Make Popeyes French Fries in your very own kitchen! This copycat recipe is crispy, perfectly seasoned, and downright addicting.
If we’re talking fast food fries, Popeyes fries are my absolute favorite. They have the perfect crunch on the outside and are packed with flavor. Plus, that Cajun seasoning gives every bite the perfect little kick.
Dunk these seasoned fries in some ketchup and it is pure potato heaven! If you love Popeyes fries as much as I do or are curious how they taste, this recipe we’ll be sharing today is the real deal.
Give this recipe a try and enjoy it at home as a snack or a side dish!
Copycat Popeye’s French Fries
There are many different kinds of french fries. They come in all different shapes and sizes, flavors and textures. But the underrated but EXTREMELY delicious and addictive Popeyes fries is right at the top of my list.
Sometimes I’m even more excited about the fries than the chicken!
When it comes to this ultimate potato snack or side, you want the perfect crisp and the perfect seasoning. With this recipe, you get both!
To make your very own Popeyes fries, you’ll be using russet potatoes. Also known as Idaho potatoes, they’re the best kind to use for french fries because they are dense and low in moisture. Remember, we want them crisp!
You’ll also be making your own Cajun seasoning with some herbs and spices that you probably already have at home like chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, cayenne, and paprika. I really enjoy this recipe and even use it to flavor other dishes too.
Be warned, these French fries taste AMAZING and can be quite addictive. The good news is you’ll be baking them instead of frying, so you can feel a little less guilty if you have a few extra!
How to Cut Potatoes Into Fries
The perfect french fry crisp has a lot to do with how it’s cut! If you want your Popeyes fries to not only have the right flavor but the right texture too, make sure you cut your russet potatoes right by following these three easy steps.
- Place the potato on its side and cut off a thin slice to make a base.
- Place the potato flat on its base and cut lengthwise into ¼ of an inch disks.
- Lay each disc flat and cut into strips, also ¼ of an inch.
Potatoes can be tough to cut through so be sure to use a sharp knife.
Of course, you can make your fries as thin or as thick as you like. Popeyes fries are somewhere in the middle, about ¼ inch. They are skin-on fries but you can also opt to peel your potatoes before cutting them up.
Another trick you can use for quick and easy fries is by using a mandoline slicer to cut your potato into strips. Most mandonline’s will have an adjustable blade but they usually make thinner strips. This is a great option if you want to give your Popeyes fries a little spin by making shoestring fries.
However you choose to cut your potatoes, it’s important to make sure they’re similar in thickness so that each fry cooks evenly.
Tips & Tricks for the Best Seasoned Fries
For the best, crispiest, tastiest fries, here are some tips and tricks to keep in mind.
- Make sure to use russet potatoes! They are perfect for fries because they have a low moisture content and are sturdy enough to hold their shape when baked or fried. Avoid waxy varieties like red potatoes or fingerling.
- After soaking them in water, make sure to drain and dry your potatoes thoroughly. Any excess moisture can ruin the texture and crisp of your fries! To make sure they’re as dry as can be, leave them on a paper towel after slicing.
- You don’t want random bits of burnt and undercooked fries! When cutting up your potatoes into strips, make sure they are similar in size so that they cook evenly.
- These fries taste best when they’re served hot straight from the oven. But in the off chance that you have some leftovers, you can keep them in a sealed container in the fridge. To reheat, simply pop them back in the oven at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes
- The good thing about making your own cajun seasoning is that you can customize it to suit your taste. You can make it as spicy, peppery, or even sweet as you want. You can even make some extra and keep them in a salt shaker in case you need more flavor or if you want to add it to another dish.
- Trying to cut down on the extra calories? You can also make this recipe with sweet potatoes! Less sinful but just as delicious. All you have to do is skip the soaking step and go straight to cutting those sweet potatoes into strips.
How to Make Popeye’s Fries
Popeyes French Fries Recipe
4
servings30
minutes25
minutes255
kcalIngredients
3 large 3 russet potatoes
4 Tablespoons 4 canola or olive oil, divided
1 teaspoon 1 chili powder
1 teaspoon 1 salt
1 teaspoon 1 black pepper
1 teaspoon 1 garlic powder
1 teaspoon 1 sugar
1 teaspoon 1 oregano
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 cayenne
1/2 teaspoon 1/2 paprika
dash of turmeric
onion powder (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 475 degrees F.
- Prepare your Cajun seasoning by combining all the spices in a bowl and set aside.
- Wash your potatoes and slice into strips. Place your washed potatoes in a bowl of hot water and let sit for 20 minutes. Drain potatoes and allow them to dry thoroughly on a paper towel.
- Grease your baking pan with 3 tbsp of oil and sprinkle the pan with 1/3 of the Cajun seasoning.
- In a separate bowl, toss the potatoes with 1 tbsp of oil and sprinkle lightly with seasoning.
- Place the potatoes in a single layer on your greased baking pan, cover with foil, and bake for 5 minutes.
- Remove the foil and bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until potatoes are golden brown on the bottom. Flip each potato strip and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes, or until the fries are crisp and golden.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle with the remaining Cajun seasoning.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
