Cajun Spiced Fries Spicy Mayo

The first time I made these Cajun spiced fries, my roommate wandered into the kitchen asking what smelled like a Mardi Gras festival in our apartment. The spices hit the hot oven and filled every corner with this smoky, warm aroma that makes your stomach growl before you even realize you are hungry.

I brought a batch to a backyard barbecue last summer, and within minutes they had disappeared completely. People kept asking me what restaurant I had ordered them from, looking genuinely shocked when I admitted they came from my own oven and about ten minutes of prep work.

Ingredients

• Russet potatoes: Their high starch content creates that perfect fluffy interior while the skin gets beautifully crispy
• Smoked paprika: This delivers that authentic smoky depth that defines Cajun flavor profiles
• Olive oil: Helps the spices adhere and promotes even browning on all surfaces
• Garlic and onion powder: These savory foundations work together to create layers of umami
• Cayenne pepper: Provides the gentle heat that makes these fries memorable
• Mayonnaise: Forms the creamy base that balances the bold spices in the dipping sauce
• Hot sauce: Sriracha brings both heat and a touch of sweetness to the mayo
• Lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and brightens the entire dip

Instructions

Prep your oven and baking station:

Get your oven heating to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup

Cut the potatoes into uniform fries:

Slice your scrubbed potatoes into 1/4-inch thick sticks, keeping the skin on for extra texture and flavor

Soak away the excess starch:

Let your cut potatoes rest in cold water for 20 minutes, then drain and pat them completely dry with a clean towel

Coat the fries with the spice blend:

Toss the dried potatoes with olive oil and all the spices until every piece is evenly coated and fragrant

Arrange for maximum crispiness:

Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on your prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each piece

Bake to golden perfection:

Cook for 20 minutes, flip each fry carefully, then return to the oven for another 15 minutes until deeply golden

Whisk together the spicy mayo:

Combine mayonnaise, hot sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne until completely smooth

Serve them up hot:

Plate the crispy fries immediately with the spicy mayo alongside for dipping while everything is still warm

Save

My friend Sarah told me these fries ruined regular french fries for her forever, which I took as the highest compliment imaginable. There is something deeply satisfying about making something in your own kitchen that tastes better than what you would order at a restaurant.

Making Them Extra Crispy

I have discovered that using the convection setting on your oven, if you have one available, makes a noticeable difference in the final texture. The circulating air removes more moisture from the potato surface, creating that professional fry crunch that seems impossible at home.

Customizing Your Spice Level

The beauty of making your own spice blend is having complete control over the heat profile. I often reduce the cayenne when cooking for kids, but bump up both the cayenne and hot sauce when my spice-loving friends come over for game night.

Perfect Pairings

These fries have become my go-to side for grilled burgers, especially during summer when I want something substantial but not heavy. They also shine alongside simple sandwiches or as the star of a casual Friday night snack spread.

• Try them alongside a cold beer or citrusy IPA
• They pair beautifully with grilled chicken or fish tacos
• Keep extra spicy mayo handy for sandwiches the next day

Save

These Cajun spiced fries have earned a permanent spot in my regular rotation because they transform an ordinary potato into something extraordinary with minimal effort. The first crispy bite, followed by that creamy, spicy dip, creates exactly the kind of moment worth sharing around the table.

Common Recipe Questions

→ How can I make the fries extra crispy?

Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for 20 minutes to remove excess starch and dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and spices. Baking at a high temperature on parchment paper helps achieve crispiness.

→ Can I adjust the spiciness of the mayo dip?

Yes, you can control the heat by varying the amount of hot sauce and cayenne pepper in the mayo. Use less for milder flavor or more for extra kick.

→ What type of potatoes works best for these fries?

Russet potatoes are recommended because of their starchy texture, which crisps up nicely when baked.

→ Is it possible to make this dish vegan-friendly?

Substitute the mayonnaise with a vegan alternative and ensure that the hot sauce contains no animal products.

→ What spices create the Cajun flavor in the fries?

The Cajun seasoning is a blend of smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, thyme, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt, which provide smoky, herbal, and spicy notes.

→ Can these fries be prepared using a convection oven?

Yes, using a convection oven can enhance crispiness by circulating hot air evenly around the fries during baking.