Homemade Cajun French Fries
Create your very own delicious frozen French fries at home with this easy recipe. Perfect for when potatoes are on sale, you can prep these fries in just a short amount of time and store them for later use. Bursting with flavor thanks to a sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, these fries can be easily customized to your desired thickness and spiciness. Simply toss them in olive oil, bake, and freeze! Enjoy crispy, golden-brown fries right from your oven anytime you crave a tasty snack or side dish.
1
Servings
N/A
Calories
3
Ingredients
Ingredients
Potatoes
2 large (Peeled and cut into fries)
Olive Oil
2 tablespoons (For coating)
Cajun Seasoning
1 teaspoon (For seasoning)
Instructions
1
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
2
Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform French fry shapes, about 1/4 inch thick for even cooking.
3
Place the raw fries in a large ziplock bag. Drizzle the olive oil over the fries and add the Cajun seasoning.
4
Seal the bag and shake it well until all fries are evenly coated with the oil and seasoning.
5
Spread the coated fries in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
6
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and just tender but not fully cooked.
7
Remove from the oven and let cool completely on the baking sheet.
8
Once cooled, place the baking sheet in the freezer for about 1-2 hours, or until the fries are frozen solid.
9
Once frozen, use a spatula to scoop the fries off the baking sheet and store them in a 5-quart ice cream bucket or a freezer-safe bag.
10
When ready to enjoy, preheat the oven again to 425°F (220°C), spread the frozen fries on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes until they are hot and crispy.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Homemade Cajun French Fries?
They are delicious, oven-baked potato fries seasoned with Cajun spices that are par-baked, frozen, and then baked again for a crispy finish.
What ingredients do I need for this recipe?
You will need 2 large potatoes, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning.
How should I cut the potatoes?
Peel the potatoes and cut them into uniform French fry shapes, approximately 1/4 inch thick to ensure even cooking.
What is the best way to coat the fries with seasoning?
Place the raw fries in a large ziplock bag, drizzle with olive oil, add the Cajun seasoning, seal, and shake until evenly coated.
At what temperature should I preheat the oven?
The oven should be preheated to 425°F (220°C) for both the initial par-bake and the final bake.
How long is the initial baking time?
Bake the fries for 20-25 minutes initially until they are golden and just tender.
Do I need to flip the fries while baking?
Yes, you should flip the fries halfway through the initial baking time to ensure they cook evenly.
Why do I need to freeze the fries before the final bake?
Freezing the par-baked fries helps achieve a better texture and allows you to store them for a quick snack or side dish later.
How long should the fries stay in the freezer?
Freeze the fries on a baking sheet for about 1-2 hours, or until they are frozen solid.
What should I use to store the frozen fries?
You can store them in a 5-quart ice cream bucket or a standard freezer-safe bag.
How do I cook the fries when I am ready to eat them?
Preheat your oven to 425°F, spread the frozen fries on a baking sheet, and bake for about 15 minutes until hot and crispy.
Can I customize the spiciness of the fries?
Yes, you can easily adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to reach your desired level of spiciness.
Can I make the fries thicker or thinner?
Yes, the recipe allows you to customize the thickness, though cooking times may need adjustment for thicker cuts.
Is it necessary to use parchment paper?
Using parchment paper is recommended to prevent the fries from sticking to the baking sheet.
What type of oil is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Are these fries healthier than deep-fried fries?
Yes, these are oven-baked with a small amount of olive oil, making them a lighter alternative to traditional deep-frying.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This specific recipe is scaled for 1 serving, but can be easily doubled or tripled.
Can I use different seasonings instead of Cajun?
Absolutely, you can swap the Cajun seasoning for garlic salt, paprika, or any other seasoning blend you prefer.
Do I need to thaw the fries before the final bake?
No, you should bake them directly from the freezer to maintain the best texture.
What kind of potatoes work best?
Large starchy potatoes like Russets are typically best for achieving a crispy fry texture.
How long do the fries last in the freezer?
When stored in an airtight container or bag, they can stay fresh in the freezer for several weeks.
Is this a quick recipe to prepare?
The prep work is very fast, making it a great option for when potatoes are on sale and you want to meal prep.
Can I leave the skin on the potatoes?
The recipe suggests peeling them, but you can leave the skin on for a more rustic, skin-on fry if you prefer.
What is the texture of these fries?
They are designed to be crispy and golden-brown on the outside and tender on the inside.
Is olive oil the only oil I can use?
While olive oil is recommended, other high-smoke point oils like avocado or vegetable oil can also work.
Can children enjoy this recipe?
Yes, if they prefer milder flavors, simply reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning used.
Do I need any special equipment?
You only need basic kitchen tools: a knife, a baking sheet, parchment paper, and a large ziplock bag.
How do I ensure the fries don't get soggy?
Spacing them out in a single layer on the baking sheet prevents steaming and ensures they get crispy.
What can I serve these with?
These are perfect as a side for burgers, sandwiches, or served alone with a dipping sauce.
Can I use this method for sweet potatoes?
Yes, the par-bake and freeze method works for sweet potatoes, though cooking times may vary slightly.