Introduction
Welcome to a culinary adventure that your whole family will love! If you’re searching for a fun, delicious meal that brings everyone together, look no further than these Family-Friendly Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Fries. This mouthwatering dish combines the heavenly flavors of crispy fries, tender BBQ chicken, and gooey cheese, creating an irresistible comfort food experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Using the air fryer makes preparing this dish not only quicker but also healthier than traditional frying methods, allowing you to enjoy crispy fried goodness without the extra oil. Whether it’s game night, a family movie marathon, or just a casual weeknight dinner, these loaded BBQ chicken fries are perfect for any occasion. Gather your loved ones, and get ready to dive into a plate of goodness that will surely become a new family favorite! Let’s get started with the recipe!
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup BBQ sauce (your preferred variety)
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup cooked crispy bacon, diced
- 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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- Begin by preparing the fries. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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- Rinse and cut the russet potatoes into thin fry shapes. Feel free to keep the skins on for added flavor!
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- In a large mixing bowl, coat the potato slices with a light drizzle of olive oil spray, salt, and pepper until they are evenly flavored.
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- Arrange the fries in the air fryer basket in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches). Air fry for 15-20 minutes, giving the basket a shake halfway through, until they are golden and crispy.
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- As the fries cook, mix the shredded chicken with BBQ sauce in a bowl until the chicken is thoroughly coated.
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- After the fries are finished cooking, carefully take them out of the air fryer.
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- Arrange the crispy fries on a serving platter. Distribute the BBQ chicken mixture evenly over the fries.
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- Top the loaded fries with shredded cheddar cheese and chopped bacon.
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- Place the loaded fries back in the air fryer for an extra 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbling.
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- When ready, remove the loaded fries, and decorate them with chopped green onions. Drizzle sour cream on top if you wish.
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- Serve your family-friendly air fryer loaded BBQ chicken fries immediately and savor the deliciousness!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 40 min | Servings: 4
Key Ingredients
- Frozen French Fries: 1 bag (about 24 ounces) for a quick and easy base.
- Cooked Chicken: 2 cups, shredded or diced (rotisserie chicken works great).
- BBQ Sauce: 1/2 cup, your favorite brand or homemade for added flavor.
- Shredded Cheese: 2 cups (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend).
- Green Onions: 2-3, sliced for garnish and added freshness.
- Pickled Jalapeños: Optional, for a spicy kick.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste, for seasoning.
- Olive Oil or Cooking Spray: For crisping up the fries in the air fryer.
- Sour Cream: Optional, for drizzling on top before serving.
Feel free to customize the ingredients based on your family’s taste preferences!
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 your chicken fries cook evenly and achieve that perfect crispiness.
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Prepare the Chicken: While the air fryer is heating, take your pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken and shred it into bite-sized pieces. This will make it easy to distribute over the fries.
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Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the shredded chicken with your favorite BBQ sauce. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly, adding more sauce depending on your taste preference.
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Prepare the Fries: If you’re using frozen fries, spread them out evenly in the air fryer basket. For homemade fries, slice potatoes into thin strips, toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them in the basket. Remember not to overcrowd the basket to ensure they cook evenly.
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Air Fry the Fries: Cook the fries in the preheated air fryer for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to promote even cooking. Keep an eye on them towards the end to ensure they don’t overcook.
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Add the BBQ Chicken: Once the fries are golden and crispy, remove the basket and sprinkle the BBQ chicken evenly on top of the fries.
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Top with Cheese: Generously sprinkle shredded cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a blend) over the BBQ chicken. For an extra kick, consider adding diced jalapeños or cooked bacon bits at this stage.
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Final Air Fry: Return the loaded fries to the air fryer and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. Keep an eye on them to prevent burning.
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Garnish and Serve: Once the cheese is melted to your satisfaction, carefully remove the basket from the air fryer. Top your loaded fries with fresh chopped cilantro, green onions, or a drizzle of ranch dressing for added flavor.
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Enjoy!: Serve your Family-Friendly Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Fries hot and watch them disappear at the dinner table! Perfect for game nights, family gatherings, or any casual meal.
Serving Suggestions
These Family-Friendly Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Fries are a delicious and versatile dish that can easily fit into a variety of meal contexts. Here are some serving suggestions to help you make the most out of this flavorful recipe:
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Pair with Dipping Sauces: Enhance the enjoyment of your BBQ Chicken Fries by offering a selection of dipping sauces. Classic options like ranch, blue cheese, or honey mustard can complement the flavors wonderfully. For a bit of a kick, consider adding a spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy BBQ sauce.
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Add Fresh Toppings: Fresh toppings can elevate your loaded fries. Consider adding sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or diced tomatoes for a burst of flavor and color. You could also include a dollop of sour cream or guacamole for extra creaminess.
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Make It a Meal: Serve the loaded fries as a main course along with a side salad. A simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette can be a refreshing balance to the richness of the fries. Alternatively, serve with coleslaw for a classic BBQ feel.
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Host a Game Night Spread: Embrace a casual atmosphere by making these fries a centerpiece of a game night spread. Pair them with finger foods like sliders, mozzarella sticks, or vegetable platters for a fun and interactive meal.
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Serve with Beverages: Complement your loaded fries with beverages. A cold soda, iced tea, or a fruity mocktail can be a refreshing choice. For adults, consider serving with beer or a summery cocktail to match the BBQ flavors.
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Portable Picnic Option: Pack these loaded BBQ Chicken Fries in a portable container for a picnic! They can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature. Just remember to bring along those dipping sauces in small jars.
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Themed Dinner Nights: Turn your dinner into a themed night! Add sides like corn on the cob, baked beans, or cornbread for a full BBQ-inspired feast that the whole family will love.
With these serving suggestions, your Family-Friendly Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Fries will undoubtedly become a hit at any gathering! Enjoy the flavors and the company that comes with them!
Conclusion
In conclusion, these Family-Friendly Air Fryer Loaded BBQ Chicken Fries are the perfect dish to bring everyone together around the dinner table. With their crispy texture and mouthwatering toppings, they strike a wonderful balance between indulgence and convenience. The air fryer not only gives you that delightful crunch with less oil, but it also makes preparation a breeze, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Feel free to get creative with your toppings—add jalapeños for a kick or a drizzle of ranch for extra flavor. This recipe is wonderfully versatile and can be adapted to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs. Whether enjoyed as a hearty snack or a full meal, these loaded fries are sure to become a favorite in your household. So fire up that air fryer and treat your family to a deliciously fun meal that they’ll be asking for again and again! Enjoy your cooking adventure!
