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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Heat air fryer to 375F (190C), preparing for precise cooking. Carefully arrange marinated chicken in fryer basket, ensuring even placement.
- Cook chicken for 20-22 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform browning. Verify internal temperature reaches 165F (75C) for safe consumption.
- Remove chicken and slice into uniform bite-sized pieces, maintaining juiciness and presentation.
- Prepare waffle fries according to package guidelines, aiming for maximum crispiness.
- Construct loaded fries by spreading crisp fries on serving platter, generously drizzling with warm queso.
- Layer chopped al pastor chicken over queso-covered fries, adding extra BBQ sauce for enhanced flavor complexity.
- Distribute reserved pineapple salsa across the surface, creating colorful and tangy visual appeal.
- 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