These Mexican cheesy air fryer potatoes are flavoured with taco seasoning and cheddar cheese. Thanks to cheesy foil potato packs , this easy side dish with only 3 ingredients will be ready within minutes with the convenience and ease of no clean up.
In this recipe, the potatoes are coated with taco seasoning, and topped with cheese at the last minute so the cheese is gooey and melted all over the potatoes.
If you’re looking for the best way to cook potatoes in the air fryer without a big washing up job, then this recipe is just for you.
The cheese melted perfectly, the potatoes were soft and best of all – no clean up!
The beauty of cooking potatoes in foil packets is that if someone wants a different recipe, you can easily prepare two different types side by side! Change up the foil fillings for different taste buds.
As the weather has been so hot lately, or more specifically hitting 40C in the UK, turning on the oven is unimaginable. Our air fryer has been a handy way to cook small portions without heating up the whole house.
Thanks to air fryer cooking, the potatoes are deliciously soft in the inside but have crisped up just enough on the outside. For same reason we love air fryer diced potatoes
Ingredients for Mexican cheesy foil potatoes
Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post
Potatoes – I used red potatoes but you can use all-purpose potatoes also. Use Yukon gold if you live in the US. Floury potatoes are also great as the cooked potatoes will be fluffy inside and crispy on the outside. You can use approximately one medium to large potato per person
Taco seasoning – this is what provides the punchy flavours! You can use store bought taco seasoning which is easily available in most supermarkets. Saying that, it takes less than 5 minutes to make your own at home.
Oil – I used olive oil but you can also use sunflower or vegetable oil
Cheese – I have made this recipe with both plain cheddar and spicy tex-mex flavoured cheddar. You can use any cheese to your fancy that melts well.
Optional – to garnish –
fresh herbs such as fresh oregano, or thyme or parsley
Add some fresh veggies such as bell peppers which go great with Mexican flavours!
Additional toppings:
Top with fresh tomato salsa, sour cream, avocado and green onions for the ultimate loaded cheesy potatoes !
How to make cheesy potato foil packs in the air fryer
Full printable recipe in recipe card below.
The recipe is simple and only requires a few steps.
Cut potatoes into large cubes or half if using new potatoes. I did not peel potatoes as the skin has nutritional value and I think it tastes great! However, you can peel if you want.
Mix taco seasoning and oil together in a bowl.
Toss the cut potatoes into the bowl and coat evenly with the oil mixture.
Preheat the Air Fryer. (Some air fryers have the preheat function built in when starting up the air fryer, some don’t and you have to manually select pre-heat first)
Layer a large piece of foil into the air fryer basket. Add the potatoes to the foil and fold the corners of the foil over so that the oil does not spill over.
I did not completely cover the potatoes with foil, but you can if you want.
Air fry on400 Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes.
When the potatoes are fork tender, sprinkle over grated cheese and close the air fryer basket again.
The remaining heat will melt the cheese without browning it.
Sprinkle fresh herbs if you like.
Serve warm.
Grilled Cheesy Potato Foil Packs
These cheesy potato foil packs are perfect side dish for cookout and BBQs. Whilst your BBQ is nice and hot make these foil packs on the side.
Toss cut potatoes with seasoning and oil, make sure all the potatoes are well coated.
Light spray the foil squares.
Place 1/2 cup of potatoes on the centre of foil.
Fold foil and seal ends.
Place on BBQ grill (seam side down) for 10-12 minutes.
Turn pack over and cook again for 10-12 minutes.
Remove packets from the grill using a sturdy kitchen tong and carefully open.
Sprinkle some cheese on cooked potatoes and seal the pack again.
Put the foil packs on the grill and cook further for 2-3 minutes.
Serve as an appetiser along with spicy Tandoori Cassava .
Pro Tips for Air fryer Potatoes
- Ensure the potatoes are dry before adding to the oil – the water will cause steam to develop in the air fryer and will prevent the potatoes from becoming crispy
- If you have extra time, soak the potatoes first in cold water before roasting. This removes extra starch ensuring the potatoes are extra crispy once cooked. Remember to dry them before roasting.
- If using spray cooking oil, ensure the cooking oil is propellant free as this can damage air fryers
- Don’t want to add any cheese at all? don’t add, it still tastes so delicious.
Serving Suggestion
Cheesy potatoes are delicious served warm alongside salads or dips.
This Mango, Avocado, Corn and Black Bean Salad is a great Mexican side salad for these potatoes.
Another option is this Chickpea Salad with Creamy Avocado Dressing – the legumes from this salad and the carb from the potatoes balance each other out
Other Air Fryer Recipes
Easy Vegan Avocado Fries
Indian Masala Fries
Chilli Cheese and Pineapple Puffs
Air fryer Peanuts
Banana/Plantain Chips
Air fryer Toasted Ravioli (No egg-Vegan)
Salt and Pepper Halloumi Fries
Air fryer Indian Potatoes
Breaded Mushrooms in Air Fryer
Air fryer Baked Potatoes after Microwaving
Air Fryer Desserts Recipes
Salted Caramel Baklava
Grilled Pineapple
Funfetti Eggless Cookies (Nankhatai)
Apple Ring Donut/Doughnut
Vegan Burnt Basque Cheesecake
Eggless White Chocolate and Yogurt Mille Feuille
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
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Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes (Mexican Flavours)
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Big bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 foil or parchment paper (for air fryer only)
- 1 kitchen tong
Ingredients
- 1 lb potatoes 448 grams
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoon oil
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon Fresh herbs optional
- salt
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes, then cut in to big cubes (if potatoes are big) or quarter them. 1 lb potatoes
- In a bowl mix taco seasoning, salt and oil. 2 tablespoon taco seasoning, 3 tablespoon oil, salt
- Add the potatoes and toss them.
- Lay the piece of foil in the air fryer basket.
- Arrange the potatoes over in single layer.
- Air fry the potatoes at 400F/204C for 12-15 minutes or until cooked and crispy.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and place the basket in the air fryer, but do not cook. 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
- The cheese will melt itself in hot air fryer.
- Remove the basket, sprinkle herbs and serve warm with mains. 1 tablespoon Fresh herbs
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Air Fryer Cheesy Potatoes (Mexican Flavours)
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Big bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 foil or parchment paper (for air fryer only)
- 1 kitchen tong
Ingredients
- 1 lb potatoes 448 grams
- 2 tablespoon taco seasoning
- 3 tablespoon oil
- ¼ cup cheddar cheese grated
- 1 tablespoon Fresh herbs optional
- salt
Instructions
- Wash the potatoes, then cut in to big cubes (if potatoes are big) or quarter them. 1 lb potatoes
- In a bowl mix taco seasoning, salt and oil. 2 tablespoon taco seasoning, 3 tablespoon oil, salt
- Add the potatoes and toss them.
- Lay the piece of foil in the air fryer basket.
- Arrange the potatoes over in single layer.
- Air fry the potatoes at 400F/204C for 12-15 minutes or until cooked and crispy.
- Sprinkle cheese on top and place the basket in the air fryer, but do not cook. 1/4 cup cheddar cheese
- The cheese will melt itself in hot air fryer.
- Remove the basket, sprinkle herbs and serve warm with mains. 1 tablespoon Fresh herbs
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
Sweet, crumbly and buttery eggless Pumpkin scones, filled with chai spice, are perfect for afternoon tea. Included is a recipe for Savoury Pumpkin Scones with a cheesy herby topping. Both are made with homemade pumpkin puree and then air-fried to flaky perfection.
Easy Pumpkin Scones egg-free
Pumpkin based sweet recipes are fairly new to me! In the UK, we do not use pumpkin puree in our bakes but rather chunks of pumpkin in savoury dishes such as pumpkin curry or vegan Harry Potter Pumpkin Pasties
However, you can find grated pumpkin in Indian sweet recipes like Pumpkin Halwa or Pumpkin Kalakand .
