Cajun Fries: Crispy, Spicy, and Absolutely Irresistible
If you’re a fan of bold flavors and crave-worthy snacks, Cajun fries are a must-try! With their golden, crispy exterior and zesty seasoning, they’re a perfect side dish or snack. Whether you make them in the air fryer or oven, these fries are guaranteed to impress. And with a batch of homemade Cajun seasoning on hand, you can customize them to your taste.
Dip them in Homemade Ketchup or Homemade Mayonnaise or even Homemade Ranch Dressing.
Why Cajun Fries Are the Best
Cajun fries offer the perfect balance of spice and crunch. The secret? A good Cajun seasoning that combines smoky, savory, and spicy notes. Whether you use a homemade blend or a store-bought version, the key is even seasoning and crispy results. Let’s dive into how to make them perfectly every time.
Ingredients for Cajun Fries
- 4 large russet potatoes (or Yukon Gold for a creamier texture)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (use homemade for ultimate flavor control!)
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (for extra crispiness)
- Salt to taste (optional, depending on your seasoning blend)
How to Make Cajun Fries
Air Fryer Method
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes (optional). Cut them into even strips about 1/4-inch thick for consistent cooking.
- Soak: Place the potato strips in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Season: Toss the potato strips in olive oil, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and cornstarch. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Oven Method
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare and Soak: Follow the same steps to cut, soak, and dry the potatoes.
- Season: Toss the fries with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and cornstarch. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Roast the fries for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
- Serve: Sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning if desired, and serve hot.
Tips for Extra Crispy Fries
- Soak the Potatoes: Soaking removes excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up better. I like to soak them in a little ice water with a teaspoon of salt for 30 minutes, then pat them dry and bake or air fry. While not necessary, it means super crispy exterior with pillowy soft interiors.
- Dry Thoroughly: Pat the potatoes completely dry after soaking to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
- Use Cornstarch: This secret ingredient creates a crispy exterior.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Whether in the air fryer or oven, spread the fries out in a single layer for even cooking.
Homemade Cajun Seasoning vs. Store-Bought
While store-bought Cajun seasoning is convenient, making your own gives you full control over the flavor profile. You can adjust the heat, salt, and smokiness to your liking. Plus, homemade blends are free from fillers and additives.
For the best Cajun fries, try using a homemade seasoning like this:
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt (optional)
Reheating Cajun Fries
Fries are best fresh, but if you have leftovers, here’s how to bring them back to life:
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes until hot and crispy.
- Oven: Spread the fries on a baking sheet and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes.
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat with a small amount of oil. Toss the fries until heated through.
Avoid microwaving—it makes the fries soggy.
Serving Suggestions
Cajun fries pair well with:
- Dipping Sauces: Ranch, spicy mayo, ketchup, or garlic aioli.
- Main Dishes: Burgers, grilled chicken, or BBQ ribs. Or how about Crispy Cajun Wings?
- Toppings: Add shredded cheese, green onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for loaded Cajun fries.
Making Cajun fries at home is easy, fun, and a delicious way to spice up your meals. Whether you opt for the air fryer or oven method, the key to crispy perfection lies in soaking, drying, and seasoning the potatoes well. With the right Cajun blend—homemade or store-bought—you’ll have fries that are packed with flavor and crunch. So grab your potatoes, fire up the kitchen, and treat yourself to a batch of these irresistible fries!
Cajun Fries
Ingredients
- 4 large russet potatoes or Yukon Gold for a creamier texture
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2-3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning use homemade for ultimate flavor control!
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch for extra crispiness
- Salt to taste optional, depending on your seasoning blend
Instructions
Air Fryer Method
- Prepare the Potatoes: Wash and peel the potatoes (optional). Cut them into even strips about 1/4-inch thick for consistent cooking.
- Soak: Place the potato strips in a bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat dry thoroughly.
- Season: Toss the potato strips in olive oil, then sprinkle with Cajun seasoning and cornstarch. Mix well to coat evenly.
- Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spread the fries in a single layer in the basket, avoiding overcrowding. Cook for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately with your favorite dipping sauce!
Oven Method
- Preheat Oven: Heat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Prepare and Soak: Follow the same steps to cut, soak, and dry the potatoes.
- Season: Toss the fries with olive oil, Cajun seasoning, and cornstarch. Spread them out in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake: Roast the fries for 30-35 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even crispiness.
- Serve: Sprinkle with additional Cajun seasoning if desired, and serve hot.
Notes
Soak the Potatoes: Soaking removes excess starch, which helps the fries crisp up better. I like to soak them in a little ice water with a teaspoon of salt for 30 minutes, then pat them dry and bake or air fry. While not necessary, it means super crispy exterior with pillowy soft interiors.
Dry Thoroughly: Pat the potatoes completely dry after soaking to avoid steaming instead of crisping.
Use Cornstarch: This secret ingredient creates a crispy exterior.
Don’t Overcrowd: Whether in the air fryer or oven, spread the fries out in a single layer for even cooking.
Nutrition
Our recipe card software calculates these nutrition facts based on averages for the above ingredients, different brands, and quality of produce/meats may have different nutritional information, always calculate your own based on the specific products you use in order to achieve accurate macros for this recipe.
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