Taco Bell cheesy fiesta potatoes are seasoned potato bites topped with warm nacho cheese and sour cream. Two home copycats we read skip the deep fryer: one bakes parboiled potatoes with a flour and cornstarch coating, the other air-fries russets in taco seasoning. Here is how each works, and which one you might pick.
Taco Bell does not publish its recipe, and we have not cooked either version. Amounts below belong to the recipe they’re credited to. Where a source is silent, we say so!
How do the two copycats compare?
They split on the potato prep and the seasoning. I’m Hungry For That parboils the potatoes, coats them and bakes them. The Quicker Kitchen tosses raw russets in oil and a packet of taco seasoning, then air-fries.
| I’m Hungry For That (oven) | The Quicker Kitchen (air fryer) | |
|---|---|---|
| Potatoes | 3 to 4, parboiled 5 minutes | 2 large russets, raw |
| Oil | 2 tbsp | ¼ cup vegetable oil |
| Seasoning | Paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper | 1 oz packet taco seasoning |
| Coating | 2 tbsp flour and 2 tbsp cornstarch | None |
| Cook | 425°F, about 30 minutes | 400°F, 15 to 20 minutes |
| Serves | 4 | 4 |
I’m Hungry For That says the parboil and the coating make its potatoes crispier than Taco Bell’s. That is the blogger’s claim, and we have not tested it. The Quicker Kitchen calls its version a spot-on copycat, which is also its own opinion.
What’s in the oven-baked version?
It is potatoes, a quick dry seasoning and a flour and cornstarch coating. Here are I’m Hungry For That’s amounts, which we haven’t tested.
- 3 to 4 potatoes, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 2 tablespoons flour and 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Warm nacho cheese sauce, sour cream and sliced green onions, no amounts given
- Parboil the potatoes in salted water for 5 minutes. Drain well and let them steam dry.
- Heat the oven to 425°F. Toss the potatoes with the oil, then the seasonings, flour and cornstarch.
- Spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake about 30 minutes, flipping halfway. Start checking at 25 minutes.
Illustration: spread the potatoes in one layer so they crisp. - Top with warm nacho cheese, sour cream and green onions, and serve right away.
The recipe says you can parboil and coat the potatoes a few hours ahead, then refrigerate them on the baking sheet until it’s time to bake.
How do you make them in an air fryer?
Toss and air-fry, then add the toppings. The Quicker Kitchen uses 2 large russets, ¼ cup vegetable oil and one 1 oz packet of taco seasoning, with ½ cup lite sour cream, 1 cup nacho cheese and 2 chopped scallions on top.
- Cut the washed potatoes into 1-inch pieces and toss them with the oil.
- Add the taco seasoning and toss again.
- Air-fry at 400°F for 10 minutes, shake the basket, then continue 5 to 10 minutes until fork tender and crispy.
- Warm the nacho cheese in the microwave for 30 seconds, then spoon it over the potatoes with the sour cream and scallions.
It also gives an oven option: spread the potatoes on a foil-lined sheet and bake at 425°F for about 30 minutes, flipping halfway. Its author says Rico’s is the closest nacho cheese to Taco Bell’s, and that homemade nacho cheese won’t be as close.
Can you store and reheat them?
Yes, but keep the toppings off. I’m Hungry For That keeps untopped leftovers up to 3 days in the fridge and reheats them in a 400°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes, or in a 375°F air fryer for 5 to 6 minutes. It advises against the microwave because it steams the potatoes.
The Quicker Kitchen stores them up to 4 days before the toppings go on, and reheats in the air fryer. Add the cheese and sour cream fresh after reheating, per both sources.
What else goes with them?
They work as a side or a snack, so you can serve them either way! If you like cheesy potato sides, try our Mission BBQ cheesy potatoes copycat. For dessert from the same menu, see our Taco Bell Baja Blast pie copycat.
Want your air fryer to do more? Our healthy air fryer recipes are a good next stop.
Taco Bell cheesy fiesta potatoes questions people ask
How do you make fiesta potatoes crispy?
I’m Hungry For That credits the parboil plus the flour and cornstarch coating. The Quicker Kitchen relies on hot air and taco seasoning instead.
Are they fried at Taco Bell?
We could not find an official answer, so you may want to ask the restaurant. I’m Hungry For That only says its homemade version is baked, not fried.
Are they vegetarian?
I’m Hungry For That says the Taco Bell original is vegetarian, as its own version is as written. We couldn’t confirm that from Taco Bell, so you should check the chain’s allergen information if it matters to you.