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These crispy spiced cajun fries bring all the flavor of Five Guys right to your own kitchen without a deep fryer in sight. You get that bold signature seasoning and golden crunch with simple pantry spices and just a bit of prep. They are perfect for anyone who loves homemade fries but craves that restaurant-style kick.
I whipped these up the first time for a burger night at home and everyone asked for seconds. Now they are a must anytime we want a proper burger and fry fix without the drive.
Ingredients
- Large white potatoes: choose ones that feel heavy for their size and free from green spots or blemishes as these bake up creamy inside
- Peanut oil: gives that authentic Five Guys flavor and helps with crispiness
- Paprika: brings a sweet and slightly smoky warmth use a fresh bright colored paprika if you can
- Cayenne pepper: adds the essential heat you can adjust up or down to taste
- Garlic powder: delivers a deep savoriness opt for fine ground for even coating
- Onion powder: boosts the overall flavor with that subtle sweetness
- Dried oregano: lends herbal lift and a bit of earthiness
- White pepper: offers a distinct sharpness milder than black pepper and just right here
- Celery seeds: round out the spice blend with a little umami
- Salt: ties all the spices together and crisps up the fries
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep the Potatoes:
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into fries about half to one centimeter wide. Try to keep them even so they cook at the same pace.
- Soak for Crispiness:
- Place fries in a large bowl of ice-cold water for at least thirty minutes. This step draws out excess starch giving you that ideal crispy outside and tender inside.
- Mix the Cajun Seasoning:
- Combine all the spices thoroughly in a small bowl so the flavors are even throughout.
- Dry and Season Fries:
- After soaking drain the fries well and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel. Pat them fully dry. Put them back into the bowl and toss with peanut oil and a few tablespoons of your cajun seasoning until every fry is coated.
- Arrange on the Tray:
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Spread out the fries in a single layer with a little space between each fry so they do not steam.
- Bake for Golden Perfection:
- Set the oven to four hundred degrees Fahrenheit or two hundred degrees Celsius. Put in the fries and bake for thirty to thirty-five minutes. Flip once halfway through. You will know they are ready when deeply golden and crisp.
- Season and Serve:
- If you love extra punch toss with a final sprinkle of the cajun seasoning and a shower of fresh parsley right before serving.
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Garlic powder makes these fries for me. I remember making these for my little brother after a long school week and watching him go back for thirds. That savory aroma filling the kitchen is always a favorite memory.
Storage Tips
Let your fries cool completely before storing them. Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three or four days. When you are ready to reheat pop them onto a baking tray or into your air fryer for just a few minutes to crisp them right back up.
Ingredient Substitutions
If you do not have peanut oil vegetable or canola oil will work but the flavor will be a little less nutty. For a different kick swap in smoked paprika instead of sweet or use black pepper in place of white. You can also play with dried thyme if you are out of oregano.
Serving Suggestions
They are classic with burgers but do not be shy about serving with veggie wraps grilled chicken or any casual meal where you want a little southern flavor. For sauces ranch chipotle mayo or a simple ketchup on the side never disappoint.
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A Bit of Cajun History
Cajun seasoning is rooted in the culinary traditions of Louisiana known for its mix of bold spices and warmth. Five Guys brought these fiery flavors to their famous fries and this recipe captures that restaurant magic while letting you tweak the heat right at home.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of potatoes work best for cajun fries?
Large white or baking potatoes are ideal for making hearty, fluffy fries that crisp up beautifully in the oven or air fryer.
- → How do I get the crispiest fries at home?
Soak cut potatoes in ice-cold water to remove excess starch, pat them fully dry, and bake in a preheated oven or air fryer without overcrowding.
- → What is in the cajun seasoning blend?
The spice mix includes paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, white pepper, celery seeds, and salt for a bold kick.
- → Can these fries be made less spicy?
Yes, simply reduce the amount of cayenne pepper in the spice blend to suit your preferred heat level.
- → How should leftovers be stored and reheated?
Keep fries in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-5 days, then reheat in the oven or air fryer until hot and crispy again.