How do I keep Pizza Fries crispy?

Bake the fries until golden before adding toppings and use thick pizza sauce sparingly to prevent excess moisture.

Can I make Pizza Fries in an air fryer?

Yes! Air fry the potatoes until crispy and then add the toppings before cooking briefly until the cheese melts.

Can I prepare Pizza Fries ahead of time?

You can measure the toppings ahead of time but bake and assemble the fries just before serving for the best texture.

What toppings can I add to Pizza Fries?

Try cooked sausage or sliced olives and bell peppers or mushrooms for different flavors and extra texture.

Easy Pizza Fries Recipe with Cheese and Pepperoni

Description

These easy Pizza Fries combine crispy golden french fries with rich pizza sauce and gooey mozzarella cheese plus savory pepperoni for the best homemade comfort food. This quick and simple recipe is perfect for game day parties and potluck gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner with the family. Serve them with a fresh salad for a more balanced and healthy meal option. If you need crowd pleasing appetizer ideas that everyone can share then these cheesy fries are always a great choice.

Ingredients

24 oz (680 g) Frozen French Fries
1 tablespoon Olive Oil
1 teaspoon Italian Seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder
3/4 cup Pizza Sauce
1 1/2 cups Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
24 slices Pepperoni
2 tablespoons Grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tablespoon chopped Fresh Basil

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Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F and line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the 24 oz of frozen french fries on the baking sheet and drizzle with 1 tablespoon of olive oil before sprinkling 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning and 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder over the potatoes.
Toss the fries until the seasoning is distributed across their surfaces and spread them into a loose single layer. Leave a little space between the pieces where possible so the edges can become crispy during baking.
Place the baking tray into the preheated oven and bake for approximately 22 to 25 minutes or until the fries become golden and crispy. Flip and rearrange them halfway through cooking so the potatoes brown on multiple sides rather than staying pale underneath.
Remove the tray when the fries have firm golden edges and a few darker toasted spots. Push the cooked fries into a slightly closer and uneven layer in the middle of the tray to create a stable base for the pizza toppings.
Spoon 3/4 cup of thick pizza sauce over the baked fries in uneven ribbons and small patches. Leave some golden potato edges visible because completely covering the fries can soften their crispy texture.
Scatter 1 1/2 cups of shredded mozzarella across the sauced fries and distribute exactly 24 pepperoni slices over the cheese. Slightly overlap a few pepperoni slices while leaving others separated so the finished dish has the casual appearance of homemade loaded fries.
Return the baking tray to the oven and bake for another 5 to 7 minutes until the mozzarella melts and begins bubbling around the pepperoni. Watch carefully because the cheese should become creamy with a few lightly golden spots rather than turning dry.
Remove the fries once the pepperoni edges begin to curl and brown. The cheese should connect the fries in irregular melted patches while some crispy potatoes remain visible around the edges.
Divide the freshly baked Pizza Fries into four equal servings and transfer one portion onto a white serving plate. Gently lift the fries so a few strands of melted mozzarella remain stretched between the uneven layers.
Finish the full batch with 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil distributed across all four servings. Serve immediately while the cheese is soft and the fries still have crispy edges.

Notes

Pro Tips:

Choose thick cut frozen french fries because they hold their shape under the pizza sauce and melted cheese better than very thin fries.
Avoid adding pizza sauce before the fries become golden and crisp because the extra moisture can prevent proper browning in the oven.
Shred mozzarella from a block when possible because freshly shredded cheese usually melts more smoothly than packaged shredded varieties.
Add fresh basil only after baking so the leaves keep their bright green color and fresh flavor instead of turning dark in the oven.

Storage: Pizza Fries taste best immediately after baking because the combination of crispy potatoes and melted cheese is most enjoyable while hot. If you have leftovers then allow them to cool briefly before transferring them to an airtight container.

Store leftover Pizza Fries in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days when properly refrigerated. Keep them at 40°F or below and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain food safety.

For reheating you can spread the leftover fries on a baking sheet and warm them in an oven at 375°F until heated through to 165°F. This method helps restore some crispness to the potatoes while gently melting the cheese again.

An air fryer also works well for reheating smaller portions because the circulating hot air helps crisp the potato edges. Reheat in a single loose layer until thoroughly hot and avoid overcrowding the basket.

Freezing assembled Pizza Fries is not recommended because the tomato sauce and melted cheese can change texture after thawing. For the best results keep frozen fries separate and add fresh toppings immediately before baking.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Cuisine: American