The Crunchiest Crispy Cajun Fries Recipe for Spicy Lovers

Crispy Cajun fries spark joy in every potato lover’s heart with their fiery kick and irresistible crunch.

My kitchen experiments have taught me that simplicity creates magic in comfort food.

Salt, pepper, and a blend of spices can turn ordinary potatoes into something extraordinary.

Homemade fries beat restaurant versions hands down when you master the right technique.

Louisiana-style seasoning brings bold flavors that dance across your taste buds with wild enthusiasm.

Paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper combine to create a zesty coating that makes these fries unforgettable.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can whip up this crowd-pleasing side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Why Crispy Cajun Fries Are So Flavorful

• Spice Up Your Meal: Blast your taste buds with a zesty Cajun twist that transforms ordinary potatoes into a flavor-packed side dish bursting with bold, exciting spices.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust the spice level by tweaking the Cajun seasoning blend, making these fries perfect for everyone from heat-lovers to mild-preference folks.
• Master Restaurant-Quality Cooking: Achieve crispy, golden fries with professional-level techniques like soaking and double-cooking method that guarantee a crunchy exterior and soft interior.
• Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults will devour these addictive fries that bring a touch of New Orleans excitement to your dinner table, making mealtime more fun and delicious.

Ingredients for Crispy Cajun Fries

• Russet Potatoes: Starchy potatoes that create the perfect crispy exterior and fluffy interior for delicious fries.

• Olive Oil, Vegetable Oil: Helps create a crisp texture and enables spices to stick to the fries.

• Cajun Spice Mix, Salt, Black Pepper: Provides a bold, spicy flavor profile that gives these fries their signature Cajun kick. The spice mix typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs.

How to Make Crispy Cajun Fries

Step 1: Prepare Potato Slices

Thoroughly wash potatoes under cool running water. Use a sharp knife to slice potatoes into long, thin fry-shaped strips.

Aim for uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.

Step 2: Starch Removal Soak

Submerge potato strips in a large bowl of cold water.

Let them rest for 30 minutes to release excess starch. This helps create extra crispy fries.

After soaking, drain completely and pat dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.

Step 3: Seasoning Preparation

• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Black pepper
• Salt

Mix these spices thoroughly in a small bowl.

Step 4: Oil Coating

Drizzle olive oil over potato strips. Sprinkle Cajun spice mixture evenly.

Toss gently to ensure every potato slice gets perfectly coated with seasoning.

Step 5: Baking Method

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Line baking sheet with parchment paper. Spread potato strips in single layer without overcrowding.

Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through. Watch for golden brown edges and crispy texture.

Step 6: Alternative Frying Technique

Heat vegetable oil in deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan to 350°F. Carefully lower potato strips in small batches.

Fry 3-4 minutes until deep golden brown. Remove and drain on paper towels.

Step 7: Final Seasoning Touch

Immediately sprinkle additional Cajun spice mix over hot fries. Serve crispy and enjoy the spicy, crunchy goodness!

Tips for Crispy and Spicy Cajun Fries

• Soaking potato strips in cold water removes excess starch, ensuring extra crispy exterior with a perfect golden-brown crunch.
• Arrange fries in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee uniform cooking and maximum crispiness on all sides.
• Use clean kitchen towels or paper towels to remove all moisture after soaking, which helps achieve a crisp texture when baking or frying.
• Customize Cajun seasoning intensity by reducing or increasing spice blend according to personal heat preference without compromising flavor profile.
• Maintain consistent 350F oil temperature when deep-frying to prevent soggy fries and ensure a perfectly crisp exterior with fluffy interior.

Variations to Try on Cajun Fries

• Spicy Sweet Potato Fries: Replace regular potatoes with sweet potatoes for a healthier, sweeter version with the same Cajun kick.
• Zucchini Cajun Strips: Swap potatoes for zucchini to create a low-carb alternative that's equally crispy and flavorful.
• Air Fryer Cajun Fries: Use an air fryer instead of oven or deep fryer for a quicker, less oily cooking method with similar crispiness.
• Gluten-Free Herb Potato Wedges: Modify the recipe using gluten-free seasonings and cut potatoes into thicker wedges for those with dietary restrictions.

What Goes Well with Cajun Fries

• Blend cool ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or tangy remoulade to complement the fries' bold Cajun flavors and provide refreshing contrast.
• Serve alongside blackened catfish, shrimp po'boys, or grilled andouille sausage to create an authentic Southern-inspired meal that matches the spicy Cajun profile.
• Quench the heat with crisp lager, hoppy pale ale, or refreshing sweet tea that balances the spicy kick and cleanses the palate between bites.

How to Store Crispy Cajun Fries

• Store cooled fries in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Place completely cooled fries in a freezer-safe container or ziplock bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly to prevent freezer burn.
• Preheat oven to 425F. Spread fries on a baking sheet in a single layer. Bake for 5-7 minutes, turning once to restore crispiness. Avoid microwave to maintain crunchiness.

FAQs

• What is Cajun seasoning made of?

Cajun seasoning typically combines paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, oregano, and thyme, creating a spicy and flavorful blend that gives the fries their signature zesty kick.

• Why should I soak the potatoes before cooking?

Soaking potatoes removes excess starch, which helps create crispier fries by preventing them from sticking together and allowing better browning during cooking.

• Can I make these fries spicier or milder?

Adjust the cayenne pepper in the Cajun spice mix to control the heat level. Less cayenne means milder fries, while more creates a spicier experience.

Crispy Cajun Fries Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Spicy Cajun Fries bring Southern heat and flavor to classic potato wedges. Perfectly seasoned and crisped, these fries deliver a zesty kick you’ll crave with every golden, crunchy bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 3 large russet potatoes
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) olive oil

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme

Cooking Oil:

• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) vegetable oil (for frying)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly cleanse potatoes and slice into uniform, slender strips ensuring consistent thickness for even cooking.
2. Submerge potato strips in ice-cold water for half an hour, allowing excess starch to dissolve, which promotes crispier texture.
3. Carefully drain water and meticulously pat fries completely dry using clean kitchen towels to eliminate moisture.
4. Prepare two cooking methods: oven-baking and deep-frying for versatile preparation.
5. For oven method, heat kitchen appliance to 425F (220C) and arrange parchment paper on baking sheet to prevent sticking.
6. Generously coat potato strips with premium olive oil, ensuring complete and even coverage.
7. Sprinkle Cajun spice blend thoroughly across fries, massaging seasoning into every crevice for maximum flavor infusion.
8. Arrange fries in single layer without overcrowding, allowing adequate space for crisp development.
9. Roast in preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, rotating midway to guarantee uniform golden-brown coloration.
10. Alternatively, for deep-frying, heat cooking oil to precise 350F (175C) in heavy-bottomed pan or specialized fryer.
11. Fry potato strips in controlled batches, preventing temperature reduction, until achieving rich golden exterior.
12. Transfer fried fries onto absorbent paper towels to eliminate excess oil.
13. Immediately dust with additional Cajun spice mix while piping hot to enhance flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose starchy potatoes like Russet or Idaho for the crispiest, most golden exterior and fluffy interior.
• Cold water bath helps remove excess starch, ensuring crunchier fries with a perfect crisp texture.
• Pat fries completely dry before seasoning to prevent steaming and promote ultimate crispiness.
• Adjust Cajun spice blend intensity by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper for personal heat preference.
• Can be prepared in air fryer at 400F for 15-20 minutes or deep-fried for faster results.
• Use sweet potatoes for lower-carb version or gluten-free potato varieties for specific dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Cajun

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 150 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 580 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 1 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg