Sizzling Chicken Al Pastor Loaded Fries Recipe: Taco Night Twist

Mexican street food meets crispy potato magic in this mouthwatering chicken al pastor loaded fries that will make you dance with delight.

Tender marinated meat brings explosive flavor to every golden, perfectly seasoned french fry.

Pineapple chunks add sweet brightness against the rich, spicy protein.

Creamy avocado and tangy cilantro sauce drizzle across the plate like a culinary masterpiece.

Red onions provide sharp crunch that complements the soft chicken pieces.

Each bite promises a festival of textures and bold southwestern sensations.

Jump into this recipe and let your taste buds celebrate an epic flavor adventure.

What Makes Chicken Al Pastor Fries So Irresistible

• Spice Up Family Nights: Transform ordinary fries into a mouthwatering adventure that will have everyone gathering around the table, eagerly grabbing their favorite toppings and creating delicious memories together.
• Tackle Complex Flavors Easily: Combine Mexican-inspired al pastor chicken with crispy waffle fries and tangy pineapple salsa, delivering restaurant-quality taste without complicated cooking techniques.
• Quick Meal Satisfaction: Prepare this crowd-pleasing dish in minimal steps, using simple ingredients and an air fryer for speedy cooking that doesn't compromise on incredible flavor profiles.
• Customize Your Culinary Canvas: Adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adjusting spice levels, or adding extra toppings, making it perfect for spontaneous gatherings or personalized dinner experiences.

Ingredients List for Chicken Al Pastor Fries

• Fresh Pineapple: A sweet and tangy fruit that adds bright tropical flavor to the salsa.
• Red Onion: Provides a sharp, crisp bite and vibrant color to the fresh salsa.
• Cilantro: Adds a fresh, herbal note that complements the pineapple's sweetness.
• Lime Juice: Brings a zesty acidity that balances and brightens the salsa.

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that absorbs the al pastor marinade perfectly.
• Al Pastor BBQ Sauce: A spicy and sweet sauce that gives the chicken its signature Mexican-inspired flavor.
• Vegetable Oil: Helps to distribute the marinade and keep the chicken moist during cooking.

• Waffle Fries: Crispy potato base that serves as the foundation for the loaded dish.
• Queso: A creamy, melted cheese sauce that adds richness and extra flavor.
• Extra BBQ Sauce: Provides an additional layer of spicy-sweet sauce for drizzling.

Steps to Make Chicken Al Pastor Loaded Fries

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Pineapple Salsa

Grab a mixing bowl and toss in all the fresh salsa ingredients. Stir everything together until well combined.

Pop the salsa in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle and chill while you prepare the rest of the dish.

• Diced pineapple
• Chopped red onion
• Cilantro
• Lime juice
• Salt
• Pepper

Step 2: Marinate and Cook Juicy Chicken

Create a flavor-packed marinade by mixing chicken thighs with al pastor BBQ sauce and a splash of vegetable oil.

Let the chicken soak up those delicious flavors for at least 30 minutes – or overnight if you’re planning ahead for maximum taste.

Fire up your air fryer to 375F (190C).

Carefully place the marinated chicken in the basket and cook for 20-22 minutes. Flip the chicken halfway through to ensure even cooking.

Check that the internal temperature hits 165F (75C) for perfectly cooked meat. Once done, chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Build Mouthwatering Loaded Fries

Prepare your waffle fries according to the package instructions, aiming for maximum crispiness. Transfer the golden fries to a serving dish and drench them with warm, gooey queso.

Layer on the chopped al pastor chicken, drizzle extra BBQ sauce, and generously top with the chilled pineapple salsa. For the ultimate cheese lovers, add another generous pour of queso.

Step 4: Devour and Enjoy

Serve these loaded fries immediately while everything is hot and fresh. Grab a fork – or throw caution to the wind and dig in with your hands!

Get ready for a flavor explosion that combines sweet, spicy, and cheesy in every single bite.

Tips to Perfect Al Pastor Chicken Fries Combo

• Marinate chicken for up to 24 hours to infuse intense al pastor taste throughout the meat.
• Chop salsa ingredients uniformly for consistent flavor and texture in every bite.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165F, preventing undercooking and ensuring juicy results.
• Bake or air fry waffle fries until golden and crunchy for the ultimate textural foundation of the loaded dish.
• Drizzle warm queso between layers and on top to guarantee cheesy goodness in every mouthful.

