Crispy Cajun Baked Fries
Transform your ordinary potato experience with these Crispy Cajun Baked Fries. Inspired by The New American Diet Cookbook, this recipe enhances the traditional fry by soaking the potatoes in ice water, ensuring a delightful crunch without the excess oil. Each bite offers a perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft interior, elevated by the vibrant zing of Cajun seasoning. Ideal as a side dish or a healthy snack, these fries are guilt-free yet full of flavor.
N/A
Servings
120
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
baking potatoes
4 large (Scrubbed and cut into fry shapes)
oil
1 tablespoon (Drizzled)
cajun seasoning
2 - 4 teaspoons (Sprinkled)
salt
to taste (Optional for serving)
pepper
to taste (Optional for serving)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2
Scrub 4 large baking potatoes thoroughly under cold water to remove any dirt.
3
Cut each potato lengthwise into 3 equal slices, then cut each slice into thirds or fourths to create fries.
4
As you cut the potatoes, immediately immerse them in a dish filled with ice water to prevent browning and to enhance crispiness. Let them soak for 10 to 15 minutes while the oven preheats.
5
Once the oven is ready, drain the ice water and thoroughly pat the potatoes dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
6
Transfer the dried potato pieces back to a bowl. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of oil over the fries and sprinkle 2 to 4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Use your hands to toss the potatoes, ensuring each piece is evenly coated.
7
Prepare a cookie sheet or jelly roll pan by spraying it with non-stick cooking spray.
8
Spread the seasoned potatoes in a single layer on the prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 30 minutes, turning them every 10 minutes for even cooking, until the fries are golden brown and tender.
9
Once baked, feel free to sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning or a dash of salt and pepper to taste before serving.
Nutrition Information
3g
Fat
21g
Carbs
2.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Crispy Cajun Baked Fries?
They are a healthier, oven-baked alternative to traditional fries, seasoned with Cajun spices and prepared using a special ice-water soaking technique for maximum crispiness.
How many calories are in these fries?
Each serving of these Crispy Cajun Baked Fries contains 120 calories.
Are these fries suitable for a vegetarian diet?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian.
How do I make the fries crispy without deep frying?
The secret is soaking the cut potatoes in ice water for 10 to 15 minutes and drying them thoroughly before baking to remove excess starch.
What oven temperature is required?
You should preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
How long should I soak the potatoes in ice water?
Soak the cut potatoes for 10 to 15 minutes while the oven preheats.
Why is soaking the potatoes in ice water necessary?
Soaking prevents the potatoes from browning and helps them achieve a crispier texture once baked.
What type of potatoes should I use?
The recipe recommends using large baking potatoes, such as Russets.
How many potatoes does the recipe require?
You will need 4 large baking potatoes.
How much oil is needed for this recipe?
This recipe only requires 1 tablespoon of oil.
What seasoning provides the flavor for these fries?
The fries are flavored with 2 to 4 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning.
Can I add salt and pepper?
Yes, salt and pepper can be added to taste after the fries are baked.
How should I cut the potatoes into fries?
Cut each potato lengthwise into 3 equal slices, then cut each slice into thirds or fourths.
How long do the fries need to bake?
The fries should bake for approximately 30 minutes until golden brown and tender.
Should I turn the fries while they are in the oven?
Yes, turn the fries every 10 minutes to ensure they cook evenly on all sides.
What kind of pan should I use?
A cookie sheet or a jelly roll pan is ideal for this recipe.
How do I prevent the fries from sticking to the pan?
Spray the pan with non-stick cooking spray before spreading the potatoes on it.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 3 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
Each serving contains 21 grams of carbohydrates.
Do these fries contain protein?
Yes, each serving provides 2.5 grams of protein.
Is it okay to use my hands to toss the seasoning?
Yes, using your hands is recommended to ensure each potato piece is evenly coated with oil and Cajun seasoning.
Should I leave the skin on the potatoes?
The recipe instructs to scrub the potatoes thoroughly, which allows you to keep the skin on for extra texture and nutrients.
Why are these called 'skinny fries'?
They are called skinny fries because they are baked with very little oil compared to traditional deep-fried versions.
Is this a healthy snack option?
Yes, they are described as a guilt-free and healthy snack or side dish.
Why must the potatoes be dried after soaking?
Removing excess moisture ensures the oil and seasoning stick better and prevents the fries from steaming instead of crisping.
How should the potatoes be arranged on the pan?
Spread them in a single layer to allow the heat to circulate and crisp each piece properly.
When should I add extra seasoning if I want more flavor?
You can sprinkle additional Cajun seasoning or salt and pepper immediately after removing the fries from the oven.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by The New American Diet Cookbook.
Are these fries spicy?
They have a vibrant zing from the Cajun seasoning, the intensity of which depends on the amount and brand of seasoning used.
Can I use any type of oil?
The recipe suggests 1 tablespoon of oil; any high-smoke point vegetable or olive oil typically works well for baking at 425 degrees.