The closest that we come to popular pumpkin spice recipes are the Pumpkin spice lattes that are available in coffee shops in the autumn/fall!
These scones are golden, buttery and crumbly. The recipe is simple and uses pumpkin puree and chai spices.
The scones are baked in the air-fryer similar to our Lavender Scones and Starbucks style Orange Cranberry Scones – both are tender and delicious!
Even though American scone recipes are not traditionally eaten withstrawberry jam and cream, I couldn’t help but spread on a layer of clotted cream!
Are pumpkin scones sweet or savoury?
The majority of pumpkin scones recipes out there are sweet but the beauty of pumpkin is that it works beautifully in both sweet and savoury recipes!
For this reason, I thought of making savoury cheese and pumpkin scones which can be enjoyed with soups, or as a snack with some cream cheese spread on top.
Why you should make this recipe
- Eggless – this is an egg-free pumpkin scones recipe perfect for those following a lacto-vegetarian diet
- Great way to use leftover pumpkin – pumpkin puree is so quick and easy to make and prevents food waste
- Uses regular pantry ingredients – apart from the fresh pumpkin puree, the base of the scones is made from baking cupboard essentials
- Great to transport – these scones are great to take on picnics or day trips!
- Full of flavour – thanks to the pumpkin puree and spices, these scones are packed with flavour
- Easy recipe scaling – easily double the recipe, if you want to make these for Halloween , Thanksgiving or another holiday.
Ingredients for sweet pumpkin scones
Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post
Self-raising flour – self-raising flour is a mixture of all purpose flour, baking powder and salt. This flour is available in the baking aisle.
Pumpkin puree – I made the pumpkin puree at home using the Instant Pot. If it is available to you, you can use canned pumpkin puree (the water content of homemade/tinned may mean you have to adjust the amount that you use). Use a paper towel to blot away as much moisture as possible.
Pumpkin spice – for pumpkin spice, I used chai masala which consists of ground cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger, nutmeg and black pepper.
Unsalted butter – use cold unsalted butter.
Double cream – heavy cream or double cream is essential for crumbly scones that are soft inside
Brown sugar – I used soft brown sugar but you can also use dark brown sugar
Baking powder
Vanilla extract – vanilla extract adds warm, sweet flavours
Pumpkin Scones glaze
These scones are covered in a delicious chai spiced based glaze that provide added sweetness and texture.
The glaze is made from a mix of icing sugar, milk and chai spice
Starbucks Copycat Pumpkin Scones
For Starbucks style Pumpkin scones, spoon on a layer of sweet icing and drizzle over a second spiced glaze. The icing is made using icing sugar and milk.
Ingredients for savoury pumpkin scones
Self-raising flour
Pumpkin puree – Homemade or store bought works fine too.
Baking powder – ensure the baking powder you use that is fresh for the best results.
Pumpkin seeds – you can use sunflower seeds or poppy seeds if you wish
Cheese – I used cheddar but you can use any cheese that will grate and can melt, however you can use vegetarian or vegan parmesan cheese too.
Dried sage – you can use mixed dried herbs if you like.
Salt
Pumpkin Scones using scone mix
Now this is about as easy as it gets!
What if you could have pumpkin scones ready with just two ingredients ?
Scones mix and pumpkin puree. That is literally it.
To a scone mix, add pumpkin puree. If the dough needs some more wet ingredients to make it a soft dough, add either cream or milk.
If you like, you can add some extra flavouring such as pumpkin spice or cinnamon powder for flavour.
How to make pumpkin puree in the Instant Pot
Making pumpkin puree in the Instant pot is quite easy, quick and simple. You can make pumpkin puree two ways, either pressure cook whole small pumpkin in the Instant pot or peel, roughly chop and pressure cook.
