If you have ever ordered Cajun French Fries at Five Guys, you already know how unforgettable they are. These fries are extra crispy with fluffy centers and a bold Cajun flavor that makes every bite addictive. The secret is not only the seasoning. It is the peanut oil and a simple two-step frying method that creates a texture very similar to a restaurant experience. These fries are perfect for game day, burger night, or when you want a fast-food-style treat without leaving the house.
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What makes the Five Guys Cajun French Fries so good?
There is something special about Five Guys fries, and especially the chain’s Cajun French Fries. The extra-crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interiors, loaded with Cajun seasoning, are addictive. But it’s not just the Five Guys Cajun Fries seasoning that makes this recipe so delicious. The peanut oil and the double-frying cooking method are just as essential.
Do yourself a favor and ditch the store-bought frozen fries, and make your own with this Five Guys Cajun Fries recipe.
Cajun Fries ingredients and their roles
For Cajun Fries from Five Guys, you’ll need:
- Russet Potatoes, large – with the perfect amount of starch, russet potatoes fry up golden brown and crispy, with fluffy interiors.
- Peanut oil – delivers a slightly nutty flavor to the fries, making them unique. Since peanut oil can handle high heat without breaking down, you wind up with less greasy fries.
- McCormick Cajun seasoning – delivers the smoky, garlicky, and slightly spicy flavor that everyone wants from Cajun seasoning.
How to make Five Guys Cajun Fries
To prepare the potatoes for this Five Guys Cajun Fries recipe:
- Scrub the potatoes under running water and dry them well. Do not remove the peel.
- Use a sharp knife or a fry cutter to cut the potatoes into strips that are 1/4 or 1/3 of an inch thick.
- Soak the cut fries in cold water for 1 to 2 hours. Change the water after the first 30 minutes to remove the starch. Don’t skip this step if you want to enjoy crispy fries.
- Drain the fries and dry them well.
To fry the potatoes for the first time:
- Pour at least two inches of peanut oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer.
- Set the pot over medium-high heat or heat up the deep fryer.
- Attach a deep-fry thermometer to the side of the pot and continue heating the peanut oil until it reaches 300°F.
- Place a handful of the dried cut potatoes into the oil and cook for about five minutes. You do not want the fries to take on any color at this point, but they should soften.
- Drain the fries on a paper towel.
- Allow the peanut oil to reach 300°F again, and then repeat the process with the remaining dried potatoes.
To fry the potatoes for the second time:
- Bring the peanut oil up to 375°F.
- Once the peanut oil is at the proper temperature, add a few handfuls of the fries. Ensure the oil temperature does not drop too much.
- Cook the fries for 4 minutes, until they have a nice golden brown color.
- Remove them from the peanut oil and drain on a wire rack placed over a rimmed baking sheet for a few seconds, then transfer them to a large mixing bowl while still hot and add the Cajun seasoning. Toss to coat.
- Repeat with the remaining fries.
What to serve with Cajun-style Five Guys Fries
Cajun Fries from Five Guys pair perfectly with just about anything, but they are especially delicious when paired with traditional fast food dishes. Below are three copycat recipes from your favorite chains that you can make at home.
Five Guys Hot Dogs – Forget lame hot dogs boiled in dirty water; these dogs are split and grilled to perfection. Served on a buttered, crispy roll with your favorite toppings, these are the real deal! Check out the recipe for the real secret as to why Five Guys Hot Dogs taste so great!
Sonic Double Smasher Burger – Smash burgers are getting popular these days, but for the best taste, stick with one of the OGs, Sonic. Double Smasher Burgers have the same char and toppings you love from the classic drive-in chain, but cost less than half of what you would pay at the restaurant!
Whataburger Chicken Strips – There are chicken strips, and then there are Whataburger Chicken Strips. These strips are marinated in buttermilk for tenderness and then dipped in seasoned flour for an extra-crunchy exterior. Serve with your favorite sauce on the side.
How to reheat and store Cajun Style Five Guys Fries
Spread any extra fries on a towel-lined wire rack and let them cool to room temperature. Dab as much grease as possible from the fries before transferring them to an airtight container and storing them in the fridge, where they can last up to three days.
The best way to reheat Cajun Fries is in an air fryer; however, if you don’t have one, a standard oven can be used as an alternative. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F and then cook the fries for about 5 minutes, shaking them halfway through the cooking time. If you use a standard oven, place the fries on a baking tray and bump the temp to 400°F. You’ll also need to increase the cooking time to about 8 minutes.
Since some of the Five Guys Cajun Fries seasoning will come off, be sure to re-season the fries before serving.
Popular copycat French fries
- Burger King Chicken Fries
- In-N-Out Animal Style Fries
- Outback Steakhouse Aussie Fries
- Taco Bell Nacho Fries BellGrande
- Wendy’s Baconator Fries
- Wingstop Voodoo Fries
Check out more of my easy side dish recipes and the best fast food copycat recipes right here on CopyKat!
Five Guys Cajun Fries
Ingredients
- 4 large Russet Potatoes (baking potatoes)
- 2 quarts peanut oil
- 2 tablespoons McCormick Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Scrub the potatoes well under running water, leaving the skins on. Cut the potatoes into long, even sticks, about 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick.
- Immediately place the cut fries into a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for at least 1-2 hours. Change the water after 30 minutes. This step is crucial as it removes excess starch, which helps the fries get crispy and prevents them from sticking together.
- After soaking, drain the potatoes and lay them out in a single layer on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Pat them completely dry. Any moisture left on the potatoes will cause the hot oil to splatter dangerously and will result in soggy fries.
- Pour the peanut oil into your deep pot or fryer. The oil should be at least 2-3 inches deep. Attach the thermometer to the side of the pot, ensuring the tip is submerged but not touching the bottom of the pot. Heat the oil over medium-high heat to 300°F
- Carefully add a handful of the dried potatoes to the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature. Fry for about 5-7 minutes. The fries should be soft and cooked through, but pale and limp – they should not have any color.
- Using a spider or slotted spoon, remove the fries from the oil and let them drain on a wire rack or a paper towel-lined baking sheet. Continue this process in batches until all potatoes have been blanched. Let the blanched fries cool at room temperature for at least 30 minutes (or up to a few hours).
- Reheat the oil: Increase the heat and bring the oil temperature up to 375°F.
- Again, working in small batches, return the cooled, blanched fries to the hot oil. Fry for 2-4 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.
- Remove the fries from the oil quickly and let them drain for only a few seconds. Immediately transfer them to a large mixing bowl. Liberally sprinkle the Cajun seasoning over the hot fries and toss them vigorously to coat evenly.
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