1. Preparing the Fries:
- Cutting the Potatoes: Wash and peel the russet potatoes. Cut them into evenly sized fries to ensure they cook evenly. Aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
- Soaking the Fries: Place the cut fries in a large bowl of cold water and let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries.
- Prepping the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (193°C). Lightly grease the air fryer basket with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray.
- Seasoning the Fries: Drain and pat the fries dry with paper towels. In a large bowl, toss the fries with olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
2. Cooking the Fries:
- Air Frying: Place the seasoned fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cooking Time: Air fry the fries for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. The fries should be golden brown and crispy when done.
3. Adding the Toppings:
- Cheese and Bacon: Once the fries are cooked, transfer them to an oven-safe dish or back into the air fryer basket (if your air fryer has a baking function). Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and crumbled bacon evenly over the fries.
- Melting the Cheese: Return the fries to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes at 350°F (177°C) to melt the cheese.
4. Serving the Loaded Fries:
- Final Touches: Once the cheese is melted, remove the fries from the air fryer. Top with a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeño slices, diced tomatoes, and chopped cilantro.
- Serving: Serve the loaded fries immediately while they’re hot and the cheese is gooey.
Tips for Perfect Loaded Fries:
- Even Cutting: Ensure your fries are cut to a uniform size for even cooking.
- Preheating: Always preheat your air fryer to achieve the best results.
- Layering: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to allow air to circulate and cook the fries evenly.
- Creative Toppings: Feel free to customize your loaded fries with your favorite toppings, such as avocado, pickled onions, or ranch dressing.
Conclusion:
Air Fryer Loaded Fries are a versatile and delicious snack that can be customized to your liking. With crispy fries as the base and a variety of toppings to choose from, this recipe is perfect for satisfying your cravings and impressing your guests. Whether you’re preparing a snack for game night or simply indulging in a guilty pleasure, these loaded fries are sure to hit the spot. So, grab your air fryer and get ready to enjoy a plate of crispy, cheesy, and mouthwatering loaded fries!