Crispy Air Fried Cajun Fries with Homemade Seasoning
Crispy, golden Air Fried Cajun Fries made in the air fryer with bold homemade seasoning. Perfect side for burgers, sliders, or snacking straight from the tray.
🔗 Cajun Fries Recipe Quick Links
👩🍳 Cajun French Fries From the Air Fryer
I got hit with a sudden craving for Cajun food. No clue where it came from. Maybe some subliminal ad I scrolled past, or someone’s vacation pics from the Bayou that planted the seed. Who knows? Either way, when that Cajun itch hits, you gotta scratch it. And for me, that craving turned into a batch of these crispy, golden Cajun fries.
I’ve only been to New Orleans once, but it definitely left a mark and not just because of the food. We’re talking dogs playing dead with lit cigarettes in their mouths (yes, really), wild outfit choices, music blasting from every corner, street parties that never seemed to end, and… let’s just say some very memorable “entertainment.” But the best part? The flavor. Everything was spicy, smoky, rich, and just straight-up unforgettable. That’s what I wanted to bring into these Cajun fries.
Flashback to my first “real adult” job after college. I worked for an animal pharmaceutical company called AgriLabs. We sold all the large animal goods: supplements, fly control, dewormers, you name it. I loved that job. The people were fantastic, the work was challenging, and I learned a ton. One of the coolest products we sold was the VetGun which was a literal paintball-style gun that delivered fly treatment to cows from a distance. No stress, no chutes, just a gentle thunk and done.
One trip took us to a cattle operation outside of New Orleans to demo the VetGun, and while the product was great, the food? That was next-level. I can’t remember the name of the restaurant, but the flavors are still burned into my memory: bold Cajun seasoning, smoky heat, sweet and spicy combinations, and that unmistakable Southern soul in every bite. These Cajun fries are my way of capturing that memory on a plate.
The magic is all in the seasoning. These homemade Cajun fries are tossed in a bold, smoky blend of spices. Think smoked paprika, garlic and onion powder, dried thyme, oregano, cayenne pepper, a touch of brown sugar, and more. Tossed with a little avocado oil and air-fried until perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy inside, they’re everything you want in a spicy fry.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make the best air fryer Cajun fries, this is it.
And you have to serve them with a good dip. My favorite? Cajun aioli. Creamy, a little spicy, super flavorful, and honestly made for these fries. You can also pair them with ranch, chipotle mayo, or even your favorite hot sauce if you’re feeling wild.
I love plating these up with Cajun Chicken Sliders, a pile of crunchy coleslaw, or even alongside grilled shrimp or blackened fish. But honestly? These Cajun fries are just as good eaten straight off the tray while standing in the kitchen. No shame.
I hope you love these Cajun fries as much as I do! If you try them, drop a comment. I love hearing what you think. This blog is my little corner of joy, fueled by kitchen experiments, spicy cravings, and sweet notes from readers like you.
🛒 Recipe Ingredient List
🥣 Visual Process for Making Air Fried Cajun Fries
Slice your potatoes into small, evenly sized fries. Nothing fancy, just try to keep them around the same size so they cook evenly. Whether you peel them or not is totally up to you. I usually just slice a little sliver of skin off the top, bottom, and sides and leave the rest. A little skin doesn’t bother us one bit.
We’re soaking the fries for 30 minutes to rinse off some of that excess starch. This helps the Cajun fries crisp up much better in the air fryer. It’s definitely worth the extra step. Once they’re done soaking, drain them and dry them well with a paper towel. Then add a bit of avocado oil and toss with Cajun seasoning. (Trust me, mine’s really good on these cajun fries.) Use as much as you like. I usually season on the heavier side because I love bold flavor, but you can go lighter if you prefer.
Then you’ll want to air fry the Cajun fries without crowding them. Give them some space so they can crisp up properly. I use my oven’s air fryer setting and spread them out on two baking sheets. Keep them in a single layer for the best results. About halfway through, give them a flip if needed. It can take a little while to get that perfect crisp, so feel free to experiment with the timing. And hey, you’re cooking. Taste-testing is totally allowed (and encouraged).
Serve Cajun fries appetizer style with a dipping sauce like Garlic Mayo or Garlic Aioli. They won’t last long.
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Crispy Air Fried Cajun Fries with Homemade Seasoning
Equipment
- Air Fryer
Ingredients
- 2-3 large russet potatoes (about 2 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- salt (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 425°F. Slice 2-3 large russet potatoes into uniform french fries. The more similar the fries are, the more likely they will all be done at the same time.
