Spicy Cajun Seasoned French Fries
Spicy Cajun Seasoned French Fries
Ingredients
For the Fries
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
- 6 cups peanut oil, for frying, or other high smoke point oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
For the Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into even 1/4-inch thick fries. Place the cut fries in a large bowl, cover them completely with cold water, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to remove excess starch. This helps achieve a crispier fry.
⏱️ 30 min
- 2
Dry the potatoes: Drain the soaked potatoes thoroughly. Spread them out in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Pat them completely dry. This step is crucial for preventing oil splatters and ensuring crispy fries.
⏱️ 5 min
- 3
Prepare the Cajun seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix all the spices together thoroughly.
⏱️ 2 min
- 4
Heat the oil for the first fry: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, pour in the peanut oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F. Use a deep-fry thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 325
- 5
First fry (blanching): Carefully add a single layer of dried fries to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the fries are softened but not yet browned. They should appear pale and cooked through. Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining fries.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 325
- 6
Heat oil for the second fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. This higher temperature will create a crispy exterior.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375
- 7
Second fry (crisping): Return the par-fried potatoes to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and deliciously crispy. Be careful not to burn them.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 375
- 8
Season and serve: Remove the crispy fries from the oil and immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle generously with the prepared Cajun seasoning and toss to coat evenly. Add additional kosher salt to taste, if desired. Serve the Spicy Cajun Seasoned French Fries hot and enjoy!
⏱️ 3 min
Kitchen Tools
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
Spicy Cajun Seasoned French Fries
Ingredients
For the Fries
- 2 pounds russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4-inch thick fries
- 6 cups peanut oil, for frying, or other high smoke point oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed
For the Cajun Seasoning
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Prepare the potatoes: Peel the russet potatoes and cut them into even 1/4-inch thick fries. Place the cut fries in a large bowl, cover them completely with cold water, and let them soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to remove excess starch. This helps achieve a crispier fry.
⏱️ 30 min - 2
Dry the potatoes: Drain the soaked potatoes thoroughly. Spread them out in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or several layers of paper towels. Pat them completely dry. This step is crucial for preventing oil splatters and ensuring crispy fries.
⏱️ 5 min - 3
Prepare the Cajun seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of kosher salt. Mix all the spices together thoroughly.
⏱️ 2 min - 4
Heat the oil for the first fry: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer, pour in the peanut oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 325°F. Use a deep-fry thermometer to accurately monitor the temperature.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 325 - 5
First fry (blanching): Carefully add a single layer of dried fries to the hot oil, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the fries are softened but not yet browned. They should appear pale and cooked through. Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack set over paper towels to drain excess oil. Repeat with the remaining fries.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 325 - 6
Heat oil for the second fry: Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. This higher temperature will create a crispy exterior.
⏱️ 5 min•🌡️ 375 - 7
Second fry (crisping): Return the par-fried potatoes to the hot oil in batches. Fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until they are golden brown and deliciously crispy. Be careful not to burn them.
⏱️ 10 min•🌡️ 375 - 8
Season and serve: Remove the crispy fries from the oil and immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Sprinkle generously with the prepared Cajun seasoning and toss to coat evenly. Add additional kosher salt to taste, if desired. Serve the Spicy Cajun Seasoned French Fries hot and enjoy!
⏱️ 3 min