Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe (Air Fryer or Oven) (2024)

This Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe is crispy, spicy, and perfectly flavored with our cajun seasoning blend. It's a healthier version that can be made both in the oven and air fryer.

Five guys fans, gather around! This Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries recipe tastes just like the real thing.

If you've ever tried homemade french fries, you know they're a hundred times better than the frozen fries you buy at the grocery store.

This copycat version consists of fresh potatoes that get seasoned with our DIY cajun mix and then cooked until golden perfection.

It's perfect to enjoy alongside your favorite dips and sauces or serve as a side dish to burgers, cauliflower wings, chili, and even shakshuka.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Made with simple ingredients. This recipe doesn't use any fancy ingredients or techniques and is super easy to make.
• Customizable. You can control how salty, spicy, and seasoned you want your fries to be.
• Healthier than regular fries. You'll need only a small amount of vegetable oil to coat the potatoes before air frying or baking them.
• Delicious. Using real potatoes, and fresh spices, these easy cajun fries carry an amazing flavor.

Ingredients

See the recipe card below for exact measurements.

• Potatoes:I like to use Yukon Gold potatoes or russet potatoes.
• Spices:To make the five guys' cajun spice blend, you'll need smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, thyme, and red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
• Oil:Use canola, olive oil, or peanut oil for best results. Five guys fries are made with peanut oil, but if you have nut allergies I don't recommend using it.
• Salt and black pepper:The best part about making fries at home is that you can control how salty you want them to be.
• Granulated sugar (optional):It mellows down the spiciness of the cajun spice mix, but it won't make your fries sweet.

How to Make Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe

Step 1: Cut the potatoes

Wash, peel, and cut potatoes into ¼" strips. Then, if using the oven method, add yourbaking sheetto the oven and preheat it to 390ºF (200ºC).

Step 2: Soak in ice-cold water

This is optional, but it helps to get rid of some of the starch, which results in crispier fries. Fill alarge bowl with water and add ice and add the potatoes. Soak for at least 30 minutes, then drain and rinse.

Step 3: Dry the potatoes

Lay them on a few layers of paper towels and dry well. This is important to make sure that the seasoning will stick properly.

Step 4: Season

Add the potatoes to abowland coat with 1 tablespoon of oil. Then, add the spice mix and stir until every last piece is well-coated.

Step 5: Bake or air fry

Take the hot baking sheets out of the oven and spray them withcooking 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.

If using anair fryer, preheat it to 390ºF (200ºC). Spray the air fryer basket withcooking 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.

Expert Tips

• Cut the fries into similar sizes.This ensures that they will cook evenly and at about the same rate.
• Soak the potatoes in ice-cold water. If you have the time, I recommend soaking the fries anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours to get rid of the starch. This is my best trick for this Five Guys cajun fries recipe
• Dry them very well before seasoning.After soaking, make sure to completely dry the potatoes. This will help the seasoning stick better and will prevent the potatoes from getting soggy.
• Preheat your baking sheets.Instead of using parchment paper, preheat your baking sheets and spray them with cooking spray. This creates a non-stick layer, and since you're not using parchment paper, the potatoes can have direct contact with the surface and get super crispy.
• Work in batches if needed.It's essential to not overcrowd the air fryer basket or the baking sheets. If you don't give the potatoes enough space, they'll steam instead of crisp up, and will end up being soggy.

FAQ

Serving

In true Five Guys fashion, enjoy these cajun fries alongside a Five Guys burger. For those following plant-based diets, check out my air fryer beyond burger recipe.

You can also serve them alongside dishes like eggplant tofu, mac and cheese, risoni salad with feta, and vegan chicken sandwich.

Storage

This recipe is best served when fresh, as the fries get soft when they cool down. However, if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

More Air Fryer Recipes

📖 Recipe

Food safety

• Cook to a minimum temperature of 165 °F (74 °C)
• Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
• Wash hands after touching raw meat
• Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
• Never leave cooking food unattended
• Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
• Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.

More Sides & Appetizers