To cook whole
Grab a sugar or pie pumpkin, place a steamer or rack in the liner of the Instant pot.
Pour 1 cup of water, place a pumpkin on top of the rack or steamer.
Close the lid (make sure the sealing valve is on the seal position) and Pressure cook for 13 minutes on HIGH.
Let the pressure release naturally for 10-12 minutes, then release the remaining pressure manually.
The pumpkin should be soft and very tender. Remove carefully, peel the skin and puree the pumpkin.
To cook pumpkin pieces , peel the pumpkin and roughly chop.
Place steamer or trivet in the liner, pour one cup of water.
Then place chopped pumpkin on the steamer or trivet.
Close the lid, select HIGH pressure and cook for 1 minute.
Naturally Pressure release for 10 minutes then remove the cooked pumpkin pieces.
Place them in a blender and make puree.
How to eat Pumpkin Scones
These pumpkin scones are perfectly sweet and buttery as they are thanks to the soft scone and sweet glaze. They go great with tea or Karak Chai or coffee such as Lavender Frappuccino .
You can also serve them with some clotted cream for extra indulgence.
Savoury scones go great with my carrot, ginger and coconut soup Goji Berries, Mushrooms and Sweet Potato Soup or Tomato, Harissa and Orzo Soup as a side to a meal.
They are also be great alongside a hearty chilli or stew.
I like to spread some cream cheese or butter to make them extra tasty!
How to make eggless pumpkin scones in the air fryer
Full printable recipe in recipe card below.
Whisk together the flour, chai spice, sugar and pinch of salt.
Add in the chilled grated or cubed butter and mix into the flour. If the butter is cubed, mix it into the flour with your fingertips until crumbs form.
Spoon together pumpkin puree and cream and add to the dry mix.
Form into a dough
Pat into a round and cut into triangles. If baking British style scones, then form into rounds.
Freeze them for 8-10 minutes.
Place parchment paper into the air fryer and arrange the triangles onto the parchment, allowing some space in between each scone.
Glaze them with cream using a pastry brush.
Air fry for 8 minutes at 180C or 360F. Check the scones at 4 minute interval.
Remove from the air fryer basket and allow to cool.
Meanwhile, mix together the icing sugar, milk and pumpkin spice.
Drizzle the icing over the cooled scones using a spoon. You can also spoon on a layer of icing.
Optionally, top with chocolate sprinkles.
Tips for Flaky Scones
The butter must be cold – cold butter will melt as the scones cook, creating air pockets, ensuring they are light and flaky.
Grate the butter – grating butter prevents you having to rub the butter into the flour. This ensures the butter stays cold.
Mix until just combined as over kneading the dough will lead to tough scones.
Ensure the scones are equal in size so they cook evenly.
If you would like really tall scones like you see in magazines and recipe books, then double the ingredients and then double the thickness of the dough as you add the scones to the air fryer. Then add 3 extra minutes of cook time.
How to make savoury scones
Savoury pumpkin scones with cheese are a delicious treat, that you can enjoy with a cuppa in the morning or afternoon or as a side dish for your hearty soups.
These savoury scones would make a great BREAD option on your holiday table.
They scones are easy and simple to make, here is the recipe.
Mix together sifted 225 grams self-raising flour , salt, 1 tablespoon pumpkin seeds, 1 teaspoon soft brown sugar and 1 teaspoon dried sage in a big mixing bowl.
Add 50 grams cold butter cubes and rub with your fingertips until you get crumbs.
Add 80 grams grated cheddar cheese and 150 grams or 1/2 cup pumpkin puree .
Pour 2 tablespoon warm cream or milk , mix everything quickly using a butter knife or spatula.
Bring the mixture with your hands and pat it on the lightly floured surface or tray. The thickness of scones should be 1 inch or 2.5cm .
Cut them in to round scones using a cookie cutter . Do not twist your cutter when cutting out the scones. Press straight down, to ensure an even rise of the scones.
