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.
- Preheat your oven to 425˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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 😉
- 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
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!
PrintCrunchy Baked Cajun Fries (Oil-Free!)
- Prep Time: 10 mins.
- Cook Time: 45 mins
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving per potato 1x
- Category: Appetizers and Snacks, Vegan Side Dishes
- Method: Bake
- Cuisine: Vegan
- Diet: Vegan
Description
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.
Ingredients
For The Fries
- 2–3 medium russet potatoes
- 1–2 tablespoons Cajun spice mix
For Serving
- Garlic Basil Aioli (Vegan)
- Vegan Honey Mustard
- Easy Vegan Chipotle Aioli
- Vegan Sriracha Mayo
- Vegan Ranch Dressing
- Ketchup
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425˚F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or silicone mat.
- 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.
- Once the potatoes are finishing 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.
- Slice the potatoes into small wedges or strips and spread in a single layer on the lined baking sheet. Don’t overcrowd 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 try because they will turn into those delicious little crispy bits.
- 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.
- 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 just 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 😉
- Remove, salt and pepper to taste (if needed), and enjoy!
Notes
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 and it doesn just fine. 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 the wedges or strips. A dull knife will press into the potatoes 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!
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 potato
- Calories: 194
- Sugar: 1.8 g
- Sodium: 15.3 mg
- Fat: 0.7 g
- Carbohydrates: 43.9 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 5.8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Keywords: oil-free french fries, baked cajun fries, crunchy baked fries, cajun seasoning, crispy baked french fries oil-free, vegan side dishes, crunchy baked cajun fries
Looks YUM! Going to definitely try it. Oil-free has never sounded more appealing. When I consider the possibilities…Thanks
★★★★★
I’m looking forward to making these!! (I promise not to have a bovine birth if they break a little.) Thanks for making oil-free appealing.
I didn’t want to heat the house up with the oven, so I made them in my air fryer oven, 370 for about 10 minutes. So amazing! You have the most perfect combination of seasoning in all your recipes! Thank you so much!!!
★★★★★
Thank you so much!!!
I went in maybe these as soon as I saw the recipe. I enjoyed it very much, thank you. You really have good recipes
★★★★★
Thank you so much, Jody!
Blessings,
shane
These are simple and insanely delicious! Every recipe I’ve tried of your has been so, so good! Next up, your breakfast sausage patties!!!
Thank you so much for creating such healthy, no oil dishes for us!
★★★★★
Excellent! I made them with your Cajun Spice recipe in my convention oven. Kept them in the oven until crispy and ate with your easy Chili recipe. Love your easy recipes! Thanks.
★★★★★
Thank you so much!!!
★★★★★
Delicious! I can’t believe they are oil free! They came out perfect when I made them last week to put in tacos. I diced them smaller than French fries.
I loved them so much, I ate a bunch on the side. I’m making them again, as I write this. This time just to eat with roasted veggie
My son and I went vegan and we are trying to cut as much oil out of our diet as possible. He also was very impressed and loved them!
I will definitely be making more of your recipes.
Thank you for sharing!
God bless
★★★★★
Thank you!! Your recipes never miss. We have had these twice this week..
Cooling the potatoes make all the difference, first time I was in a hurry and didn’t
Following the instructions, they were still good, second time excellent.
★★★★★
These are great! Boiling the whole potato is the magic ingredient to great fries!!! Thank you Shane for another wonderful recipe! When i heard your Shane and simple name reason…I thought you are my kind of cook!!
★★★★★
They were so good! Can’t wait to make them agai.!
★★★★★
An instant HIT!!! My dad’s first comment was ” These are some kind of good! Hmmmm, mmmm” Makes me so happy to make recipes that please him.
Thank you Shane! I Followed all instructions and tips to a tee. Used convection oven 2 racks.
★★★★★
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.
★★★★★
I made these tonight with a sweet potato and some Cajun spice I got from the Spice Hippies. They were delicious! Dipped them in your Vegan Ranch Dressing. Outstanding! Love your recipes, Shane!
Thank yo so much, Christine! If you wouldn’t mind, I’d really appreciate you rating the recipe. It helps me with gods of google:) Blessings.
★★★★★