Indulge in a fiery and flavorful treat with these crispy oven baked Cajun fries. Made with a fraction of the oil compared to traditional deep-fried fries, they are healthier without compromising taste. So grab your favorite dipping sauce and get ready to indulge!
A spicy twist to classic comfort food
Infused with the fiery flavor of the vibrant Cajun cuisine, these oven baked fries take the classic comfort food to a whole new level.
With its golden exterior and fluffy inside, these Cajun fries will make your taste buds jump. The best part? No need for a deep fryer to achieve that delightful crispness. I created a simple and healthier oven-baked recipe that ensures you can enjoy fries without the excess oil.
Whether you plan a casual weeknight dinner, host a game night with friends, or want a spicy party snack, these oven-baked Cajun fries are a crowd-pleaser!
Love a crispy treat? Try these baked sweet potato chips, baked sesame chicken tenders, and air fryer crispy roasted carrots to satisfy your cravings more healthily.
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What are Cajun fries?
Cajun fries are a popular and flavorful variation of French fries. The Southern kitchen is known for its bold and robust flavors, influenced by French, African, and Caribbean cuisine.
The Cajun spice blend typically includes paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, dried oregano, and black pepper. When mixed, these spices create a delicious and spicy flavor with a hint of smokiness.
Cajun fries are often served as a side dish alongside burgers, sandwiches, or as a standalone snack. Whether you like Cajun cuisine or looking to spice up your potatoes, these Cajun fries recipe offers a tasty and exciting twist on classic French fries.
Why you'll love this recipe
- Healthier preparation – Unlike traditional deep-fried fries that absorb excess oil, these oven-baked Cajun fries ensure a lighter, less greasy result. Baking also helps retain the natural nutrients in the potatoes, making them a more nutritious choice.
- Customizable heat level – One of the advantages of making your own Cajun fries is the ability to control the spiciness. Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper or chili powder in the seasoning to achieve your desired heat level.
- Versatile and crowd-pleasing – Crispy oven baked Cajun fries are a versatile side dish for many occasions. Serve them alongside a burger, as a snack during a game night, or as a flavorful side to grilled meats or sandwiches.
- Easy to make – You just need a few ingredients and minimal prep work to whip up this crispy treat.
Ingredient notes
This recipe is a no-brainer when you want a crispy and flavourful snack without breaking the bank. Here is what you need:
- Potatoes – Use high-starchy varieties like russet, Idaho, or Yukon gold potatoes to get crispy fries. If you live in a German-speaking country, look for the word "festkochend" on the label.
- Cajun seasoning – While you can use store-bought Cajun seasoning, making your own gives you control over the flavors. Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper according to your preference. Feel free to experiment with additional spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or dried herbs to personalize the blend.
- Vegetable oil – Use a high smoke-point oil with a neutral flavor for baking the fries. Good options include canola oil, vegetable oil, or grapeseed oil.
- Optional additions – Feel free to get creative with your oven-baked Cajun fries by adding additional toppings or seasonings. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese or chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro to enhance their flavor profile.
See recipe card for quantities.
Tips & substitutions
- Soak the potatoes – Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking can help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Just make sure to pat them dry before seasoning and baking.
- Spread out the fries – To achieve maximum crispiness, spread out the fries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Overcrowding can cause the fries to steam instead of getting crispy.
- Sweet potato option – Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes as a healthier option. Sweet potatoes pair well with Cajun seasoning as a contrast to their slightly sweet and earthy taste.
How to make oven baked Cajun fries
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a big baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove dirt. You can peel the potatoes, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Cut the potatoes into thin, even-sized strips.
Step 3: In a medium bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning with the oil.
Step 4: Place the fries in the bowl and toss them until they are well coated in the marinade.
Step 5: Arrange the seasoned potato strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until tender and crispy.
Once baked, remove the fries from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, sprinkle them with chopped parsley for added freshness and flavor.
Expert tip
For an extra burst of vibrant flavor and brightness, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fries right before serving. The zesty acidity of the lemon juice provides a delightful contrast to the savory and spicy Cajun seasoning.
What to serve with Cajun fries
Oven-baked Cajun fries are versatile and can be served as a delicious side dish or snack. Here are some ideas besides serving them with burgers:
- Sandwiches and wraps – Serve these Cajun fries alongside sandwiches or these Harissa chicken tortilla wraps for a flavor explosion.
- Grilled and baked meats – Pair your oven-baked Cajun fries with grilled meats such as these air fryer baked chicken skewers, steak, or pork chops. The smoky flavors from the grill and the zesty Cajun seasoning create a mouthwatering combination.
- Dipping sauces – Classic options like ketchup, mayonnaise, or ranch dressing work well. But you can also try sauces like this mango hot sauce for a fruity touch.
- Roasted veggies – Serve these Cajun fries with this herb-roasted butternut squash, air fryer crispy roasted carrots, or other vegetables. The fries add a satisfying texture and spice to the veggie-centric bowl.
- Party Snacks – Hosting a gathering or game night? Cajun fries are delicious served as a snack. Arrange them in a basket or tray alongside other finger foods like these smoky chipotle roasted cashews, homemade pita chips, and smoky chipotle popcorn.
Recipe FAQs
Use light-tasting vegetable oil with a high smoke point. Grapeseed, canola, or sunflower oil is great to use as it has a high smoke point and neutral flavor.
While olive oil is often used for cooking, it is not ideal for baking fries at high temperatures. Olive oil has a lower smoke point, and the intense heat can cause it to develop an unpleasant taste.
Cajun seasoning often includes cayenne pepper, and chili powder, which provide heat. However, the spiciness can be adjusted to suit your taste if you make homemade cajun seasoning.
Cajun fries can be vegan, depending on the ingredients and preparation method. The base of Cajun fries, typically potatoes, is naturally vegan. However, the seasoning used to flavor the fries may vary. To ensure that your Cajun fries are vegan, you can either make your own with this easy homemade cajun seasoning.
Additionally, choose vegetable or vegan-friendly cooking oil to maintain a plant-based meal.
While oven-baked Cajun fries are best enjoyed straight out of the oven for maximum crispiness, you can store leftovers for later. Allow the fries to cool completely at room temperature before storing them. Transfer them to an airtight container and place it in the fridge for 2-3 days.
When you are ready to enjoy them, preheat your oven to a high temperature, around 220-230°C (425-450°F). Arrange the fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for a few minutes until they are heated through and regain some of their crispiness.
While the reheated fries may not be as crispy as when freshly baked, they can still be enjoyable.
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📖 Recipe
Crispy Oven Baked Cajun Fries
Ingredients
- 4 large potatoes
- 1 ½ tablespoon vegetable oil
Cajun seasoning
- 2-3 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F) and line a big baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Wash and scrub the potatoes to remove dirt. You can peel the potatoes, but leaving the skin on adds texture and nutrients. Cut the potatoes into thin, even-sized strips.
- In a medium bowl, mix the Cajun seasoning with the oil. Place the fries in the bowl and toss them until they are well coated in the marinade.
- Arrange the seasoned potato strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until tender and crispy.
- Arrange the seasoned potato strips in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they have some space between them. Bake in the oven for 30 to 35 minutes until tender and crispy.
Notes
- Soak the potatoes – Soaking the cut potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes before baking can help remove excess starch, resulting in crispier fries. Just make sure to pat them dry before seasoning and baking.
- Spread out the fries – To achieve maximum crispiness, spread out the fries on the baking sheet in a single layer. Overcrowding can cause the fries to steam instead of getting crispy.
- Sweet potato option – Use sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes as a healthier option. Sweet potatoes pair well with Cajun seasoning as a contrast to their slightly sweet and earthy taste.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only calculated with the recipe calorie and nutrition calculator provided by verywellfit.com. The author of this website is not a nutritionist nor a doctor. All nutritional data provided in the recipes and correspondent blog posts are for informational purposes only. Do not use the information as nutritional or medical advice.
Su says
Tried the recipe and ever since I am using it. By far the best seasoning (I just loooove the combination)!
Yvonne says
I'm so happy to hear that Su!! Thank you so much for leaving a comment and letting me know 🙂