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Cajun Fries Recipe

Cajun Fries Recipe-Comfort Food Meals

Cajun fries are not just a side dish; they’re an experience. Imagine biting into a crispy fry, rich with spice and flavor, transporting you straight to the bayous of Louisiana.
Growing up, I always associated summer gatherings with frying up a batch of these golden delights. 
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course: Snack
Cuisine: Cajun
Calories: 150

Ingredients
  

  • 2 quarts vegetable oil or canola oil, for deep frying
  • 2 pounds large baking russet potatoes
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons coarse kosher salt, plus extra to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon smoked sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic granules
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne chili powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon dried fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
  • Cooking spray
  • 1 tablespoon finely minced fresh flat-leaf parsley, for garnish
  • Remoulade, fry sauce, or ketchup, for dipping

Method
 

  1. Let's break down the steps to make irresistibly crispy Cajun fries.
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
  1. Begin by peeling the potatoes. Then, cut them into even strips. This ensures they cook uniformly. Aim for about ¼ inch thick for that perfect fry.
Step 2: Rinse and Soak
  1. Rinse the cut fries under cold water. This removes excess starch, which helps achieve that coveted crunch. Soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes. You’ll thank me later!
Step 3: Drain and Dry
  1. After 30 minutes, drain the fries and dry them thoroughly using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness, so make sure they’re completely dry.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
  1. In a large pot, heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). A food thermometer is your best friend here. Too hot, and the fries burn; too cold, and they turn soggy.
Step 5: Fry the First Batch
  1. Carefully add a handful of fries to the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for about 5-7 minutes or until they are lightly golden but not fully done.
Step 6: Drain and Cool
  1. Using a slotted spoon, remove the fries and place them on paper towels to drain. Let them cool for a few minutes.
Step 7: Season the Spices
  1. In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic granules, onion flakes, cayenne, thyme, and rosemary. Mix well.
Step 8: Double Frying
  1. Increase the oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Once hot, fry the potatoes again for another 2-3 minutes until they are deep golden brown and sizzling.
Step 9: Season
  1. Remove the fries from the oil and drain them once again. While they are still hot, sprinkle the spice mix generously over the fries. Toss them gently for even coverage.
Step 10: Serve
  1. Serve hot, garnished with minced parsley, alongside your favorite dipping sauce like remoulade or fry sauce. Enjoy every bite!

Notes

Here are some handy tips for perfect Cajun fries:
Store properly: Fry and season only the amount you plan to eat. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container.
Choose the right potato: Go for russet potatoes; they have the ideal starch content for frying.
Don’t skip soaking: It’s crucial for achieving crispy fries. Go for at least 30 minutes!
Use a thermometer: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to avoid greasy fries.
Season immediately: Sprinkle your seasoning when the fries come out of the oil for maximum flavor.