Different Takes on Al Pastor Chicken Fries

• Pulled Pork Pastor Fries: Replace chicken with slow-cooked pulled pork marinated in al pastor sauce, maintaining the same spicy and tangy flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Pastor Fries: Swap chicken with grilled jackfruit or crispy tofu, marinated in al pastor sauce for a plant-based alternative that keeps the authentic taste.
• Seafood Pastor Fries: Use grilled shrimp or white fish instead of chicken, seasoned with al pastor marinade for a light and zesty seafood version.
• Mediterranean Pastor Fries: Incorporate lamb or Mediterranean-spiced chicken, topped with tzatziki sauce and fresh herbs for a global fusion experience.

Great Pairings With Chicken Al Pastor Fries

• Refreshing Tropical Margarita: Blend fresh pineapple juice, tequila, and lime for a zesty cocktail that complements the sweet and spicy al pastor chicken, enhancing the tropical notes of the pineapple salsa.
• Mexican Craft Beer Companion: Choose a crisp, light Mexican lager like Modelo Especial or Pacifico to cut through the richness of the queso and provide a clean, refreshing contrast to the bold flavors.
• Citrus-Infused Agua Fresca: Craft a light, tangy drink with fresh orange and lime juice, mixed with sparkling water to balance the spicy and cheesy loaded fries, offering a cooling and palate-cleansing experience.

How to Store Chicken Al Pastor Fries Properly

Store leftover chicken al pastor fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Separate the crispy fries from saucy toppings to maintain their crunch.

Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty aluminum foil. Chicken and salsa can be frozen for 2-3 months. Fries do not freeze well due to texture changes.

Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave for 30-45 seconds or in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Crisp up cold fries in air fryer at 375F for 3-4 minutes or in conventional oven at 425F for 5 minutes. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy texture.

FAQs

• What makes al pastor chicken different from regular chicken?

Al pastor is a Mexican-style marinade using achiote, pineapple, and chili peppers that gives the chicken a tangy, slightly sweet, and spicy flavor profile distinct from traditional grilled or roasted chicken.

• Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Chicken thighs work best due to their higher fat content and tenderness, but you can substitute with chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook, as breast meat can dry out more quickly.

• Is an air fryer necessary for cooking the chicken?

While an air fryer provides crispy results, you can also grill, bake, or pan-sear the marinated chicken. Just ensure the internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) for food safety.

Chicken Al Pastor Loaded Fries Recipe

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4.8 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 2 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Sizzling Mexican-inspired chicken al pastor loaded fries bring spicy street flavor right to your plate. Crispy golden fries topped with tender marinated chicken, zesty pineapple, and creamy cilantro sauce create a mouthwatering fiesta you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 2.3 pounds chicken thighs, boneless & skinless
• 1 pound waffle fries, store-bought
• 1 cup queso, store-bought or homemade

Produce and Spices:

• 1 cup pineapple, diced
• 1/4 cup red onion, diced
• 1 tablespoon cilantro, chopped
• 1 teaspoon jalapeno, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Liquids and Oils:

• 1 cup spicy al pastor BBQ sauce
• 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant pineapple salsa by combining all ingredients in a mixing bowl, ensuring thorough blending of flavors. Seal and refrigerate to allow ingredients to meld together while preparing other components.
2. Create a robust marinade by thoroughly coating chicken thighs with al pastor BBQ sauce and vegetable oil. Allow chicken to absorb flavors for minimum 30 minutes, maximizing taste profile.
3. Heat air fryer to 375F (190C), preparing for precise cooking. Carefully arrange marinated chicken in fryer basket, ensuring even placement.
4. Cook chicken for 20-22 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform browning. Verify internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) for safe consumption.
5. Remove chicken and slice into uniform bite-sized pieces, maintaining juiciness and presentation.
6. Prepare waffle fries according to package guidelines, aiming for maximum crispiness.
7. Construct loaded fries by spreading crisp fries on serving platter, generously drizzling with warm queso.
8. Layer chopped al pastor chicken over queso-covered fries, adding extra BBQ sauce for enhanced flavor complexity.
9. Distribute reserved pineapple salsa across the surface, creating colorful and tangy visual appeal.
10. Finish with additional queso drizzle, creating an indulgent, cheese-laden masterpiece ready for immediate consumption.

Notes

• Choose chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness, as they stay more tender compared to chicken breasts during cooking.
• Marinate chicken overnight to develop deeper, more complex al pastor taste and ensure meat absorbs maximum seasoning.
• Air frying creates crispy exterior while maintaining chicken’s moisture, but can also grill or bake as alternative cooking methods.
• Keep pineapple salsa chilled until serving to maintain fresh, bright flavors and prevent ingredient breakdown.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 22 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 416 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 550 mg
• Fat: 21 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg