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Air Fryer Shoestring Fries with Kimchi Queso

Matchstick fries air fried glass-crisp and piled around a fast stovetop kimchi queso.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 18 minutes
Total Time 33 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer
Cuisine: Korean
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the shoestring fries
  • 2 large russet potatoes cut into matchsticks
  • 1 tbsp neutral oil
  • 1 tsp kosher salt plus more to finish
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika optional
For the kimchi queso
  • 1 cup kimchi well-drained and chopped, plus a splash of juice
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 small shallot minced
  • 1 garlic clove minced
  • 1 tbsp gochujang or hot sauce optional
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 1 cup evaporated milk or half-and-half
  • 2 cups shredded melty cheese cheddar and Monterey Jack
  • salt

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Saucepan
  • Whisk

Method
 

  1. Soak the matchsticks in cold water 20 minutes, then drain and pat very dry.
  2. Toss with the oil, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Air fry at 380°F for 12 to 18 minutes, shaking every 4 minutes, until glass-crisp. Work in batches.
  3. Melt the butter, soften the shallot and garlic, then stir in the kimchi and gochujang. Whisk the cornstarch into the evaporated milk, add it, and bring to a gentle simmer. Off the heat, stir in the cheese a handful at a time until smooth.
  4. Pile the hot fries around the hot queso and garnish with scallions and sesame seeds.

Notes

Matchsticks cook fast and unevenly — shake often and pull the crisp ones.
Drain the kimchi well or the queso turns watery.
Cheese off the heat, gradually, or it breaks.