Green Chile Cheese Fries
Craving the bold flavors of New Mexico? These Green Chile Cheese Fries are crispy, cheesy, slightly spicy, and absolutely irresistible. Made with air-fried russet potatoes and a gluten-free green chile sauce, this recipe delivers all the comfort of restaurant-style fries with a lighter homemade twist.Perfect for game day, parties, or when you just want something delicious fast!
Video
Equipment
- A Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 3 Large Russet Potatoes
- 1 ½ cups NM Green Chile Chopped
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 1 tbsp Canola Oil
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch Water Add cornstarch to ¼-cup water
- ½ tsp Garlic granulated
- ¼ tsp Ground Black Pepper
- ½ tsp Onion Salt
- 1 tsp Kosher Salt More for salting fries
- 2 cups Water
- 1 – 1 ½ cups Cheddar/Monterey Jack Cheese Blend shredded
Instructions
- Cut 3 Russet potatoes lengthwise about ½ inch thick, then crosswise into matchsticks.
- Rinse potatoes under cold water.
- Place potatoes into a water bath for about 20 minutes.
- While potatoes are soaking, you can prepare the chile: add 1 tbsp canola oil to a medium sized pan on medium high heat.
- Add 1 ½ cups green chile. Cook chile or approximately 1 minute.
- Add 2 cups water. Bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, add 2 tbsp cornstarch combined with ¼ cup water to chile and stir continuously – it will thicken quickly.
- Add ½ tsp garlic.
- Add 1 tsp salt. Continue cooking on low for 20 minutes.
- Drain potatoes.
- Pat potatoes dry with a clean dishcloth. Doing so will make your fries extra crispy!
- Add potatoes to a medium bowl along with 2 tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp onion salt and a little extra salt & pepper. Toss well.
- Add potatoes to an air fryer (can also cook the fries in the oven or in a cast-iron pan with canola oil) and cook on 350 for 20 minutes (the time may vary depending on your air fryer).
- Halfway through the cooking process, turn fries over so they cook evenly on both sides.
- Remove fries from the air fryer and place on a plate or serving platter.
- Ladle green chile sauce generously over fries.
- Top fries with a generous amount of cheese (I used 1 cup).
- Place (oven-safe) plate under the broiler for approximately 30 seconds, just until the cheese melts. Enjoy!
Notes
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra-crispy air fryer fries
- Gluten-free green chile sauce (cornstarch thickened)
- Uses real NM green chile—Hatch or Pueblo
- Gets melty, gooey, cheesy under the broiler
- Super customizable: spicy, loaded, or smothered
Expert Tips for the Crispiest Fries
- Soak potatoes to remove starch
- Dry completely before adding oil
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer
- Flip halfway for even browning
- Use Russet potatoes—not Yukon or red
Recipe Variations
Try these twists:
- Loaded Green Chile Fries
Add:
- Ground beef
- Bacon
- Beans
- Sour cream
- Pico de gallo
Extra Spicy Version
Use:
- Hot Hatch chile
- Add diced jalapeños
- Add chipotle seasoning
Diner-Style Smothered
- Pour chile under and over the fries, similar to NM smothered burritos.
Serving Ideas
These fries pair perfectly with:- Burgers
- Carne adovada
- Tacos
- Burritos
- Quesadillas
- Game day platters
- Green chile cheeseburgers
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating
Store fries and sauce separately.
Fries:
- Store 3 days in airtight container.
Reheat in air fryer at 375°F for 4–6 minutes. - Green Chile Sauce:
Lasts 5–7 days refrigerated.
Reheat on stove until smooth.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use canned green chile?
Yes! It works great—just choose medium or hot for flavor.Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh potatoes?
Absolutely. Air fry them and add the homemade sauce on top.What cheese melts best?
Monterey Jack + cheddar blend gives the perfect pull and melt.Can I bake the fries instead of air frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.Why cornstarch instead of flour?
Cornstarch keeps the sauce gluten-free and gives a silkier texture.More New Mexican Appetizers You’ll Love
- Bacon Wrapped Chile Rellenos
- Green Chile Stuffed Olives Recipe
- Fried Green Chile Strips
- Best Nachos Supreme Recipe
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