Five Guys–Style Cajun Fries

French

These Five Guys–style Cajun fries turn out crispy on the outside and fluffy in the middle. Using frozen fries, a drizzle of olive oil, and Cajun seasoning, you get bold, consistent flavor every time, baked in the oven or cooked in the air fryer, quickly and with zero fuss.

Cajun-Spiced Fries: Extra Crispy in the Oven or Air Fryer

Craving fast-food–style fries with bold Cajun flavor, but want full control at home?

These Cajun-spiced fries hit the sweet spot: crisp on the outside, fluffy in the middle, and perfectly seasoned without tasting overly salty.

The easiest step is also the smartest, toss frozen thin-cut fries into a large zip-top bag, drizzle with olive oil, add Cajun seasoning, then shake.

In seconds, every fry is evenly coated with zero mess, no sticky hands, and hardly any washing up.

From there, choose your cooking method. The oven is great when you’re making a big tray to share, while the air fryer delivers quick crunch without heating the whole kitchen, ideal for busy weeknights.

Either way, you’ll get a reliably golden batch with that warm, peppery kick Cajun seasoning is known for.

Serve straight away with a creamy ranch dip, burger sauce, or a squeeze of lemon for a brighter finish. Simple, satisfying, and seriously moreish.

Ingredients for Five Guys–Style Cajun Fries (Serves 2–4)

• 560 g (20 oz) frozen thin-cut fries (shoestring style) : the thinner they are, the faster they crisp up.
• 1 tablespoon olive oil : helps the seasoning stick and boosts crispiness.
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning : a restaurant-style amount; reduce slightly if you prefer a milder kick.
• Salt : best added after cooking to keep the fries crunchy.

How to Make Extra-Crispy Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)

Cajun seasoning: get an even coating

• Tip the frozen fries into a large zip-top bag.
• Add the olive oil and shake for 15-20 seconds.
• Add half the Cajun seasoning and shake.
• Add the remaining seasoning and shake again.
• Tip: seasoning in two rounds prevents clumps and gives a more even, Five Guys–style flavour.

Oven method (reliable and great for big batches)

• Preheat the oven according to your fry package (usually 180-220°C / 350-430°F). For steady results, use 180°C / 350°F.
• Spread the fries in a single layer on a baking tray (avoid piling them up).
• Bake for the time on the package, turning once halfway.
• Taste, then salt only if needed.
• Serve straight away with a dipping sauce on the side.

Air fryer Cajun fries (guaranteed crunch)

• Don’t overcrowd the basket, it’s the key to crisp fries.

1) Preheat

• Preheat the air fryer to 180°C / 350°F for 3-5 minutes.
• A hot basket helps the fries start crisping immediately.

2) Load the basket (the anti-soggy rule)

• Add the seasoned fries in the thinnest layer possible.
• If your air fryer is small, cook in two batches for a noticeably crispier finish.

3) Cook time and shaking (simple guide)

• Air fry at 180°C / 350°F for 12-18 minutes, depending on:
  • fry thickness (thinner = faster),
  • how full the basket is,
  • your air fryer’s power.
• Shake the basket every 5-6 minutes for even browning and well-distributed seasoning.

Restaurant-Style Finish, Crispness Fixes, and Best Dips

Restaurant-style finishing touches

• For extra heat, add a small pinch of Cajun seasoning after cooking (too much can taste bitter).
• Salt after cooking, a little at a time.
• Serve immediately, fries lose their crunch if they sit.

Quick checklist if they’re not crispy

• Basket too full: cook in an extra batch.
• Temp too low: increase to 190°C / 375°F for the last 2-3 minutes (keep an eye on them).
• Fries too thick: add 2-4 more minutes, shaking the basket.

Best sauces for Cajun fries

• Burger sauce
• Ranch (especially good with Cajun seasoning)
• BBQ sauce
• Garlic white sauce (kebab-style)
• Lemon mayo (brighter and lighter)

Easy Cajun Fries Variations

• Less spicy: use 1 tsp Cajun seasoning plus a little sweet paprika.
• Smokier flavour: add a small pinch of smoked paprika.
• Hotter version: add a pinch of cayenne pepper, gradually to taste.
• No oil: works in the air fryer, but the seasoning won’t stick as well, shake the bag longer to coat evenly.

Storage and Reheating (Without Losing the Crunch)

• Best eaten the same day, but leftovers keep for up to 24 hours in the fridge.
• Store in a container and don’t seal it while the fries are still warm (steam causes sogginess).
• Air fryer reheat: 180°C / 350°F for 3-6 minutes, shaking once.
• Avoid the microwave: it makes fries soft.

Troubleshooting: Quick Fixes

• Soggy fries: tray/basket too crowded or not shaken enough, spread them out and shake/turn halfway.
• Seasoning clumps: Cajun added all at once, add it in two rounds (half and half).
• Too salty: salt only at the end and serve with a low-salt dip.
• Bitter taste: seasoning got over-toasted, lower the temperature slightly or add Cajun near the end instead.

FAQ

• Can I use thicker fries? Yes, but cook longer and shake more often, especially in the air fryer.
• Do I need to thaw the fries? No, cook from frozen for the best texture.
• Is the oil essential? Not strictly, but it helps seasoning stick and improves crispness.

Other side-dishes to try

• Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes (Whole)
• Sautéed Green Peas with Shallots
• Garlic sauteed french green beans
• Egg Fried Rice