Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Birria Fries are everything you want in a comfort food — crispy, cheesy, and packed with flavor. The birria beef brings a deep, savory richness to the fries, while the air fryer creates a perfectly crisp texture without the excess oil of deep frying. The spicy consommé sauce adds an extra layer of flavor, making each bite even more irresistible. It’s a fun and easy way to enjoy birria in a new, exciting form, and the best part? It’s healthier than the traditional deep-fried version!

Ingredients

1 pound of beef (chuck roast or short ribs work well), cut into chunks
2 dried guajillo chiles
2 dried pasilla chiles
1 dried ancho chile
1 onion, quartered
4 cloves garlic, peeled
2 tomatoes, halved
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 bay leaf
4 cups beef broth
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 tablespoons olive oil (for the fries)
1 bag of frozen French fries (about 1 pound)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)
Lime wedges (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Make the birria beef:
- In a large pot, add the beef chunks, guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, bay leaf, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer.
- Cook for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily. Skim off any excess fat during the cooking process.
- Once cooked, remove the beef and shred it with a fork. Save the broth (consommé) for dipping.
Air fry the fries:
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly toss the frozen fries in olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the fries in the air fryer basket for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Assemble the Birria Fries:
- Once the fries are done, spread them out on a baking sheet or plate. Top them with shredded birria beef and both types of cheese (mozzarella and cheddar).
- Return to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve:
- Drizzle some of the warm birria consommé over the top for added flavor and moisture. Garnish with chopped cilantro and serve with lime wedges for a fresh zing.
- Serve immediately while the fries are still hot and crispy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (for the beef) + 20 minutes (for fries)
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the beef with jackfruit or a plant-based protein to make a vegetarian version of birria fries.
Extra Spicy: Add some sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to the beef while cooking, or sprinkle some chili powder on top of the fries for an extra spicy kick.
Taco Style: Add toppings like sour cream, salsa, avocado slices, or shredded lettuce for a taco-inspired version of these fries.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover birria fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the consommé separate from the fries to prevent sogginess.
Reheating: To reheat, place the fries back in the air fryer for 5-7 minutes at 375°F until they are crispy again. Warm up the consommé in a saucepan.

FAQs

Can I use regular fries instead of frozen?

Yes, you can use fresh fries, but frozen fries will give you that crispier texture, especially when using the air fryer.

Can I use a slow cooker for the birria beef?

Absolutely! You can cook the birria beef in a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours for tender and flavorful results.

Can I make this recipe with chicken instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute the beef with chicken. However, the flavor profile will be different, and the cooking time will be shorter (about 1.5-2 hours for chicken).

Can I use store-bought birria meat?

Yes, if you can find store-bought birria meat, you can skip the step of making the birria and simply heat it up. This will save you time while still delivering a tasty result.

What can I use instead of guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chiles?

If you can’t find these dried chiles, you can use a combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cayenne for a similar flavor.

Can I make the consommé ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the consommé a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. Just reheat it when you’re ready to serve.

How do I make the fries extra crispy in the air fryer?

To make the fries extra crispy, spray them with a bit of cooking oil before air frying, and be sure not to overcrowd the basket to allow proper airflow.

Can I freeze leftover birria beef?

Yes, you can freeze the leftover birria beef and consommé. Simply store them in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.

How can I make this recipe more filling?

To make this dish more filling, add some beans, rice, or grilled veggies on top of the fries before serving.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can make the birria beef ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Assemble and air fry the fries when you’re ready to serve.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Birria Fries are the perfect combination of crispy fries, tender beef, melted cheese, and flavorful consommé, creating a dish that’s sure to impress. The air fryer ensures a healthier take on the classic, without sacrificing the delicious crunch and savory goodness you crave. Whether you’re making them for a casual dinner, game day, or a fun snack, these birria fries will elevate your meal and leave everyone coming back for more!

Air Fryer Birria Fries

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Air Fryer Birria Fries are a crispy and flavorful dish combining tender birria beef, cheese, and crispy fries, all served with a rich consommé dipping sauce. A healthier and quicker twist on a classic comfort food!

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours (for beef) + 20 minutes (for fries)
Total Time: 3 hours 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Appetizer, Snack, Main Dish
Method: Air Fryer, Stovetop
Cuisine: Mexican

Instructions

Make the Birria Beef: In a large pot, add the beef chunks, guajillo, pasilla, and ancho chiles, onion, garlic, tomatoes, cumin, oregano, cinnamon, bay leaf, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily. Skim off any excess fat during the cooking process. Once cooked, remove the beef and shred it with a fork. Save the broth (consommé) for dipping.

Air Fry the Fries: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly toss the frozen fries in olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cook the fries in the air fryer basket for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Assemble the Birria Fries: Once the fries are done, spread them on a baking sheet or plate. Top with shredded birria beef and both mozzarella and cheddar cheese. Return to the air fryer for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve: Drizzle warm birria consommé over the top and garnish with chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges and enjoy!

Notes

For extra spice, add jalapeños or chili powder to the beef while cooking.
For a vegetarian option, swap the beef for jackfruit or a plant-based protein.
To make it extra crispy, double-dip the fries in the flour mixture before air frying.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
Calories: 550
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 5g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 60mg