Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe
These Five Guys Cajun fries are crispy, smoky, and seasoned with a homemade spice blend inspired by Five Guys, including a pinch of sugar that balances the heat perfectly. Made with fresh potatoes and simple pantry spices, they're a healthier side dish you can make in the oven or air fryer without any deep frying.
Servings: 4
Calories: 182.5kcal
Equipment
- Air fryer optional
- Oven
Ingredients
For the fries
- 2 large russet potatoes or 3 medium
- 1 tablespoon peanut oil or canola, or olive oil
- cooking spray
For the spice blend
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into ½-inch thick fries. Then, if using the oven method, add your baking sheet to the oven and preheat it to 390ºF (200ºC).2 large russet potatoes
- This is optional, but it helps to get rid of some of the starch, which results in crispier fries. Fill a large bowl with water and add ice and add the potatoes. Soak for at least 30 minutes, then drain and rinse.
- Lay them on a few layers of paper towels and dry well. This is important to make sure that the seasoning will stick properly.
- Add the potatoes to a bowl and coat with oil. Then, add the spices and stir until every last piece is well-coated.1 tablespoon peanut oil, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon dried thyme, ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
Oven method
- Take the hot baking sheets out of the oven and spray them with cooking spray. Add the fries in a single layer, giving them enough space in between. Bake for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.cooking spray
Air fryer method
- If using an air fryer, preheat it to 390ºF (200ºC). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then add the fries in a single layer. Cook for 20-25 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Finish by sprinkling a little bit of sea salt before serving.
Notes
- Cut the fries into similar sizes. Even-sized fries cook at the same rate — you won't end up with some overdone and some still soft in the middle.
- Soak the potatoes in ice-cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you have the time. This draws out excess starch and is the key to getting a crispy result without deep frying.
- Dry them very well before seasoning. After soaking, pat the fries completely dry with paper towels. Any leftover moisture will prevent the seasoning from sticking and lead to soggy fries.
- Preheat your baking sheet. Skip the parchment paper — preheat the baking sheet and spray it with cooking spray instead. Direct contact with the hot surface is what gives the fries a crispy bottom.
- Don't overcrowd the pan or basket. Fries need space around them to crisp up. Too many in at once and they'll steam instead — work in batches if needed.
- Storage: Best served fresh. Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, use the air fryer at 400°F for 4-5 minutes — it brings most of the crunch back. Avoid the microwave.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 182.5kcal | Carbohydrates: 35g | Protein: 4.1g | Fat: 36g | Saturated Fat: 0.6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1.5g | Sodium: 305.2mg | Potassium: 793.7mg | Fiber: 2.7g | Sugar: 1.8g | Vitamin A: 14.6IU | Vitamin C: 10.6mg | Calcium: 30.5mg | Iron: 1.8mg