- Add the fries to a large bowl and cover with cold water. Soak for at least 30 minutes. This pulls out the extra starch and makes them way crispier.
- Dry the fries really well and then toss them with 2 tablespoons avocado oil, 1-2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning and a little extra salt.
- Spread them out in your air fryer basket (mine is my oven) in a single layer. Don’t crowd them or they’ll steam instead of crisp. Do this in batches if necessary.
- Air fry for 15 minutes. Flip them over (if necessary) and air fry another 15-20 minutes until crispy and golden brown.
- Serve ‘em hot with some Cajun aioli, ranch, or straight up ketchup if you're keeping it classic.
Notes
Substitutions
Storage
Nutrition
FAQs
Do I have to soak the fries before air frying?
It’s highly recommended! Soaking sliced potatoes in water for 30 minutes removes excess starch, which helps them get crispier in the air fryer. Don’t skip this step if you want that golden crunch.
What’s the best oil to use for Cajun fries in the air fryer?
Avocado oil is my go-to because it has a high smoke point, a clean flavor, and helps the fries get super crispy. Light olive oil also works great. Avoid spray oils with propellants, as they can damage your air fryer’s nonstick surface.
Cajun Fries Serving Suggestions
Cajun fries are bold, crispy, and full of smoky heat, which makes them the ultimate sidekick for all kinds of meals. They’re a perfect match for my Cajun Chicken Sliders with melty pepper jack and spicy mayo, but they also hold their own next to classics like grilled shrimp, blackened fish tacos, or even a hearty chicken sandwich. For something cool and crunchy on the side, a simple sugar-free coleslaw balances out the spice and adds a refreshing bite.
Now let’s talk sauces because Cajun fries were made for dipping. A creamy Cajun aioli is the obvious go-to, but ranch, chipotle mayo, or even a garlic-lime crema would be totally delicious. Want something a little tangy? Try a squeeze of lemon or a splash of vinegar over the top before serving.
As for drinks, you’ve got options. I love pairing these with a cold lager, a Cajun Bloody Mary, or a simple bourbon lemonade if you’re going the cocktail route. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with lime, iced tea, or a cold ginger beer work great to cool things down and balance the heat. Whether you’re serving them as a snack, a party side, or a full-on dinner, these Cajun fries definitely know how to show up.
More Spicy Recipes to Suit Any Taste
If you’re all about that spicy-sweet life, I’ve got a whole lineup of recipes that bring the heat and a few that help cool things down. For starters, my Sweet and Spicy Shrimp (tossed in chili garlic sauce and smoky adobo) is a flavor bomb that’s perfect over rice or tucked into tacos. If beef is more your style, try the Spicy Orange Beef Wraps. They’re sticky, citrusy, and pack a punch.
For party food with a kick, you can’t go wrong with Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Jalapeño Meatballs or Brant’s Rowdy Ranch Chicken Wings (which are dangerously addictive). Speaking of wings, Brant’s Nashville Hot Smoked Chicken Wings bring that signature fiery crunch, while the Nashville Hot Chicken Lollipops are just plain fun to eat.
Craving something with Caribbean flair? Dive into my Jamaican Jerk Rice and Beans, Caribbean Jerk Chicken and Rice, or Jamaican Jerk Shrimp Tacos. They’re bold, aromatic, and spicy in all the right ways. And for weeknight comfort food with attitude, don’t miss the Buffalo Chicken Pizza, Healthier Buffalo Chicken Dip, or Red Beans and Rice. All solid choices that bring cozy heat.
Don’t forget the sauces! My Easy Spicy Garlic Aioli is perfect on fries, burgers, or sandwiches, and the Adobo Chili Pepper Mayo Sauce takes everything up a notch. Want to make your own hot sauce from scratch? The Fresh Cayenne Hot Sauce and Chili Garlic Sauce are both must-tries, and Adobo Sauce is a kitchen staple you’ll want to keep on hand.
For a spicy side dish, try the Jalapeño Popper Corn Salad or Jalapeño Cheddar Shrimp and Grits. It’s rich, creamy, and spicy in all the best ways.
And if you need a dressing that can hang with all this heat, the Zesty Greek Yogurt Ranch delivers coolness with a little bite.
Now, if your mouth’s on fire after all that, don’t worry because I’ve got some chill recipes to balance things out. Try a scoop of Easy Mango Salsa, a side of creamy Coconut Rice, or a refreshing Sweet Corn & Peach Fiesta Salad. Street Corn Salad and Loaded Potato Salad are also great for mellowing out spicy mains while still keeping things flavorful and fun.