Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe

These Five Guys Cajun Fries are crispy, smoky, spicy, and seasoned with a homemade spice blend inspired by the Five Guys version, including a pinch of sugar that perfectly balances the heat. They're a healthier alternative you can make in the oven or air fryer.

I've spent years trying to find the perfect baked fry recipe. I've tried high heat, cornstarch, parboiling... and ended up with so many soggy batches that couldn't come close to a real fried potato.

Then I landed on the technique that fixed everything: cut, soak, dry, and most importantly, preheat your baking sheet. This gives you fries with a crisp exterior and a fluffy inside, without that heavy feeling you get after eating something deep-fried.

The homemade Cajun spice blend comes together in minutes and coats every fry in smoky, savory flavor with just the right amount of heat. Since we aren't using a ton of oil, these homemade Cajun fries are healthier and naturally gluten-free!

For more potato recipes, you're going to love garlicky smashed potatoes, these curry-flavored mashed potatoes, and lightened-up potato salad with no eggs.

Ingredients

• Potatoes: I like to use Yukon Gold for their buttery, sweet flavor, which is the reason I prefer them in most of my recipes, such as in my non-dairy potato leek soup. Russet potatoes are higher in starch and lower in moisture, so they crisp up more, but they lack the rich flavor of the Yukon Gold. Either works here, so use what you have.
• Spices: To make the Cajun spice blend, you'll need smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper. Make sure you're using smoked paprika and not regular, as it's what gives the fries that deep, slightly earthy flavor that makes the seasoning taste more complex.
• Oil: Use canola, olive oil, or peanut oil for best results. Five Guys fries are made with peanut oil, but if you have nut allergies, use canola oil instead.
• Granulated sugar: It's optional but mellows the spiciness of the Cajun spice mix without making your fries sweet. For a sugar-free version, you can skip it if you want, but the flavor may be slightly different.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and exact measurements.

Variations

• Extra spicy: For a bit more heat, add a ¼ teaspoon of cayenne or a drizzle of hot sauce after cooking.
• Mild version: If you prefer your fries a bit milder, omit the red chili flakes, but keep the smoked paprika for flavor without adding any heat.
• Sweet potato cajun fries: Use sweet potatoes instead of russet potatoes. They will cook faster, so reduce cook time by 5 minutes.
• Leftover seasoning: The blend works great on popcorn, fried chickpeas, or just about any protein. I had leftover seasoning, but you can also make a double batch to keep on hand to use.

How to Make Five Guys Cajun Fries at Home

Step 1: Wash, peel, and cut your potatoes into strips. To do this, cut each potato in half lengthwise, then lay the flat side down for stability. Slice lengthwise into ½-inch planks, then cut each plank into ½-inch strips. Most restaurants cut their fries thinner, but I find that ½-inch fries work better for baking, allowing them to crisp up more since there is a bigger surface area.

Step 2: This step is optional, but it helps to get rid of some of the starch from the potatoes, which makes crispier fries. Fill a large bowl with water, add ice, and add the potatoes. Soak for at least 30 minutes, then drain and rinse.

Cutting Fries Tip: Keep them as uniform as possible, as even-sized fries cook at the same rate, so you won't end up with some burnt and some underdone. For more even results and to make slicing easier, try using a mandoline instead of cutting them by hand!

Step 3: Lay them on a few layers of paper towels and dry very well. This is important to make sure that the seasoning will stick properly and that you won't end up with soggy fries. At this point, you also want to preheat the oven to 390ºF (200ºC) and place your baking tray in the oven to heat at the same time. This is my secret trick to crispier fries!

Step 4: Add the potatoes to a bowl and coat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Then, add the spice mix and stir until every last fry is well-coated.

Step 5: Take the hot baking sheet out of the oven and spray it generously with cooking spray. Add the fries in a single layer, allowing some space in between the potatoes. This keeps them from steaming, so you end up with crispier fries.

Step 6: Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown. Finish by sprinkling a little bit of sea salt before serving.

Enjoy your fries alongside your favorite dips and sauces or serve as a side dish to 10-minute Beyond meat burgers, meaty vegan bean chili, and even eggs shakshuka.

How to Make Cajun Fries in the Air Fryer

These Five Guys-style fries work equally well in the air fryer!

Step 1: Preheat your air fryer to 390ºF (200ºC) and spray the basket with cooking spray. Add the fries in a single layer. Be sure you don't overcrowd the basket, as the fries need space for the hot air to circulate and crisp them up properly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.

Step 2: Cook for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.