Air Fryer Loaded Chicken & Fries Bake
Introduction
The Air Fryer Loaded Chicken & Fries Bake is the ultimate comfort meal — crispy golden fries layered with juicy, seasoned chicken, melty cheese, and smoky toppings like bacon and green onions. It’s like a loaded pub-style platter but made healthier and faster in your air fryer! Perfect for busy weeknights, game nights, or when you want a crowd-pleasing, indulgent meal with minimal cleanup.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
For the Chicken:
2 medium boneless chicken breasts (about 450 g total)
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp onion powder
½ tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
¼ tsp chili flakes (optional, for spice)
For the Fries Layer:
3 cups frozen French fries (straight-cut or crinkle-cut)
½ tbsp olive oil (optional, for extra crispiness)
Pinch of salt and pepper
For the “Loaded” Topping:
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or a mix of cheddar and mozzarella)
3–4 strips cooked bacon, crumbled (optional)
2 tbsp chopped green onions or chives
2 tbsp sour cream or ranch dressing (for topping)
Optional garnish: diced tomatoes, jalapeños, or parsley
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
Cut chicken breasts into small bite-size cubes.
In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, and chili flakes.
Let it sit while you preheat the air fryer.
Cook the Fries
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) for 3 minutes.
Add frozen fries to the basket and spray lightly with oil.
Air fry for 12–15 minutes, shaking halfway, until golden and crispy.
Once done, transfer the fries to a heatproof dish (that fits in your air fryer basket) — this will be your “bake” base layer.
Cook the Chicken
While the fries are cooking, air fry the seasoned chicken cubes at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway through, until fully cooked and slightly crisp.
Check that internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Assemble the Loaded Bake
In your air fryer-safe baking dish or pan, layer as follows:
Base: cooked crispy fries
Middle: air-fried chicken cubes
Top: shredded cheese and bacon bits
Place the dish back into the air fryer and cook at 360°F (180°C) for 3–5 minutes, just until the cheese melts and gets bubbly.
Serve
Remove carefully and top with green onions, sour cream, or ranch drizzle.
Serve immediately while hot and cheesy!
Tips for Best Results
Use thin fries for crispier texture.
Add a dash of BBQ sauce or buffalo sauce to the chicken before baking for a flavor twist.
Don’t overload the air fryer — work in batches if needed.
For a lighter version, use low-fat cheese and skip the bacon.
Add veggies like bell peppers or corn before the final bake for extra nutrition.
Serving Suggestions
Serve as a main dish with a side of salad or garlic bread.
For a fun party snack, serve in small bowls or ramekins topped with extra sour cream and green onions.
Pairs beautifully with cold lemonade, iced tea, or a yogurt-based dip.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving — 1 of 4)
(Approximate values depending on ingredients and toppings used)
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 32 g
Fat: 22 g
Carbohydrates: 25 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 720 mg
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Loaded Chicken & Fries Bake is a perfect balance of crispy, cheesy, and savory goodness — all made in one appliance with minimal effort. It’s a comfort classic reinvented, bringing together the best of fries, chicken, and melty cheese in under 30 minutes. Whether for dinner, movie night, or game day, this dish will instantly become a family favorite!