The country's biggest Mexican food franchise becomes the first to air-fry its hot chips - crisp, golden and dusted in zesty chicken salt

Australia's go-to fast-food side is in for a serious rethink. Zambrero has become the first major chain in the country to air-fry its hot chips rather than deep-fry them - and the early verdict from Aussies has been positive.

In a genuine Australian fast-food first, the nation's largest Mexican chain is now serving Hot Chips cooked in the air fryer, never the deep fryer: crisp and golden on the outside, light and fluffy within, and finished with Zambrero's signature zesty chicken salt. 

The nationwide launch in early August follows a small-scale trial last year, which proved popular enough to take the chips to every corner of the country.

The response was instant. Even before any formal announcement, Aussies' first-taste videos had clocked up thousands of views online, with fans raving about the new arrival.

Daryl McCormick, CEO at Zambrero, said:
"We didn't want to just join the chip game - we wanted to change it. Australians are some of the world's toughest chip critics, so an 'us-too' chip was never going to cut it.

"Ours are an Australian fast-food first - air-fried, never deep-fried - so you get all the golden crunch with less of the oil. We think we've nailed our hot chips and it's great to see from the early reactions that Aussies feel the same too."

Delicious on their own or alongside a Zambrero favourite, the chips are built to lift any order. And for the seriously chip-devoted, they've also landed a starring role in the brand's new Cali Burrito - a spin on the Californian staple that trades rice for crispy chips and fresh guacamole, with a choice of protein, salsas and sauces.

THE DETAILS:

• What: Zambrero Hot Chips - air-fried, never deep-fried, seasoned with zesty chicken salt
• Sizes: Regular or Big (Cali Burrito in Small, Regular or Big)
• When: Available now, nationwide
• Where: Zambrero restaurants across every state and territory - see the full list at zambrero.com.au/menu/zam-hot-chips
• Price: From $4

Zambrero is Australia's largest modern Mexican food franchise, established by Dr Sam Prince in 2005. Through its Plate 4 Plate initiative, every regular or big burrito or bowl, Zam Box or retail item purchased provides a meal to someone in need - a tally that has now passed 100 million meals worldwide.