Learn how to make Taco Bell Nacho Fries seasoning at home with this easy recipe.
One night, my friends and I really wanted some traditional Taco Bell nacho fries. Our choice was to try making them at home. We began our journey by purchasing everything we thought we needed from the store.
We felt like great cooks as we mixed the spices in my kitchen. Everything was going great until my friend accidentally added way too much cayenne pepper. The first batch of fries had us all breathing fire. We laughed so hard. Our eyes were filled with tears, and we had to drink a lot of milk to calm down.
After that spicy disaster, we decided to use less cayenne pepper and tried again. This time, the seasoning was perfect. We put it on top of our fries and baked them until golden. It was the right crispy topping for our fries, which we ate in record time.
That evening, we discovered that making nacho fries at home with friends could be just as much of an enjoyable experience as eating them!
What Are Nacho Fries?
Nacho fries are delightful potatoes with a Mexican flavor. As compared to ordinary salt, they are coated with spices that resembles taco seasoning and gives a pleasant, tangy flavor. Also, they are served with warmed nacho cheese sauce, an ingredient that increases their taste.
Although the Nacho Fries were only offered for a limited time, customers continued to order from Taco Bell due to their exceptional quality. It is now clear why they have achieved such widespread popularity.
Let’s get to know how to make taco bell nacho fries seasoning.
Ingredients for How to make Taco Bell Nacho Fries Seasoning:
The key to great nacho fries lies in the seasoning:
- Paprika 1 tablespoon
- Chili powder 1 tablespoon
- Garlic powder 1 teaspoon
- Onion powder 1 teaspoon
- Ground cumin 1 teaspoon
- Salt 1 teaspoon
- Cayenne pepper 1/2 teaspoon
- Black pepper 1/2 teaspoon
- Smoked paprika 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
- Cornstarch 1 teaspoon (helps the seasoning stick to the fries)
Mixing the Seasoning:
- Combine All Ingredients: Mix spices and cornstarch together in a small bowl.
- Store Properly: Put the seasoning mixture in an airtight container. In a cold, dry environment, this combination can last several months. How to Make Taco Bell Nacho Fries
Now that we have the seasoning ready, let’s move on to making the fries.
Ingredients for Nacho Fries:
Russet potatoes: 4 large, cut into thin strips
Olive oil: 2-3 tablespoons
Nacho fries seasoning: As prepared above
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat the Oven: preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). By sticking to this method, the fries are cooked efficiently and achieve an appetizing golden brown outer coating.
- Prepare the Potato Sticks: Cut potatoes evenly into French fries with a sharp knife.
- Hydrate and Rinse: For crispier fries, soak the potato pieces in cool water for thirty(30) minutes. Rinse and dry well.
- Oil up: In a large bowl, toss the dried potato sticks with enough olive oil to coat them lightly. This creates a barrier for even browning and adds a touch of richness.
- Season the fries: Once coated, generously season the fries with your prepared spice blend, ensuring all the potato sticks are evenly flavored.
- Bake Until Golden Brown: Arrange the seasoned potato sticks in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This prevents sticking and promotes even airflow for optimal crispness. Bake the fries for 25–30 minutes, turning halfway through to brown all sides. A beautiful brown and somewhat crispy exterior suggests that the cooking is complete.
Air Fryer Alternative:
For more crispier texture, you can use an air fryer:
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Arrange in Basket: Put seasoned fries in an air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Cook: Air fry for 15-20 minutes, stirring the basket halfway through.
Serving Suggestions:
Taco Bell nacho fries are best enjoyed hot and fresh. Here are some serving suggestions to elevate your homemade nacho fries experience:
- Nacho cheese fries: To enhance their spicy seasoning, pair with an abundance of creamy nacho cheese sauce for dipping! This flavour complements them beautifully.
- Loaded nacho fries: For the best-loaded nachos, add
seasoned ground meat
chopped tomatoes
jalapenos
shredded lettuce
sour cream to your fries. - Taco Bell nacho fries at home: Serving fries with Taco Bell nacho fries ingredients like seasoned beef and cheese recreates the fast-food experience.
- Nachos French fries: Combine your fries with tortilla chips, then garnish with nacho cheese, black beans, and avocado for a creative take on the traditional nachos dish.
- Healthier alternative: Serving nachos with guacamole or Greek yogurt flavored with lime and cilantro is a healthier alternative. This would be a lighter dipping choice.
FAQs:
1. What is the seasoning on Taco Bell fries?
Paprika, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, powdered cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and cornstarch form the seasoning.
2. How long does this seasoning last?
Refrigerate the seasoning for a maximum of six months in a secure container.
3. Does this seasoning work for other foods?
Yes, the nacho fries seasoning works great on potato wedges and even as a taco seasoning.
Personal Tip:
I always make a lot of this seasoning and store it. It’s easy to create and adds flavour to many foods! Having this spice on hand will save time and add flavour when cooking fresh nacho fries or exploring new dishes.
When in the mood for Taco Bell nacho fries, refrain from visiting the fast-food point in the area. Instead, gather your friends in the kitchen to prepare nacho fries from scratch. Enjoy making and eating nacho potatoes that are spicy, cheesy, and crisp.