This Baked Cajun Fries recipe makes the best crispy fries straight out of the oven. They have just the right amount of spice and make the most mouthwatering side dish.
Baked Cajun Fries Recipe
This is a super easy side dish go-to when you're craving french fries. As much as I love french fries fresh out of the deep fryer, I really want to avoid all the extra calories that come with them. These baked Cajun fries are the perfect alternative, and dare I say better than any fried fries.
They have a perfect level of spiciness from the Cajun seasoning blend and they're very easy to make. All it takes is a bit of slicing, soaking and baking. You can reduce your cook time by deep frying them in hot oil, like canola oil, but baked fries are less messy.
While they're baking up, you're free to get the star of your meal ready. Unless you just want to eat Cajun fries for dinner. Not the worst idea.
Cajun seasonings will bring you a nice level of spice. Not TOO spicy, at least to me, but if you need to spice it up even more, toss in some of your favorite chili powder when seasoning the fries.
Baked Cajun Fries Ingredients
- Potatoes
- Olive Oil
- Cajun Seasonings
- Salt and Pepper
How to Make Baked Cajun Fries
Slice the potatoes. First, wash and scrub 4 large baking potatoes, then cut the potatoes into ¼ inch slices lengthwise. Think “French fry” size.
PRO TIP: You can leave the skins on, if desired. I left mine on. Russet potatoes are great for this, though you can use pretty much any potato to make baked Cajun french fries.
Soak the fries. Next, over the potatoes in a large bowl with cold water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes. 60 minutes is better.
Drain and Dry. Drain and pat the potatoes as dry as you can get them with paper towels.
Preheat Oven. Preheat oven to 350°F.
Season the Fries. Toss the potatoes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning blend and a bit of salt and pepper. Be sure to get them nicely coated.
First Bake. Spread the fries out onto baking sheets and bake them for 20 minutes, tossing them a bit about half way through.
Second Bake. Increase the heat to 450°F and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the baked Cajun fries and nice and crispy and golden brown.
Go For It! Serve them up! Splash on some hot sauce!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Soaking your sliced potatoes in water is the key to ensuring crispy French fries in the oven. This removes much of the starch, allowing them to get nice and crispy. Soaking for 10 minutes is good, but 1 hour is better.
- It is very important to dry the fries completely. It is the moisture within the potato slices that steams up and makes the fries soggy when baking.
- A good coating of olive oil is another important factor in getting crispy fries. Toss the dried fries in olive oil and seasonings, then bake them up until they are nice and crispy. Toss them in a plastic bag to get a nice even coating if you'd like.
- I've found that the French fries come out even crispier by first baking the fries at 350°F for about 20 minutes, then upping the temperature half way through to 450°F to finish them up another 20-25 minutes or so.
Storage
Baked Cajun fries will stay good in the fridge for about 2-3 days. For the best reheated results, pop them in the oven or in the air fryer so they stay crispy.
About the Cajun Seasonings
Cajun seasonings are typically a blend of specific chili powders along with garlic, onion, salt and a potential slew of other ingredients, like dried herbs and spices.
That is the beauty of it, really. No two people make it exactly the same, though you WILL find many commonalities.
You can usually find a blend in the grocery store or order Cajun seasoning online, but you can also make some at home. Here is a simple blend you can use:
- 2 1/2 tablespoons paprika (smoked paprika is great)
- 2 tablespoons salt
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon dried leaf oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
Mix together in a small bowl. You only need 3-4 tablespoons for this recipe, so save the remaining seasoning in a sealable container.
Try my homemade Cajun seasoning recipe.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve these alongside burgers, sausages, hot dogs, and sandwiches, but don't forget a good sauce to dip them in. Here are some recipe suggestions to consider.
Try Some of These Other Great Recipes with Potatoes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Baked Cajun Fries Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3-4 tablespoons Cajun seasoning blend
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash and scrub the potatoes, then slice them into ¼ inch slices lengthwise. Think “French fry” size. You can leave the skins on, if desired. I left mine on.
- Cover the potatoes in a bowl with cold water and let them soak for at least 10 minutes. 60 minutes is better.
- Drain and pat the potatoes as dry as you can get them.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- Toss the potatoes with olive oil, Cajun seasoning blend and a bit of salt and pepper. Be sure to get them nicely coated.
- Spread the fries out onto baking sheets and bake them for 20 minutes, tossing them a bit about half way through.
- Increase the heat to 450 degrees and bake for another 20-25 minutes, or until the baked Cajun fries and nice and crispy.
Video
Nutrition Information
Matt M says
These are awesome and a great alternative to the frozen ones my wife buys (or used to buy). Soaking is key. Thanks for another great recipe Mike!
Mike H. says
You are very welcome, Matt! =)
tony d willIiams says
Thanks Mike,
I soak all potatoes I cook, excepting whole baked. It pulls the starch out, which is a straight shot to sugar as I understand it.
My family kept asking what I did to make them so good. So I told them.
Also makes it easier to get them crispy on the outside.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Tony.
Dusty says
Awesome, I didn’t know about soaking the potatoes!!! Thanks for all the great recipes and ideas! Also being from central Louisiana I’ve had all the Cajun blended seasonings you can imagine and that blend you created is really good!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Nice!!! Glad to help, Dusty! Enjoy!
Gerry says
Can't wait to try these. I love your recipes! Thanks Mike
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Yes, enjoy! Thanks, Gerry!
Phyllis Bergst says
Have you tried these in an air fryer? Northern California is much too hot for the oven. Think I will try them and wlill let you know.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
They're great in the air fryer, Phyllis! Let me know how they turn out for you. Enjoy!
Damien C. says
I made these for a good friend of mine and now he makes it all the time at home. Perfect winning recipe.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Great to hear, Damien! Glad your friend enjoyed it!
Ron Pusateri says
I’m going to try this one tonight with Sweet Potatoes as well. Cajun and Sweet Potatoes sounds like a good marriage to me. Thanks Mike
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Excellent, Ron! I agree. Let me know how it turns out for you!
Oosha Rao says
Hey Mike
Love your spicy recipes.
I passed on your blog to my doctor son in Australia who is as much of a chilehead ...
Question for you: can I do the same with sweet potatoes?
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Oosha. Absolutely, this recipe is great with sweet potatoes. Let me know how it turns out for you.