Oven Baked and Air Fryer Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe Guide

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Last updated on November 23rd, 2023

Five Guys got fame for the grub not just for the burgers, but those well-seasoned fries that tickle the taste buds. Well, imagine what you could do in your own kitchen, honoring that five-star flavor where you can opt for an oven or air fryer to achieve that iconic cajun taste. That’s right, we’re diving headfirst into a copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries recipe, that keeps your oil consumption at bay—no peanut oil needed!

So, set your timers folks because in just about 40 minutes, you’re gonna be munching on what might just be the best fries to ever land on your baking sheet.

Ingredients That Bring the Cajun Flavor Alive

When we talk about cajun flavor, we’re really talking about a flavor party—an explosive mix of spices that know just how to make taste buds jive. Now, for our copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries, we’re not shy with our seasonings. We’re going with a cajun spice blend that could sing the blues, including prized ingredients like paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and some good ol’ kosher salt. And don’t skimp on the black pepper—it’s what ties everything in a neat cajun bow.

Now, remember, when we sprinkle, we sprinkle liberally. We want every inch of those fries touched by the magic of our homemade cajun mix. There’s no printable recipe card here, folks. Just eyeballing and trusting those chef instincts.

Choosing Your Potatoes for Fries

You see, not just any potato is going to give you those perfect fries. For our Five Guys mimic, we’re looking for potatoes that can hold their own when doused in flavor and put to the heat. Might seem like small potatoes to some, but trust me, it’s no small fry task here. Large potatoes, like Yukon Gold or Russet are the go-to choice when we’re aiming for perfectly cooked fries—crunchy on the outside, fluffy on the inside. Now, making sure the potatoes are cut evenly is pretty crucial—after all, we’re aiming for cajun fries that would make Five Guys jealous.

Step-By-Step Creation of Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe

To recreate the legendary Five Guys Cajun Fries, we’re gonna need to follow a few simple steps.

Step 1: Properly Cutting Your Potatoes

Properly cutting your potatoes is the crucial first step in making these delicious cajun fries. Now, don’t be scared, you don’t have to be a pro with the knife. Just grab a large russet potato and cut it in half and make 1/4″ cuts lengthwise on each half. Once you’ve done that, lay the slices flat and cut into 1/4″ fries.

Making sure the fries are evenly cut, helps in even cooking and achieving that signature Five Guys crunch. Not exactly a walk in the park, but far from rocket science either.

Step 2: Soak Sliced Potatoes in Ice-Cold Water

Now, here’s a trick of the trade many folks don’t know. Dunking the spuds in ice-cold water isn’t just for a cool-off. This step is a secret weapon in getting rid of excess starch. Throw your tater sticks in a large bowl, fill her up with water, toss in some ice cubes and let them sit for a spell. Half an hour minimum should do it.

Once they’ve taken a good soak, drain and rinse them. This tiny action results in crispier fries and who doesn’t want that?

Step 3: Drying Your Potatoes

Next up, it’s time to dry those spuds. Now, this part ain’t something to shrug off. Grab yourself some paper towels. Couple of layers should do it. Pat down each stick, ensuring they’re as dry as a bone. This step is crucial cause if your fries ain’t dry, that seasoning ain’t gonna stick. And we’re going for a flavor city here, ain’t we?

Step 4: Seasoning Your Cut Potatoes

With your potatoes dry as a summer in the Mojave, it’s time to season those bad boys up. Now, here’s where the magic happens. Grab your Cajun seasoning blend. Sprinkle it on your fries like you’re sprinkling fairy dust. Make sure every last one of those taters gets some love from the seasoning. Remember, it’s the spices that give these fries their kick. So don’t skimp on it now!

Step 5: Bake or Use an Air Fryer

With your spuds seasoned and ready to pop, it’s time to cook ’em. Now, you can go two routes here. Oven or air fryer, the choice is yours. If you’re going the oven route, lay your fries in a single layer on a hot baking sheet. Don’t forget to use some cooking spray, we don’t want any sticking.

Bake them for 35-40 minutes, flipping halfway, until they’re golden brown. Now, if you have an air fryer, preheat it to 390ºF. Spray the air fryer basket with some cooking spray, then add your fries in a single layer. Cook ’em for about 20-25 minutes, or until they’re golden brown.

How to Make Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries in an Air Fryer

As for the air fryer fans out there, this one’s for you. Start by prepping your potatoes for fries and toss ’em in a good mix of cajun seasonings. To get that authentic Five Guys flavor, use 1 tbsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp cayenne, and 1 tsp black pepper. Don’t forget a pinch of salt, can’t have fries without salt, now can we?

Now, toss your fries into the air fryer basket. Remember to use cooking spray to keep ’em from sticking. Ensure they are in a single layer so they cook evenly. Set your air fryer to 390°F and let them sizzle for about 20-25 minutes.

This air fryer version of copycat Five Guys Cajun fries will surely be a hit for Five Guys fans with nut allergies. The golden brown, cajun seasoned fries seasoned just right will surely have them asking for seconds.

Tips and Variations to Enhance Your Cajun Fries

Now hold on, before you rush into making these fries, here are a few tips from this old chef. While it might be tempting to take the easy route and use frozen fries, remember fresh is best. Frozen fries are already pre-seasoned and the texture just ain’t the same. So, for the best results and flavor that’ll give Five Guys a run for their money, always start with fresh potatoes. Trust me, once you taste the difference, you won’t go back!

Wrapping Up

There’s a sense of pure satisfaction that comes with crafting your own batch of Five Guys-style Cajun fries right in the coziness of your own kitchen. Ditching deep frying for the healthier air frying option, while still achieving those mouth-watering crispy exteriors and tender interiors, is a culinary achievement one can be proud of.

Remember, the best homemade Five Guys Cajun fries experience isn’t just about the end product. It’s about the journey, and how you took simple ingredients like potatoes, vegetable oil kept at room temperature, and spices, and turned them into a True Five Guys taste experience. Now, that’s worth toasting to!