Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe (Air Fryer and Oven)

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Cajun fries have become a fan favorite for their spicy kick and irresistible flavor. When it comes to mastering these fries, Five Guys Cajun Fries stand out. Their secret lies in the unique blend of cajun spices that turn the ordinary potato into a memorable treat. Whether you’re a spice lover or just looking to shake up your fry game, making these at home is easier than you might think!

Five Guys cajun fries sizzling in hot oil, sprinkled with signature seasoning, served in a red and white checkered paper tray

Cooking the perfect batch of Five Guys Cajun fries in the comfort of my kitchen has become somewhat of a hobby. Achieving that signature crispiness is surprisingly straightforward, especially with an air fryer. When I first tried making these, I was delighted by how simple the process was. Just cut the potatoes, season them generously with that signature cajun spice mix, and let the air fryer do its magic. The result? A batch of tantalizingly crispy fries that rival the ones you’d hustle in line for at Five Guys.

Key Takeaways

  • Recreating Five Guys Cajun fries at home is straightforward and satisfying.
  • The right mix of cajun spices is crucial for that authentic flavor.
  • Using an air fryer can yield crispy results that live up to the restaurant standard.

Ingredients and Quantities

A pile of crispy golden fries covered in a generous sprinkling of cajun seasoning, with a few whole spices visible

Potatoes: You’ll need about 2 pounds of potatoes. I prefer using russet potatoes for their fluffier texture or Yukon Gold potatoes for a creamier bite.

For the Cajun Seasoning Blend:

  • 2 tablespoons of salt (I go for kosher salt to avoid high sodium content)
  • 1 tablespoon of garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon of onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon of black pepper, freshly ground for zest
  • 2 teaspoons of cayenne pepper, adjust if you like it spicier or milder
  • 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
  • A pinch of granulated sugar for a subtle sweetness.

Oils for Frying:

  • Peanut oil or vegetable oil, about 4-6 cups for deep-frying. If you have a nut allergy, stick to vegetable oil.
  • Use a splash of olive oil if you’re baking or air frying for a lighter touch.

Fry Making:

  1. Cut your potatoes into thin, even strips.
  2. Soak them in water to remove excess starch, which gives you a crispier fry.

Tips:

  • Pat the potatoes dry completely before you coat them with oil.
  • Mix your Cajun spice blend in a bowl before tossing it with the cooked fries to ensure even distribution.
  • To season, I like to go by the handful, sprinkling and tasting until they’re just right. You might start with about 2 tablespoons and work from there.

Preparation Guide

When I recreate Five Guys Cajun fries at home, I focus on three key components: cutting and drying the potatoes to ensure crispiness, making a flavorful seasoning mix, and choosing the right cooking technique to achieve that golden delicious finish.

Cutting and Drying Potatoes

Before anything else, I take my pick of potatoes—I’m partial to russets for their high starch content which leads to a fluffier inside. Here’s what I do:

  • Cut the potatoes: I cut my russets into sticks, aiming for a quarter-inch thickness.
  • Dry the potatoes: It’s crucial to dry the potatoes thoroughly to avoid steaming them when cooking. Here’s what I follow:
    a. Soak the cut fries in cold water to remove excess starch.
    b. Drain and lay them out on an absorbent towel.
    c. Pat them dry or let them air dry until completely moisture-free.

Seasoning Mix

The spice blend is the heart of Cajun flavor. I make my own Cajun seasoning with simple ingredients:

  • Cajun spice blend ingredients: The mix includes paprika and smoked paprika, dried oregano, black pepper, white pepper, and for that kick – red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

Cooking Techniques

Finally, the cooking technique determines the texture of the fries.


  • Air Fryer: If I’m aiming for less oil, I use the air fryer. I preheat it to 400°F, then cook the fries until they’re golden and crispy. No need to use a lot of oil, a light spray of cooking oil does the trick.



  • Oven: For the oven method, I preheat to 400°F, line a tray with parchment paper, and spread the fries in a single layer for even cooking. Flip once during baking to ensure all sides get that golden crunch.


Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe Copycat
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Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe Copycat

Recipe by thisrecipelifeCourse: LunchCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

30

minutes
Cooking time

20

minutes

These copycat Five Guys Cajun fries are a perfect treat for any fry lover. With a crispy exterior and a flavorful, spicy kick, they’re sure to be a hit. Enjoy them with friends and family, or keep them all to yourself!

Ingredients

  • 4 large russet potatoes

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • 2 tbsp paprika

  • 1 tbsp garlic powder

  • 1 tbsp onion powder

  • 1 tbsp ground black pepper

  • 1 tbsp dried oregano

  • 2 tsp cayenne pepper

  • 1 tsp dried thyme

  • Salt to taste

Directions

  • Prep the Potatoes:
  • Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly to remove any dirt. Leave the skins on for that authentic Five Guys texture. Cut the potatoes into thin fries, about 1/4 inch thick.
  • Soak the Potatoes:
  • Place the cut potatoes in a large bowl and cover with cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours. This removes excess starch and helps make the fries crispier.
  • Make the Cajun Seasoning:
  • In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ground black pepper, dried oregano, cayenne pepper, and dried thyme. Set aside.
  • Oven Method:
  • Preheat Oven:
  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Dry and Season the Potatoes:
  • Drain the soaked potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Toss the fries with 2 tbsp of olive oil until they are evenly coated. Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Bake:
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
  • Season the Fries:
  • While the fries are still hot, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning generously over them. Toss the fries to ensure they are evenly coated. Add salt to taste.
  • Air Fryer Method:
  • Preheat Air Fryer:
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  • Dry the Potatoes:
  • Drain the soaked potatoes and pat them dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Toss them in 2 tbsp of olive oil.
  • First Fry:
  • Toss the fries in batches in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Air fry for 10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
  • Increase Temperature:
  • Increase the temperature to 425°F (220°C) and continue to air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until the fries are golden brown and crispy.
  • Season the Fries:
  • While the fries are still hot, sprinkle the Cajun seasoning generously over them. Toss the fries to ensure they are evenly coated. Add salt to taste.
  • Serve:
  • Serve your homemade Cajun fries immediately for the best texture and flavor. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces and enjoy!

Notes

  • Soaking: Don’t skip the soaking step. It’s crucial for achieving that perfect crispness.
    Consistency: Make sure all fries are cut to a similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
    Seasoning: Season the fries immediately after cooking while they’re still hot to ensure the seasoning sticks.

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked a lot about replicating Five Guys Cajun fries at home. Here’s the lowdown on how you can make your own, from the spicy seasoning blend to cooking techniques.

How can I make Cajun fries in an air fryer similar to Five Guys?

It’s not too tough to get close to the Five Guys style with an air fryer. I toss cut potatoes with oil and a blend of Cajun seasonings, and air fry them at 400°F for about 15-20 minutes. They come out crispy and delightfully spiced, just like the real thing. You can look at this air fryer recipe for guidance.

What seasonings do Five Guys add to their fries to create the Cajun flavor?

Their Cajun fries are seasoned with a mix that includes paprika, garlic powder, salt, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and thyme. This combination gives the fries that signature kick. There’s a handy spice mix recipe online that can help you get that Five Guys flavor.

Can I replicate Five Guys’ Cajun fries using a standard oven?

Absolutely! Preheat your oven to 400°F, coat your cut potatoes in oil and your homemade Cajun seasoning, then spread them out on a baking sheet. Bake until they’re golden and crispy. Check out this oven method which can be a great starting point.

What’s the secret to the preparation of Five Guys’ fries?

Five Guys is known for their method, which involves washing and soaking the potatoes to remove excess starch, then double-frying them for a crisp exterior and a soft interior. Start with good quality potatoes and don’t skip the soaking step—it makes a difference.

How many calories are typically in a serving of Five Guys Cajun fries?

A regular serving of Five Guys Cajun fries contains about 953 calories. If you’re watching your intake, my advice is to share a serving or tweak your homemade version to lower the calorie count.

Is there a commercial seasoning similar to what Five Guys uses for their Cajun fries?

There isn’t an exact commercial match for Five Guys’ Cajun seasoning. However, plenty of brands offer Cajun or Creole blends that’ll get you close.

Experiment with a few to see which one nails it for your taste buds.