These hand-cut Cajun Fries deliver maximum crispiness from either the oven or an air fryer—no deep frying required. The secret is simple: soak the cut potatoes to remove excess starch. With that one step, you can make crunchy, homemade fries with just three ingredients.
As a busy mom who loves bold flavors, I’m always after easy sides that pack a punch. A crispy fries recipe that uses only a few pantry staples is a winner in my book.
Below are clear, practical steps and tips to help you make consistently great fries every time—whether you choose the oven or air fryer method.
Ingredients Highlights
Brands of Cajun seasoning vary widely in heat and salt. In this recipe I use a balanced homemade Cajun seasoning that’s similar in salt and spice to many store brands. If you use a particularly salty or spicy blend, adjust the amount you sprinkle on the fries to taste.
Cajun French Fries Tips and Tricks
How I Make Homemade French Fries
Peel your russet potatoes if you prefer no skin on the fries. You can leave a little skin on for a more rustic texture, but if you want uniform golden fries, peel them.
Cut the potatoes lengthwise into roughly ½-inch strips. Aim for uniform thickness so the fries cook evenly; trim thicker pieces so they match the rest.
Place the cut fries in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes—one hour is better—to draw out extra starch and help the fries crisp up.
Drain the fries and spread them on a clean kitchen towel over a baking sheet. Pat them dry with a second towel; the drier the fries, the crisper they’ll become when cooked.
Remove the towel, drizzle the fries with olive oil, sprinkle with Cajun seasoning, and toss until evenly coated.
Air fryer or oven both work well. Air frying typically produces the crispiest surface but requires cooking in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding traps steam and leads to soggy fries.
For air fryer: preheat to 380°F. Cook in a single layer (work in batches) for 15–20 minutes until browned and crispy. Keep finished batches warm in an oven set to the lowest temperature (about 200–250°F) or a “keep warm” setting while you finish the rest.
For oven: arrange fries on a large baking sheet in a single layer and roast on the top rack at 425°F for about 40–45 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until they are golden and crisp to the touch.
How I Serve Cajun Fries
These Cajun Fries are a versatile side. They pair especially well with fish sandwiches, wraps, or any bold-flavored mains. A few favorite pairings:
- Pan-fried salmon sandwich
- Crisp tuna Caesar wrap
- Roasted salmon wrap with Greek yogurt
How I Store and Reheat Leftover Homemade Fries with Cajun Seasoning
Store cooled fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–5 days, or freeze them for up to 6 months. To reheat from the fridge, bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes until crisp. From frozen, bake closer to 30 minutes. Alternately, reheat in the air fryer at 380°F for 5–7 minutes from refrigerated, or 8–10 minutes from frozen, until warmed through and crispy.
Crispy Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)
Marley Goldin
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
Cajun Fries
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Peel (optional) and cut potatoes lengthwise into roughly ½-inch wide fries.
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Soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes (an hour preferred) to remove excess starch.
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Drain and pat the fries dry on a clean towel. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
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Toss the dried fries with olive oil and Cajun seasoning until evenly coated.
Oven Option
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Preheat oven to 425°F and roast on the top rack for 40–45 minutes, tossing halfway, until golden and crispy to the touch.
Air Fryer Option
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Preheat air fryer to 380°F. Cook in a single layer, working in batches, for 15–20 minutes until browned and crispy.
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Keep cooked batches warm in a low oven (200–250°F) while you finish the rest.