Crispy Baked Cajun Fries
Indulge in a guilt-free version of everyone's favorite side dish with these Crispy Baked Cajun Fries. Expertly baked to crispy perfection, these fries offer a delightful crunch and a spicy kick thanks to a homemade cajun spice blend. Unlike traditional fried fries, each serving contains only half a gram of fat, making them a healthier alternative that doesn’t skimp on flavor. Whether you're serving them alongside burgers, enjoying them as a snack, or adding them to a salad for some extra crunch, these fries will swiftly become a recipe you can't resist making multiple times a week.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking Potatoes
5 large (Washed and peeled)
Light Vegetable Oil Cooking Spray
3 sprays (For coating the baking sheet)
Egg Whites
2 large (Whisked)
Cajun Spices
1 tablespoon (Used for seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2
Wash and peel the baking potatoes. Slice each potato lengthwise into 1/4-inch ovals, then slice each oval into matchsticks. Using a mandoline will speed up this process significantly.
3
Take a large baking sheet and coat it with 3 quick sprays of light vegetable oil cooking spray, ensuring it's evenly coated.
4
In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg whites and cajun spice until well-combined.
5
Toss the matchstick potatoes in the bowl, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated with the egg white mixture.
6
Spread the seasoned potato matchsticks onto the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving a little space between them for even cooking.
7
Place the baking sheet on the bottom rack of the preheated oven.
8
Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, turning the fries with a spatula every 6 to 8 minutes to achieve an even, golden-brown crispiness.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and serve immediately while hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Baked Cajun Fries?
Crispy Baked Cajun Fries are a healthy, guilt-free version of the classic side dish, baked until crunchy and seasoned with a spicy homemade Cajun blend.
Are these fries healthy?
Yes, they are a healthier alternative to traditional fries because they are baked rather than deep-fried and contain significantly less fat.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving of these Crispy Baked Cajun Fries contains only half a gram of fat.
What oven temperature is needed for this recipe?
The oven should be preheated to 400 degrees Fahrenheit or 200 degrees Celsius.
What type of potatoes should I use?
This recipe specifically calls for 5 large baking potatoes.
How should I slice the potatoes?
Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch ovals before cutting those ovals into matchstick shapes.
How can I speed up the potato slicing process?
Using a mandoline will significantly speed up the process of slicing the potatoes into even matchsticks.
How do I prepare the baking sheet?
Apply 3 quick sprays of light vegetable oil cooking spray to a large baking sheet to ensure an even coating.
What ingredients are used for the coating?
The coating is made from a mixture of 2 large egg whites and 1 tablespoon of Cajun spices.
How do I ensure the fries are evenly seasoned?
Whisk the egg whites and spices in a medium bowl, then toss the potato matchsticks in the mixture until every piece is thoroughly coated.
Can I layer the fries on top of each other while baking?
No, the fries should be spread in a single layer with a little space between them to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
Where should I place the baking sheet in the oven?
The baking sheet should be placed on the bottom rack of the preheated oven for optimal crispiness.
How long do the fries need to bake?
The fries should bake for approximately 40 to 45 minutes.
Do I need to turn the fries while they are in the oven?
Yes, you should turn the fries with a spatula every 6 to 8 minutes during the baking process.
Why is it important to turn the fries frequently?
Frequent turning helps the fries achieve an even, golden-brown crispiness on all sides.
How should these fries be served?
They should be served immediately while they are still hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture.
Are these Cajun fries suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, these fries are vegetarian-friendly.
What can I serve with these fries?
They are excellent alongside burgers, as a snack on their own, or added to a salad for an extra crunch.
Is a mandoline necessary for this recipe?
While not strictly necessary, a mandoline is highly recommended to ensure the fries are sliced quickly and uniformly.
Does this recipe use a lot of oil?
No, it only requires a small amount of light vegetable oil cooking spray for the baking sheet.
What provides the spicy kick in this recipe?
The spicy kick comes from a tablespoon of Cajun spice blend mixed into the egg white coating.
Can I leave the skin on the potatoes?
The recipe instructions recommend peeling the potatoes, but you can leave them on if you prefer a more rustic style.
How many ingredients are required in total?
The recipe requires 4 main ingredients: baking potatoes, light cooking spray, egg whites, and Cajun spices.
What is the role of the egg whites?
The egg whites act as a binder for the spices and help create a crispy exterior without the need for deep frying.
How many potatoes are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 large baking potatoes.
Is this a good snack for weight loss?
Yes, because they are very low in fat and baked, they are a great alternative to standard high-calorie snacks.
What color should the fries be when finished?
The fries should be a golden-brown color once they have finished baking.
Can I use other spices instead of Cajun?
Yes, you can experiment with other spice blends, although the recipe is specifically designed for the Cajun flavor profile.
Is this recipe easy to make frequently?
Yes, the description notes that it is a recipe you can resist making multiple times a week due to its health benefits and great taste.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius).