Easy Popeyes Cajun Fries Copycat Recipe for Crispy Spicy Perfection

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Easy Crispy Copycat Popeyes® Cajun Fries (Baked or Air Fryer)

If you love that crunchy, spicy kick of Popeyes® Cajun Fries®, you’re in the right place. Today I’m sharing an easy, homemade copycat Cajun fries recipe that you can bake in the oven or crisp up in the air fryer with simple pantry ingredients. These fries are crispy on the outside, tender and fluffy inside, and coated in a bold, smoky Cajun seasoning that tastes amazingly close to the fast-food favorite—without leaving the house.

A Quick Background: Popeyes® & Their Famous Cajun Flavor

Popeyes® started back in 1972 in New Orleans, and that shows in their food. The menu leans into spicy, bold, Southern flavors—think crunchy fried chicken, buttery biscuits, and of course, those golden fries with that unmistakable Cajun kick. Popeyes® Cajun Fries® are known for their:
  • Deep golden color with a slightly rough, craggy surface that holds on to every grain of seasoning
  • Crunchy, salty exterior that gives a satisfying snap when you bite in
  • Fluffy, tender center that almost melts in your mouth
  • Smoky, peppery, garlicky coating with just enough heat to make you want another bite
Smell-wise, they’re a mix of warm spices—paprika, garlic, onion, black pepper—with that rich fried-potato aroma that hits you as soon as you open the bag. Popeyes® and Cajun Fries® are registered trademarks of their respective owners. This recipe is a homemade “copycat” version inspired by the flavors of the restaurant dish and is not the official recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Cajun Fries Recipe

  • Simple ingredients you probably already have
  • No deep fryer needed – oven or air fryer works great
  • Customizable heat level – mild to extra spicy
  • Perfect for game day, burgers, or fried chicken night
I started making these at home when we had a “Popeyes craving” but didn’t want to drive across town. The first time I tested this recipe, the fries disappeared straight off the sheet pan before they even made it to the table. That’s always a good sign.

Copycat Popeyes® Cajun Fries Recipe

crispy homemade copycat popeyes cajun fries seasoned with bold cajun spices baked in the oven
These easy copycat Popeyes Cajun fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy inside, and coated in bold Cajun seasoning—perfect for oven or air fryer cooking

Yield: About 4 servings
Serving size: ~1 cup fries (about 4 oz cooked)
Prep time: 20 minutes (plus optional 30-minute soak)
Cook time: 25–35 minutes (oven) or 15–20 minutes (air fryer)
Total time: 45–70 minutes

Ingredients

For the fries: For the Cajun seasoning blend: (Makes enough to season 1 batch of fries; you can double and store the rest.) Optional for serving:

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cut the potatoes

  • Slice potatoes into fry shapes about 1/4-inch to 3/8-inch thick (think classic fast-food fries).
  • Try to keep them close in size so they cook evenly.
Tip: If you like the rustic look, leave the skins on—just scrub well.

2. Soak the fries (for crispier texture)

  • Place cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water.
  • Soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
  • Drain and rinse under cold water, then pat very dry with clean kitchen towels or paper towels.
This step removes excess starch, which helps the fries bake up crisp instead of soggy.

3. Make the Cajun seasoning

  • In a small bowl, mix together:
    • paprika
    • garlic powder
    • onion powder
    • salt
    • black pepper
    • oregano
    • thyme
    • cayenne
    • sugar
  • Stir until well combined and set aside.

4. Coat the fries

  • Preheat your oven to 425°F (or preheat your air fryer to 380°F if using).
  • Place the dried potatoes in a large mixing bowl.
  • Sprinkle the cornstarch over the potatoes and toss to coat.
  • Drizzle in the oil and toss again until each fry is lightly coated.
  • Sprinkle on about 2 to 3 teaspoons of the Cajun seasoning and 1 teaspoon salt. Toss very well.
  • Reserve extra seasoning for after cooking, if you like a stronger flavor.

Oven-Baked Cajun Fries Instructions

5. Arrange on the pan

  • Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
  • Spread fries out in a single layer, leaving space between them. Crowding causes steaming instead of crisping.

6. Bake and flip

  • Bake at 425°F for 15–20 minutes.
  • Carefully flip each fry using a spatula or tongs.
  • Continue baking another 10–15 minutes, or until:
    • Edges are deep golden brown
    • Centers are tender when pierced with a fork
Typical total time is 25–35 minutes, depending on your oven and potato size.

7. Season and serve

  • While fries are still hot, sprinkle with a little more Cajun seasoning and salt to taste.
  • Toss gently on the pan.
  • Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Cajun Fries Instructions

If you have an air fryer, it’s a great way to get extra crisp fries with slightly less oil.

5. Arrange in the air fryer

  • Preheat air fryer to 380°F for 3–5 minutes.
  • Place fries in the basket in a single layer. A little overlap is okay, but avoid overfilling.
  • You may need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.

6. Air fry and shake

  • Cook at 380°F for 10 minutes.
  • Shake the basket or flip fries with tongs.
  • Cook another 5–10 minutes, checking every few minutes, until fries are:
    • Crispy and browned at the edges
    • Soft in the center when poked with a fork

7. Final seasoning

  • Transfer hot fries to a bowl.
  • Sprinkle with more Cajun seasoning and salt if needed.
  • Toss and serve right away.

Food Safety Tips

Cajun fries are fairly simple, but a few basic safety reminders help keep everyone healthy:
  • Wash your hands before and after handling food.
  • Scrub potatoes well if you leave the skins on to remove dirt.
  • Use a sharp knife and cut away from your body when slicing potatoes into fries.
  • When using the oven or air fryer, always use oven mitts and keep kids away from hot surfaces.
  • Leftover fries should be cooled, then stored in an airtight container in the fridge and eaten within 3–4 days. Reheat until steaming hot before eating.

Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving)

These values are estimates and will vary based on exact oil use and potato size. Per 1 serving (about 1 cup cooked fries):
  • Calories: ~230
  • Carbohydrates: ~35 g
  • Protein: ~4 g
  • Fat: ~8 g
  • Saturated Fat: ~1 g
  • Fiber: ~3 g
  • Sodium: ~450 mg (depends on how much seasoning/salt you add)

Even Easier Version (Busy Night Hacks)

Sometimes you just need something fast. Here are a few shortcuts that still give you that Cajun-style fry experience.

Shortcut 1: Frozen fries + Cajun seasoning

  • Grab a bag of frozen shoestring or crinkle-cut fries.
  • Bake or air fry according to the package directions.
  • While they’re hot, toss with 1–2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning and a pinch of extra salt.

Shortcut 2: Air fryer only, no soaking

  • Skip the soak and just dry the cut potatoes very well.
  • Coat with oil, cornstarch, and seasoning.
  • Air fry at 380°F for 15–20 minutes, shaking halfway.
You’ll lose a tiny bit of crispness compared to soaking, but they’ll still be delicious and much faster.

Allergy-Friendly & Diet Modifications

The base recipe is fairly simple and can work for several dietary needs with minimal changes.

Gluten-Free

  • This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as your spices are certified gluten-free.
  • Check labels on paprika, garlic powder, and other spices for any added fillers.

Dairy-Free

  • The recipe is naturally dairy-free.
  • Just avoid dairy-based dipping sauces if needed.

Vegan

  • These Cajun fries are vegan as written—just potatoes, oil, and seasonings.
  • Pair with vegan mayo or ketchup for dipping.

Paleo / Whole30-style

  • Use avocado oil or another approved oil.
  • Skip the tiny amount of sugar in the seasoning or replace with a pinch of compliant sweetener, or leave it out entirely.
If you have other allergies (like nightshades), this recipe may not be a fit because of potatoes and paprika, but you could use the seasoning on sweet potatoes or other root veggies if tolerated.

Serving Ideas: What to Eat with Cajun Fries

These copycat Cajun fries go with just about everything, but here are some fun ideas:
  • With fried or baked chicken tenders
  • Alongside burgers or sliders
  • As a base for loaded fries with cheese, green onions, and bacon (or a vegan version)
  • With a simple garden salad for a “fast-food at home” night
You can also use leftover fries in a breakfast hash with eggs the next morning—if you actually have leftovers.

Let’s Talk: Did You Try These Copycat Cajun Fries?

I’d love to hear how these turned out in your kitchen. Did you bake them or use the air fryer? Did you go mild or extra spicy with the cayenne?
  • Leave a comment below and tell us what you served them with.
  • If you made any tweaks or have a time-saving tip, share it so other home cooks can try it too.
  • If you enjoyed this recipe, please share it with a friend or on social media. It really helps our little corner of the internet grow.

Important Disclaimers

This recipe is a homemade copycat-style version created for educational and entertainment purposes. It is not the official Popeyes® Cajun Fries® recipe, and we do not claim any association with or endorsement by Popeyes® or its parent companies. All trademarks, including Popeyes® and Cajun Fries®, are the property of their respective owners.

Simply Copycat Recipes is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. This means if you click on a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Location: Georgetown, IN, USA

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