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 bayou cookout. We ended up eating half the batch straight from the baking sheet while they were still too hot to touch properly.

Last summer, I served these at a backyard barbecue and watched them disappear faster than the burgers. My friends brother kept asking for the spice recipe and now he makes a double batch every Sunday for football snacks.

Ingredients

• 4 large russet potatoes: These starchier potatoes give you that fluffy interior while still getting crispy in the oven
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the spices cling and creates that golden exterior we all want
• 1 teaspoon paprika: The backbone of Cajun flavor with a beautiful red color
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Savory depth that makes these taste restaurant quality
• 1 teaspoon onion powder: Sweet undertone that balances the heat
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy herbal note typical of Cajun seasoning
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme: Adds another layer of herbal complexity
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper: The kick that wakes everything up
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Essential background heat
• 1 teaspoon salt: Brings all the spices together and enhances natural potato flavor
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise: Creates that luxurious dipping sauce base
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Sriracha adds garlic notes while Louisiana style brings pure vinegar heat
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Cuts through the richness and brightens the whole sauce
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds this gorgeous smoky depth to the mayo

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 425°F:

Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup later

Prep the potatoes:

Wash, peel, and cut them into 1/4 inch thick fries, keeping them as uniform as possible for even cooking

Soak the fries:

Place them in a large bowl of cold water for 15 minutes, then drain and pat completely dry with a clean towel

Coat with oil:

Toss the dried fries with olive oil in a large bowl until every piece is lightly glistening

Mix the spice blend:

Combine all the Cajun spices in a small bowl, then sprinkle over the oiled fries and toss until evenly coated

Arrange for maximum crispiness:

Spread the fries in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet without overcrowding

Bake to golden perfection:

Cook for 20 minutes, flip each fry carefully, and bake another 12-15 minutes until crispy and golden

Whisk up the spicy mayo:

While fries bake, mix mayonnaise, hot sauce, lemon juice, smoked paprika, and salt until smooth

Serve immediately:

Plate the hot fries with the spicy mayo on the side for dipping while everything is fresh

Save

These fries became my go to comfort food during a rainy winter when I needed something that felt indulgent but was still made at home. Now the smell of Cajun spices in the oven feels like giving myself a little treat.

Getting The Crispiest Results

I have learned that crowding the baking sheet is the fastest way to soggy fries. Sometimes I use two baking sheets just to give each fry enough space to crisp up properly. The difference in texture is worth the extra dish.

Customizing The Heat Level

My sister cannot handle much spice so I reduce the cayenne to 1/4 teaspoon for her version. For friends who love heat, I add extra cayenne and double the hot sauce in the mayo. The beauty of this recipe is how easily it adjusts to your crowd.

Make Ahead And Storage Tips

You can cut and soak the fries up to a day ahead, storing them in water in the refrigerator. The spice mix also keeps beautifully in a small jar for months, making future batches even faster.

• Mix the spicy mayo up to three days before and store it in the refrigerator
• Leftover fries reheat surprisingly well in a 400°F oven for about 5 minutes
• Never store already baked fries at room temperature for more than two hours

Save

There is something deeply satisfying about making a dish that usually feels like takeout right in your own kitchen. These fries have become my answer to almost every craving.