Popeyes Cajun Fries (Copycat French Fries Recipe)
on Feb 04, 2021, Updated Nov 19, 2023
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These homemade copycat Popeyes’ Cajun Fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, with the perfect kick. They taste the same if not better than the fast-food French fry. What distinguishes these Popeyes Fries is an irresistible mix of seasonings for an authentic Cajun treat.
Popeyes French fries are crispy, served piping hot and are delicious when dunked in ketchup. You’ll have a lot of fun recreating this recipe at home!
Pair them with Burger, Fried Chicken, or BBQ Ribs. Heavenly delicious!
Popeyes Fries Ingredients & Substitutes
- Russet Potatoes: Use Russet for the best results. When fried, they’re the perfect texture for French fries – crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
- Vegetable Oil: Peanut oil or canola oil works best when it comes to deep-frying, as they have a high smoke point.
- Smoked Paprika: It adds a rich, smoky flavor without packing any heat.
- Garlic Powder: A kitchen staple made from pure garlic, this ingredient will enhance anything it’s sprinkled on.
- Dried Oregano: This classic herb strikes a tasty balance between sweet and spicy. Sprinkle on your Cajun fries for bold flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: I used Kosher salt, but you can use regular table salt or sea salt. Freshly ground black pepper tastes the best.
How to Make Popeyes Cajun Fries
Step 1: Soak the Potatoes
- Slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch thick sticks.
- Soak the potato sticks in cold water for 1 hour or overnight. Rinse the fries again and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Pat dry and let them sit for 5 minutes.
Step 2: Make Cajun Seasoning
- Add all Cajun seasonings into a small bowl.
- Mix well.
Step 3: Deep Frying
- Heat oil in a deep-fryer or dutch oven to 300ºF. Use a slotted spoon to lower the potato sticks into the oil very carefully. Fry for about 4-5 minutes and transfer them to a paper towel lined plate. (Fry in batches to avoid overcrowding.)
- Increase the heat to 400ºF and fry each batch a second time for about 2-3 minutes. until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning immediately as soon as they come out. Serve with ketchup and enjoy!
Tips for the Perfect Popeyes Fries
- Soak the potatoes before frying: Before frying your potatoes, soak them in cold water for about an hour. This removes excess starch that can cause them to stick together in the fryer. Soaking also helps to make your fries extra crispy!
- Dry the uncooked fries thoroughly before frying. This will avoid soggy fries.
- Double fry for the extra crispy texture: The second round of frying helps to remove any residual moisture from your food, ensuring you get that extra crispy texture.
- Proper oil temperatures for deep frying: For the first round of frying, you want your oil to be around 300°F. For the second fry, be sure to increase the temperature to around 400°F and let the fries cook until they’re golden and crispy.
What Are the Best Potatoes for Cajun French Fries?
The best potatoes for French Fries are those that are highest in starch. We recommend using Russet potatoes for this and any French fry recipe. This variety is high in starch with lower moisture content. When fried, they’re crisp on the outside and fluffy on the inside, with that classic golden-brown appearance.
Avoid red-skinned varieties of potatoes which tend to have a waxy texture that’s less ideal for French Fries.
Best Dips for Popeyes French Fries
- Ranch Dressing (or Thousand Island Dressing)
- Ketchup
- Sour Cream and Onion Dip
- Sriracha Mayo
- Garlic Aoili
How to Store Popeyes French Fries?
One of the best things about Popeye’s French Fries is that they can be frozen and saved for later. Simply put your leftover fries in a freezer-safe Ziploc bag. Just remember to let them cool to room temperature before freezing.
How to Reheat Cajun Fries?
When you’re ready to reheat your Cajun fries, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Spread aluminum foil on a baking tray and place it in the oven so it can get preheated too. Once heated, remove the tray from the oven and spread your fries on the tray in a single, even layer. Check on them within 3-5 minutes to ensure they don’t burn.
Can I Bake These Popeyes Fries in the Oven?
Yes, these Popeyes Cajun fries can be baked instead of fried. You may prefer to bake your fries as a healthier alternative. To do so, preheat your oven to 475°F and brush a foil-lined baking tray with vegetable oil. Toss your potatoes in a tablespoon of oil and sprinkle lightly with your Cajun seasoning mix. Place the potatoes in a single layer on the tray and bake for about 15 minutes, before flipping the fries and baking for another 10 minutes. Keep a close watch on your fries to prevent burning. Remove from the oven when they’re golden brown and sprinkle more Cajun seasoning mix.
Are Popeyes’ Fries Gluten-free?
Yes this copycat recipe is gluten-free as it calls only for potatoes, oil and seasoning.
If You Like This Recipe Try These Out
I hope you like this recipe. If you try it, please comment below and let me know how your Popeyes Cajun Fries turns out!
Popeyes Fries Recipe
Ingredients
For the French Fries
- 2 large russet potatoes, peeled and rinsed
- 2 quarts vegetable oil, (you can also sub canola oil)
For the Cajun Seasoning
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon dried Oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
Slice and Soak the Potatoes
- Slice the potatoes into 1/2-inch thick sticks. (You can use a French fry cutter for an even thickness.)
- Soak the potato sticks in cold water for 1 hour or overnight. This process will help to remove the starch and make the French fries extra crispy.
- Rinse the fries again and transfer to a paper towel lined plate. Pat dry and let them set for 5 minutes.
Make Cajun Seasoning
- Whisk together all Cajun seasoning ingredients in a small bowl. Set aside
Make Popeyes French Fries
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or dutch oven to 300ºF. Use a slotted spoon to lower the potato sticks into the oil very carefully. Fry in batches so that you won’t overcrowd your fryer. Fry each batch for about 4-5 minutes, and transfer them to a paper towel lined plate. Note that they won’t be crisp yet.
- Increase the heat to 400ºF and fry each batch a second time for about 2-3 minutes. until they’re golden brown and crispy.
- Remove them with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels.
- Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning immediately as soon as they come out. Serve with ketchup and enjoy!
Notes
- Before frying your potatoes, soak them in cold water for at least an hour or overnight. This removes excess starch that can cause them to stick together in the fryer.
- Double frying for the extra crispy texture. The second round of frying helps to remove any residual moisture from your food, ensuring you get that extra crispy texture.
- For the first round of frying, you want your oil to be around 300°F. For the second fry, make sure the oil temp is around 400°F and let the fries cook until they’re golden and crispy.
Nutrition
Nutrition information provided is an estimate only and will vary based on ingredient brands and cooking methods used.
Thank you for sharing this recipe. I have not had the time to make it yet, but I am glad you offered it to us. I’ve been wanting to learn how to copycat this recipe, because Popeye’s (like everywhere else) is going up. They used to have 2 large sides for $6.99, but now, they make you pay full price. So, I feel cheating paying $ 4.59 or $ 4.99 (Whatever it is) for a large order of fries. That’s why I’m gonna learn how to do everything at home where I can save.
Also, a question … Do you have a Youtube Channel?