Description
Crispy waffle fries piled high with spicy al pastor chicken, creamy queso, and fresh pineapple salsa—this loaded fries recipe is a flavor-packed fiesta! Each bite delivers a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and sweet, making it an irresistible snack for game day, parties, or even a fun dinner.
Ingredients
Base
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1 lb waffle fries, store-bought
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1 cup queso, store-bought or homemade
Al Pastor Chicken
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2-3 lbs chicken thighs, boneless & skinless
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1 cup spicy al pastor BBQ sauce
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2 tbsp vegetable oil
Pineapple Salsa
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1 cup pineapple, diced
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1/4 cup red onion, diced
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1 tbsp cilantro, chopped
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1 tbsp lime juice, freshly squeezed
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1 tsp jalapeño, diced
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1 tsp vegetable oil
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1/4 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
Make the Pineapple Salsa
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In a large bowl, combine all Pineapple Salsa ingredients.
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Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Marinate & Cook the Chicken
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In a bowl, mix chicken thighs, al pastor BBQ sauce, and vegetable oil.
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Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor.
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Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
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Place marinated chicken in the air fryer basket and cook for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
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Remove, chop into bite-sized pieces, and set aside.
Assemble the Loaded Fries
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Bake or fry waffle fries according to package instructions until crispy.
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Transfer to a serving dish and drizzle with warm queso.
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Top with al pastor chicken, extra BBQ sauce, and pineapple salsa.
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Finish with more queso for an extra cheesy kick.
Serve & Enjoy!
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Serve immediately and dig in with a fork (or your hands!).
Notes
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Extra Crunch: Air fry the waffle fries for an even crispier texture.
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Milder Heat: Reduce the jalapeño and use a mild BBQ sauce.
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Make Ahead: Prep the chicken and salsa ahead of time for quick assembly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups loaded fries
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 110mg