air Fryer Cheese Fries are a versatile dish that can be served as a snack, appetiser, or side. They can be served with a variety of toppings and dips to elevate the dish.

For a classic combination, serve the cheese fries with sour cream and chives, or spring onions. For a spicy kick, add jalapeños, or top with buffalo sauce and blue cheese. For a heartier option, add shredded chicken, or bacon, or load up with chilli.

For a fun twist on a classic, top with marinara sauce and mozzarella for a French fry take on chicken parmesan. For a lighter option, serve with roasted broccoli or asparagus.

If you're serving a crowd, Air Fryer Cheese Fries can be a great sharing dish, with dips and toppings on the side for people to add themselves. They also work well as a side dish with other air-fried foods, such as chicken nuggets, halloumi fries, or garlic bread.

For a healthier option, make your own French fries from scratch, and keep the toppings and dressings on the lighter side.

Frequently asked questions