Crunchy Baked Cajun Fries (Oil-Free!)

Oil-free Crunchy Baked Cajun Fries. They are crispy and spicy on the outside, tender inside, and will hook you from the first bite. Simple ingredients, so easy to make, and gluten-free.

French fries are a way of life and just seem to make the world a bit easier to tolerate. But, trying to get that signature crispness from oil-free oven-baked french fries can be a bit challenging.

More than once we’ve all walked away from the oven and cried over mushy limp spud sticks. All we want is a savory baked french fry that’s healthy but satisfyingly crunchy and golden-brown.

Is that too much to ask?!? No, it’s not!

Well, your prayer has been heard and answered. These baked cajun fries are crunchy, baked to a beautiful golden-brown color, spicy, and so freaking simple it’s ridiculous. Oh, they’re insanely delicious too.

Yes, they’re the perfect side dish with your sandwiches and veggie burgers. But, there are times when some of us just want to veg out (see what I did there) with a plate of french fries while binging the latest flick.

If you’re ready, and I think that you are, let’s make some Crunchy Baked Cajun Fries!

Ingredients

• Cajun Seasoning: I used my own cajun spice blend recipe. It’s an easy savory mixture of paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, oregano, cayenne pepper, thyme, and a few others. This is where all the flavor comes from but you omit if you wish.
• Russet Potatoes: I think russets are the best for making french fries. They’re high in starch and low in moisture which makes them absolutely delicious for french fries, especially when you’re baking them.
• Dipping Sauce (optional): Yes, ketchup is the most obvious choice here. But, l love using my Garlic Baisl Aioli, Vegan Honey Mustard, Vegan Sriracha Mayo, Easy Vegan Chipotle Aioli, Vegan Ranch Dressing, and Garlicky Lemon Tahini Dressing. But, you do you.

How To Make Crunchy Baked Fries With No Oil

You can make deliciously crunchy baked french fries that are soft on the inside, crunchy on the outside, and BIG on flavor! And, you won’t believe how amazingly easy they are to make.

1. Preheat your oven to 425˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
2. Wash and scrub your potatoes. Place them in a pot or large sauce pan and cover with water. Boil the potatoes over high heat for 20-25 minutes. Using a fork or knife, you should be able to easily pierce and remove. You don’t want the potatoes to fall apart or crack, but they should be farily cooked almost all the way through.
3. Once the potatoes are finished boiling immediately drain the hot water and soak them in cold water for 5 minutes. Then transfer them to a cutting board until the potatoes are cool to the touch.
4. Slice the potatoes into small wedges or strips and spread in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd the potatoes or they want cook as well. I like to bake these cajun fries in a couple of smaller batches instead of one big batch. It just seems to yield better results. Also, if some of the fries break apart don’t freak out. That’s a good thing! Throw them on the baking tray because they will turn into those delicious little crispy bits.
5. Sprinkle with desired amount of cajun seasoning. Using your hands, GENTLY, turn the potatoes if you wish to make sure all sides are coated with cajun spice mixture.
6. Place the potatoes in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes. Then, turn the pan around and bake for another 10 minutes. Remember, every appliance is different so depending how crispy and brown you want you fries the cooking time may vary. A good rule of thumb is to watch the fries and make sure the edges are cooked. I tend to like my fries almost burnt but that doesn’t look good for a picture 😉
7. Remove, salt and pepper to taste (if needed), and enjoy!

That’s it! Perfectly crispy and crunchy baked cajun fries.

Tips For Making The Best Crunchy Baked Cajun Fries

• Convection: If you have a convection setting on your oven use it. This will help the fries cook more evenly and in less time. Yes, I do use the regular setting because I forget about the convenction setting. It does just fine but the cooking time is a little longer.
• Don’t crowd: Give your spuds some space and spread them taters out so they’ll cook more evenly. I suggest you make in a couple of smaller batches for maximum results.
• Be gentle: when tossing or coating the potatoes with the cajun spice be gentle. But, if a few of the potatoes fall apart don’t have a cow. Those little bits will cook up all nice and crunchy.
• Use a sharp knife: Use a good knife that’s sharp when slicing your wedges. A dull knife will press into the potates and only cause you great pain in your search for perfectly baked french fries.
• Boil: DO NOT SKIP THIS STEP! Boiling is the secret to making crispy baked cajun fries. It’s what makes the soft and tender on the inside and crunchy on the outside.
• Save and store: This is a great recipe for making ahead of time. You can boil the potatoes and store them in fridge for up to a week before using them. And, you can store them uncovered. Winning!

More Delicious Comfort Food Recipes

• Crunchy Baked Taco Shells
• Easy 5-Ingredient Whole Wheat Beer Bread
• Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes
• Oil-Free Oven Roasted Potatoes
• Crunchy Baked Onion Rings

I hope you enjoy this homemade Cruncy Baked Cajun Fries. Please leave a comment below with a star rating. And, be sure and share a picture on Instagram with the hashtag #shaneandsimple. I want to see your work. Enjoy!