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Air fryer loaded fries with melted cheddar, crispy bits and parsley in a black bowl with a yogurt dip

High-Protein Air Fryer Loaded Fries with Ham and Cheddar

Crispy air fryer fries topped with crispy ham strips, melted cheddar and fresh parsley, served with a Greek yogurt dip. About 33 g of protein per serving with just a teaspoon of oil.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Soaking 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 435
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Fries
  • 1 lb russet potatoes about 2 medium, skin on
  • 2 tsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/4 tsp salt
Toppings
  • 6 oz extra-lean ham cut into thin strips
  • 2 oz reduced-fat shredded cheddar about ½ cup
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
Greek yogurt dip
  • 2/3 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tbsp chives chopped
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • salt and black pepper to taste

Method
 

  1. Cut the potatoes into fries about ¼ to ⅓ inch thick. Soak them in a bowl of cold water for 15–30 minutes.
  2. Drain the fries and dry them very well with a clean kitchen towel. Toss with the olive oil, garlic powder, smoked paprika and salt.
  3. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket every 6–7 minutes, until golden and crisp. Cook in two batches if your basket is small.
  4. Add the ham strips on top of the fries and air fry for 3–4 more minutes, until the ham is lightly crisp.
  5. Sprinkle the cheddar over the fries and ham and air fry for 1–2 minutes, just until melted. If your air fryer fan blows the cheese around, transfer the fries to a small oven-safe dish that fits in the basket.
  6. While the fries cook, mix the Greek yogurt, chives, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt and pepper.
  7. Top the fries with parsley and serve right away with the yogurt dip.

Notes

Swaps: use 6 oz shredded cooked chicken breast instead of ham for about 45 g of protein per serving, or 1 cup black beans plus a little extra cheese for a vegetarian version with about 27 g.
Frozen fries work too: cook them according to the package and add the toppings at the end.