Popeyes Cajun Fries (CopyCat Recipe)

These copycat Popeyes cajun fries are the best homemade French fries ever! They are super crispy, perfectly seasoned with homemade Cajun mix and very addicting. These finger chips taste 100 % better than Popeyes fries! Make them in your own kitchen today!

Love Popeyes? Be sure to check out Copycat Popeyes Chicken Sandwich recipe and Popeyes Biscuits.

Popeyes Cajun Fries Recipe

If you love seasoned fries like we do or want to know how to make Popeyes fries, this recipe is definitely for you! Give it a try and enjoy perfectly seasoned fries with incredible crisp.

There is a ton of recipes for French fries in the internet. Most of them call for parboiling potatoes first and then frying. Though, there is nothing wrong with this method, there will be always a chance to overcook potatoes, and they will fall apart. Plus, you will have more dishes to clean up.

This double fry method yields the best homemade fries ever. You will need to fry potatoes first at lower temperature, this makes them fluffy and soft on the inside. The second frying adds restaurant-quality crispiness. 

Popeyes Cajun fries ingredients

• Russet potatoes: High starch potatoes like Russet Burbank, Umatilla Russet, Ranger Russet or Maris Piper are best for French fries. They are high in starch and lower in moisture. As you fry them they absorb lots of moisture, which results in fluffy texture on the inside but crisp on the outside. It is also very important that potatoes are neither too dry nor too wet. Too wet potatoes will become soggy when fried. And if they are too dry, their texture will be hard. Pat dry them slightly.
• Oil: Any vegetable oil with high smoke point will work for this recipe.
• Smoked paprika: It adds a rich, smoky flavor.
• Dried oregano: This pungent herb adds a bold and earthy flavor. Actually it can improve any savory dish.
• Cayenne pepper: It has a mild aroma, but brings out the heat. I recommend to start with ¼ teaspoon and add more if needed. A big amount can overpower other flavors.
• Garlic powder: Adds a garlicky flavor.
• Salt and pepper: Use freshly ground pepper.

How to make Popeyes cajun fries

• Prepare the potatoes: Cut the potatoes into ½-inch (1 cm) thick sticks.  Soak the potatoes in cold water for at least 1 hour or overnight. The longer the better! Rinse the fries and pat dry slightly. They shouldn’t be too dry or too wet.
• Make copycat Popeyes Cajun seasoning: In a medium bowl mix all the ingredients for the seasoning. Feel free to tailor it to your personal preference.
• The first frying: Heat oil in a large pan or deep fryer to 300ºF (150º). Add the potatoes into the oil and fry for 4-5 minutes. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. It is very important not to overcrowd the pan. Overcrowding results in soggy potatoes because the oil temperature drops and takes time to rise up again. Fry the potatoes in batches.
• The second frying: Increase the temperature to 400º F (200ºC). I recommend to use Instant-read thermometer for the best results. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes again until crispy and golden brown.
• Toss: Sprinkle the Cajun seasoning and toss to coat evenly.
• Serve immediately with spicy mayo, Winstop ranch or even yum yum sauce. Enjoy!

If you crave Popeyes Cajun fries now and don’t feel like to make them from scratch, use frozen store-bought French fries. Simply make this Cajun seasoning, fry the potatoes and enjoy!

Popeyes fries seasoning

Cajun seasoning is a spice blend made with paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper and oregano. It is originated in Louisiana, the home of Cajun cuisine. I usually include salt, but you can leave it out.

It is very easy to make Cajun seasoning at home. Throw all the ingredients and mix. The entire process takes about 1 minute.

Alternatively you can use the store-bought seasoning. We like Tony Chachere Seasoning Blends and McCormick Gourmet Collection Cajun Seasoning.

Does popeyes use peanut oil

People with soybean and peanut allergies have no problems with their chicken and fries. This simply means that they don’t use them.

Most probably they use Canola or corn oil.  Canola is a great option because it has neutral flavor.

For this recipe, Canola, Sunflower or corn oil will work well.

Perfect Popeyes Cajun Fries (Tips)

• Use high starch potatoes like Russet or Maris Piper.
• Soak the fries in cold water for 1 hour or overnight.
• Dry the potatoes slightly. They should be neither too dry nor too wet.
• Double fry the potatoes for extra crispiness.
• Use instant-read thermometer to check the temperature.

How to store and reheat Popeyes Cajun fries

Refrigerate: Though, these fries are best on the same day they are made, you can refrigerate any leftover fries. Allow them to cool completely, cover the plate with a plastic wrap; store in the fridge for 2-3 days. Reheat them in the preheated oven to 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Freeze: Place the fries on a tray and freeze for about 1 hour. Then, transfer to a freezer-safe container or Ziploc bag and freeze for 2-3 months. Reheat in the oven for 15 minutes at 350°F (175°C).

How to make French fries in the oven

For a healthier version, make them in the oven.

1. Preheat your oven to 475°F (245 C). Spray a baking sheet with non-stick cooking spray. Add 2-3 tablespoons of oil and Cajun seasoning to potatoes, and toss to coat evenly. Arrange on the baking sheet in a single layer; bake for 15 minutes, flip and bake further for 10 minutes until golden brown.

Love potatoes? Try these!

Oven roasted potatoes

Crispy garlic roasted potatoes

Scalloped potatoes

Instant pot mashed potatoes

Lyonnaise potatoes

If you make these  copycat Popeyes cajun fries be sure to leave a comment or give this recipe a rating! I will be happy to hear from you!

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