Loaded French Fries
INGREDIENTS
1 (2lb) Bag Great Value frozen crinkle-cut fries
1 Tbsp paprika
1 Tbsp Old Bay seasoning
1-2 tablespoons olive oil (or cooking spray)
1 cup shredded cheese (such as cheddar or a blend)
4-6 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled
Ranch
Green onions, sliced
DIRECTIONS
🔥Set your full-size oven to 400°F on the Air Fry setting (or convection bake if your oven does not have a dedicated air fry button)
Toss the frozen crinkle-cut fries in a large bowl with olive oil or cooking spray.
Sprinkle the paprika and Old Bay evenly over the top, tossing well to coat all the ridges.
Arrange in a Single Layer: Spread the seasoned fries onto a large, dark baking sheet or an oven-safe air frys basket tray. Arrange them in a single layer with space between them so they crisp up instead of steaming.
🔥Bake Until Crispy: Place the tray on the middle rack. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping the fries over halfway through the cooking time.
Slide the baking sheet out. Smother them evenly with your shredded cheese and crumbled bacon.
Return the pan to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Drizzle ranch dressing over the hot
fries and scatter the sliced green onions on top. Serve immediately right from the pan or transfer to a platter and Munch!
Loaded French fries are one of those delicious comfort foods that are incredibly satisfying and perfect for sharing with friends and family. When making loaded fries, seasoning is key—you want your fries to be crispy and flavorful before adding the toppings. Using spices like paprika and Old Bay, as in this recipe, adds a wonderful depth of flavor that elevates even frozen crinkle-cut fries from the grocery store. One tip I've found useful is to make sure the fries are spread out in a single layer with space between, whether on a baking sheet or an air fryer basket. This allows each fry to crisp up nicely rather than steam, ensuring a crunchy texture. Flipping them halfway through baking helps achieve even cooking. For the toppings, a blend of shredded cheddar or mixed cheese melts beautifully over hot fries and pairs perfectly with crumbled bacon, which adds a smoky, salty bite. Drizzling ranch dressing on top complements the savory flavors with a creamy tang. Adding green onions as a fresh garnish gives the loaded fries an extra pop of color and mild sharpness. Loaded fries are so versatile—you can customize toppings to your liking. Some people like to add jalapeños for spice, or substitute sour cream instead of ranch. Leftover fries can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to regain crispiness, making this recipe great for meal prep or snacking. Overall, loaded French fries like this recipe are crowd-pleasers for casual gatherings, game days, or just a cozy night in. They’re easy to prepare, use simple ingredients, and satisfy that craving for cheesy, bacon-topped goodness.