Brush the top of the sones with some cream or milk and sprinkle with dried sage and cheese .
Air fry for 5 minutes on 180centigrade /360farenhite, followed by a further 2 minutes at 160centigrade/320farenhite.
Can pumpkin scones be frozen?
Yes, pumpkin scones can be frozen. Allow scones to be cool completely then freeze the scones individually by wrapping in freezer friendly bags or foil.
Reheat by using the air fryer or use the microwave.
Vegan pumpkin scones
Replace all the dairy products with plant based alternatives. Directly use vegan butter and vegan cream instead of the dairy option.
Scones are best kept at room temperature in an air tight container. This prevents the scones from going stale.
Absolutely yes, however the quantity of raising agents will change for the recipe. Have a look a next question below How to make self-raising flour at home.
Self-raising flour is so easy to make at home. Simply mix 1 cup plain or all purpose flour, 1 1/2 teaspoon and 1/4 teaspoon fine salt.
For biscuits and scones we need cold butter and you have to work quite quickly to keep everything cold. Cold butter will melt as the scones cook, creating air pockets, ensuring they are light and flaky.
Yes, you can bake scones in the traditional oven. Preheat oven to gas mark 7 or 200C. Bake for 18-20 minutes (check the scones after 15 minutes) or until lightly golden and well risen.
Yes, you can. If you prefer your scones round use 6 cm plain or crinkle pastry cutter.
Other Pumpkin Recipes
Savoury Pumpkin Semolina Waffles
Pumpkin Miso Soup
One Pot Pumpkin Pasta
Roasted pumpkin and garlic hummus
Pumpkin Spice Biscotti
Low fat Pumpkin falafel
As always if you make this recipe, be sure to leave me a comment, rate this recipe and tag me on Instagram @jcookingodyssey or #jcookingodyssey. I love seeing all your photos of my recipe recreations!
Don’t forget to follow me on social media using the buttons below – I can’t wait to see you all there!
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Pumpkin Scones Air fryer (2 ways)
Equipment
- 1 Air fryer
- 1 Pastry brush
Ingredients
Pumpkin Scones
- 2 ¼ cup self-raising flour 315 grams
- ½ cup pumpkin puree 120 grams
- 140 grams unsalted butter cold (cubes or grated) – 10 tablespoon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar soft (70 grams)
- ¾ cup double cream Heavy cream (180ml)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice I have used chai spice
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Chai spice glaze
- ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar Icing sugar/powdered sugar (30g)
- ¼ teaspoon chai spice mix or pumpkin spice mix
- 1 tablespoon milk or water
Instructions
Pumpkin scones
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the self-raising flour, sugar, chai spice mix and salt. 2 1/4 cup self-raising flour, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 tablespoon pumpkin spice
- Add the cold/chilled grated or diced butter and using your fingertips, rub the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs. 140 grams unsalted butter
- In a separate small jug or bowl, whisk with heavy cream, pumpkin puree, and vanilla extract until combined. 1/2 cup pumpkin puree, 3/4 cup double cream, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pour the pumpkin mixture into the well and stir with a fork until the dough comes together.
- Roll dough out into a 1 inch-thick round. Cut into 8 wedges, place them on baking sheet.
- Place the pan of scones in the freezer for 15-20 minutes, uncovered.
- Brush the scones with cream and air fry about 8 minutes or until risen, set in the centers and slightly golden on the bottoms.
- Remove from the air fryer and allow them to cool completely before glazing them.
Make chai spice glaze
- Mix the glaze ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.When the scones are cool, spoon the glaze on each scone before drizzling the glaze. Let the glaze set before serving. 1/4 cup confectioners’ sugar , 1/4 teaspoon chai spice mix, 1 tablespoon milk
For Savoury Pumpkin Scones Ingredients and Method are above in the main post.
Notes
Nutrition
PLEASE NOTE: Nutritional values are estimated by a computer and may vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. For personalised dietary advice, please consult a qualified healthcare professional.
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