Introduction
If you love golden, crispy fries with bold Cajun flavor, these Popeyes-Style Crispy Seasoned Fries bring that restaurant favorite right into your kitchen. These fries are seasoned with a blend of spices that deliver savory heat, earthy paprika, and just the right amount of saltiness — all without deep frying. Whether you’re serving them as a side to burgers, chicken sandwiches, or just enjoying them on their own, these seasoned fries are addictively delicious. With just a few pantry staples and easy air fryer or oven methods, you can recreate that iconic crunchy texture and bold flavor at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Extra crunchy outside, tender inside
- Bold Cajun-style seasoning
- Works in air fryer or oven
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Great with sandwiches, burgers, or dips
Ingredients
- 900 g russet potatoes, washed
- 15 ml olive oil
- 10 g paprika
- 5 g garlic powder
- 5 g onion powder
- 3 g cayenne pepper (adjust heat to preference)
- 3 g black pepper
- 6 g seasoned salt
- 3 g dried thyme
- 3 g dried oregano
- Optional: extra sprinkle of salt after cooking
- Serving: ketchup, ranch, or Cajun dipping sauce
How to Make Popeyes-Style Crispy Seasoned Fries
- Preheat the air fryer to 200 °C (400 °F) if using an air fryer; if baking, preheat oven to 220 °C (430 °F)
- Cut the washed russet potatoes into thin, even sticks (about 1 cm thickness)
- Place the potato sticks in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 15–20 minutes to remove excess starch
- Drain and pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels
- Drizzle olive oil over the dried potato sticks and toss to coat evenly
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, seasoned salt, dried thyme, and oregano to make the seasoning
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the oiled potatoes and toss until evenly coated
- If air frying, arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispness
- If baking, spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Cook until fries are golden brown and crispy
- Remove from heat and season with additional salt if desired
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 20 minutes (includes soaking)
Cook Time: 20 minutes (air fryer) / 30 minutes (oven)
Total Time: 40–50 minutes
Servings: 4–6
Cuisine: American / Cajun-Inspired
Course: Side Dish / Snack
Flavor Profile Breakdown
These fries have a smoky, savory kick from paprika and cayenne, balanced by earthy herbs and a hint of sweetness. The seasoning blend delivers layered flavor that elevates ordinary fries into a crave-worthy side.
Pro Tips for Best Results
Soak the cut potatoes to remove excess starch for extra crispiness. Dry thoroughly before seasoning. Don’t overcrowd the air fryer or baking sheet — extra space means better crisping. Shake or flip halfway for even texture.
Variations & Substitutions
Swap paprika for smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor. Add Parmesan cheese after cooking while hot for cheesy seasoned fries. Use sweet potatoes for a twist, adjusting seasonings to taste.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Not soaking the potatoes — skimping on soaking can result in soggy fries. Leaving moisture — wet potatoes won’t crisp properly. Overcrowding — leads to steaming instead of crisping. Skipping seasoning — don’t be shy with the spice blend.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these seasoned fries with burgers, chicken sandwiches, grilled fish tacos, or as a snack with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, ketchup, or spicy mayo.
Storage & Reheating Tips
Store leftover fries in the refrigerator in an airtight container up to 1 day; reheat on a baking sheet or in an air fryer at 200 °C (400 °F) for 5–8 minutes until re-crisped.
Nutrition Information (Approximate)
Calories: 310 kcal
Protein: 4 g
Carbohydrates: 54 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 710 mg
Popeyes-Style Crispy Seasoned Fries
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat the air fryer to 200 °C (400 °F) if using an air fryer; if baking, preheat oven to 220 °C (430 °F)
- Cut the washed russet potatoes into thin, even sticks (about 1 cm thickness)
- Place the potato sticks in a large bowl of cold water and soak for 15–20 minutes to remove excess starch
- Drain and pat the potatoes completely dry with paper towels
- Drizzle olive oil over the dried potato sticks and toss to coat evenly
- In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, black pepper, seasoned salt, dried thyme, and oregano to make the seasoning
- Sprinkle the seasoning blend over the oiled potatoes and toss until evenly coated
- If air frying, arrange potatoes in a single layer in the air fryer basket and air fry for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway for even crispness
- If baking, spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway through
- Cook until fries are golden brown and crispy
- Remove from heat and season with additional salt if desired
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces
Notes
Carbohydrates: 54 g
Fat: 8 g
Fiber: 5 g
Sugar: 1 g
Sodium: 710 mg
Final Thoughts
These Popeyes-Style Crispy Seasoned Fries are fun, flavorful, and foolproof — perfect for elevating everyday meals or serving as an unforgettable snack. With crunchy edges, bold spice, and simple prep, they’re destined to become a favorite comfort side in your home cooking arsenal.
FAQs
Can I make these fries without an air fryer?
Yes — baking them in a hot oven works just as well to achieve crispy fries.
Why do I soak the potatoes before cooking?
Soaking removes excess starch and helps create a crisper exterior.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Absolutely — reduce or increase cayenne to suit your heat preference.
Are these fries gluten-free?
Yes — using naturally gluten-free ingredients makes these fries gluten-free.
What dipping sauces pair best with these fries?
Ketchup, ranch, spicy mayo, or Cajun dipping sauce are great options.
