Introduction
Welcome to your new favorite family dinner adventure! If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s both delicious and easy to prepare, look no further than these Family-Friendly Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Fries. Bursting with flavor and loaded with all the right toppings, this recipe is sure to be a hit with kiddos and adults alike.
Imagine crispy, golden fries topped with tender, juicy BBQ chicken, melted cheese, and your favorite fixings. The air fryer does its magic by delivering that signature crunch without the excess oil, making this a healthier twist on a classic comfort food. Not only is this meal quick to whip up, but it also encourages everyone to join in on the fun of customizing their own plates.
Perfect for busy weeknights or as a crowd-pleasing party dish, these loaded BBQ chicken fries are certain to bring the family together around the table. So, grab your apron, get your air fryer ready, and let’s dive into this finger-licking good recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your favorite)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked crispy bacon, chopped
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup sour cream (optional for drizzling)
- Olive oil spray
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
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- Start by making the fries. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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- Wash and slice the russet potatoes into thin fry shapes. You can leave the skins on for extra flavor!
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- In a large bowl, toss the potato slices with a little olive oil spray, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
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- Place the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to cook them in batches). Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until they’re golden and crispy.
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- While the fries are cooking, combine the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl until the chicken is well coated.
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- Once the fries are done, carefully remove them from the air fryer.
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- Layer the crispy fries on a serving platter. Spread the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the fries.
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- Sprinkle the shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon on top of the loaded fries.
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- Return the loaded fries to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
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- Once done, take out the loaded fries, and garnish with chopped green onions. Drizzle sour cream over the top if desired.
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- Serve your family-friendly air fryer loaded BBQ chicken fries right away and enjoy!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Frozen French fries: 1 bag (about 20 ounces)
- Cooked chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (grilled or rotisserie chicken works great)
- BBQ sauce: 1 cup (your favorite brand or homemade)
- Shredded cheese: 1 ½ cups (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend)
- Bacon bits: ½ cup (cooked and crumbled)
- Green onions: ¼ cup, sliced (for garnish)
- Sour cream: for serving (optional)
- Olive oil spray: for coating fries (optional)
Baking Process
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Preheat the Air Fryer: Begin by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures that the chicken and fries cook evenly and get that perfect crispiness.
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Prepare the Fries: If you’re using frozen French fries, simply toss them directly into the air fryer basket. For homemade fries, consider cutting fresh potatoes into uniform strips, soaking them in cold water for about 30 minutes to reduce starch, then patting them dry. Lightly coat the fries with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and any desired spices.
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Cook the Fries: Place the fries in the air fryer basket, making sure they are spread out in a single layer for optimal cooking. Cook for approximately 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. Keep an eye on the fries towards the end of the cooking time to achieve your desired level of crispness.
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Prepare the Chicken: While the fries are cooking, chop your cooked chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season it with your favorite BBQ sauce, ensuring each piece is well-coated. You can use leftover rotisserie chicken or grill up some chicken breasts seasoned with salt and pepper.
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Layer the Fries: Once the fries are finished cooking, reduce the air fryer temperature to 350°F (175°C). Gently remove the fries and place a layer of them back into the air fryer basket. Spread the BBQ chicken pieces evenly over the fries.
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Add Cheese and Toppings: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese (like cheddar or Monterey Jack) over the BBQ chicken and fries. Feel free to sprinkle additional toppings, such as jalapeños for a kick, diced red onion, or chopped green onions for freshness.
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Final Cook: Return the loaded fries to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. This final step will also slightly crisp the edges of the fries, enhancing the overall texture.
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Serve: Once cooked, carefully remove the loaded BBQ chicken fries from the air fryer. Let them cool for a minute before serving. Drizzle with more BBQ sauce or a dollop of sour cream if desired, and enjoy hot with your family!
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Storage: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer for a quick and delicious snack or meal!
With this easy air fryer recipe, you’ll have a delightful and satisfying meal that’s sure to please the whole family!
Serving Suggestions
To elevate your Family-Friendly Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Fries experience, consider these serving suggestions:
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Dipping Sauces: Offer a variety of dipping sauces on the side such as ranch, honey mustard, or additional BBQ sauce for a flavorful twist. A spicy aioli can add a kick for those who enjoy some heat.
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Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle some freshly chopped parsley or cilantro on top of your loaded fries for a pop of color and freshness. Thinly sliced green onions can also add flavor and crunch.
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Side Salads: Pair these hearty fries with a simple side salad. A crisp, mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing balance to the richness of the loaded fries.
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Coleslaw: A creamy coleslaw can add a crunchy texture and a refreshing element that complements the BBQ flavor beautifully.
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Vegetable Sticks: Serve with fresh vegetable sticks, such as carrots, celery, or cucumbers, with a dip like hummus or tzatziki for a healthy crunch alongside your indulgent fries.
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Beverage Pairing: Enjoy your loaded fries with a refreshing beverage. Craft sodas, lemonade, or iced tea are great choices. For adults, consider pairing with a light beer or a fruity sangria.
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Cheesy Garlic Bread: For those looking to indulge a bit further, serve with cheesy garlic bread on the side to soak up any extra BBQ sauce and add a delightful garlic flavor contrast.
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Wrap it Up: For a fun twist, serve the toppings on a tortilla instead of fries, creating BBQ chicken wraps that are easy to handle and perfect for dipping!
These suggestions will not only enhance the flavors but also make your meal more diverse, ensuring everyone at the table leaves satisfied!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Family-Friendly Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Fries are the perfect blend of savory flavor and crispy texture, making them an enticing dinner option or a delightful snack for any gathering. They are super easy to prepare, thanks to the air fryer, which provides a healthier alternative to traditional frying without sacrificing taste or crunch. With the juicy BBQ chicken, melty cheese, and the toppings of your choice, this dish is customizable to suit your family’s preferences.
Whether you’re hosting a game day, a casual family dinner, or simply craving something indulgent, these loaded fries are sure to please everyone at the table. Plus, they’re a fun way to get the kids involved in the kitchen—let them help with assembling their favorite toppings! So, gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to dig into a delicious, fuss-free meal that the whole family will love. Enjoy!
