Cajun Baked French Fries

I’m a potato lover, I may or may not have mentioned that over a million times before. Lately, my potato cravings have drifted me towards the fried and slightly salted variety, French fries. While I love a good fry, I try to avoid fried foods when I can. You know, with all the food and wine I intake, limiting fried foods is the least I can do. Anyhow, when frying is not the best option, baked fries to the rescue! Baked fries are easy, a tad healthier, and just as delicious, if not better, than fried fries. And don’t worry about those wilted baked fries you may have had in the past. This recipe is sure to give you fries that are toasted on the outside and soft in the inside. Yum!

           Baked French fries start with the right potato. My first choice are Russet potatoes but in a pinch I have also used Yukon. Pretty much you want a potato with low moisture and high starch. As much as we all love Red potatoes, this is simply not the occasion.

This recipe does not require you to peel the skins off the potatoes. It’s very important to rinse and scrub your potatoes well. Once rinsed, potatoes should be cut into ¼-inch wide sticks then soaked in a bowl full of water. Soaking potatoes helps to reduce starch which makes your fries crisper. I suggest allowing your potatoes to soak for 30 minutes to an hour. After the potatoes have soaked, remove from water and lay flat on a paper towel to dry for 10 minutes. Place your potato sticks in a bowl, drizzle with olive oil, season, and toss. Arrange the potato sticks in a single layer on a prepared  baking sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 375 degrees. Flip the fries and bake for an additional 20 minutes at 450 degrees. Serve warm and enjoy!

What to Serve with Cajun Baked French Fries?

              I love serving my Cajun baked French fries loaded with cheese, sour cream, and chives or simply drizzled with ketchup. These fries are also great alongside my ranch patty melts or Shiraz simmered bratwursts.

Can You Use an Air Fryer Instead of Baking?

We all love using the air fryer and sometimes it’s just less hassle than turning on the oven. Trust me, I get it. Simply prepare your fries as recipe states but instead of popping in the oven, air fry at 375 degrees for 15 minutes or until crispy. Be sure to monitor your fries often, every air fryer is a tad different and you don’t want your fries to burn.

Can You Freeze Homemade French Fries?

               Made a larger batch than you can eat in one sitting? Don’t toss them away, just freeze them. Frozen fries will last in the freezer for up to 6 months. To freeze simply prep and season the fries as you would normally but instead of baking them, arrange in a single layer on a freezer safe dish and freeze for 12 hours or until frozen. Once the French fries are frozen, they will be safe to store in a freezer bag without sticking to each other. When ready to eat, simply arrange on a baking sheet that is lightly oiled or lined with parchment paper then bake at 425 for 40 minutes flipping at the 20-minute mark.

              Can’t wait to hear how you and your family enjoyed my Cajun Baked French Fries! What did you all serve your fries with? Leave it in the comments below, I am always looking for new ways to enjoy my side dishes!