If you’re chasing that Five Guys French fries experience at home, this recipe gets you there fast. These fries start with real russet potatoes, cut thick like the originals, then cooked until golden, finished with Cajun seasoning while they’re still hot, so the seasoning sticks. They’re crave-worthy straight out of the oven or air fryer, and they hit that “just cooked” flavor Five Guys is famous for.
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Why You'll Love This Five Guys Cajun Fries Recipe
My grandma was a full-on French fry queen. She had the highest standards, so high that I honestly can’t count how many restaurants we went to just to judge the fries. Out of everywhere we tried together, Five Guys fries were always her favorite, and it was the Cajun seasoning that did it. I had Five Guys again the other day for the first time since she passed, and that first salty, spicy bite instantly took me back. I came home and started testing until I could recreate the fries in her honor. After testing numerous methods, I landed on thick-cut fries with fluffy centers and Cajun seasoning that coats them as intended.
This recipe works because it respects what makes Five Guys fries special. Real potatoes, a generous cut, and seasoning added at the right moment. The fries cook until golden first, then get tossed in the Cajun blend while they’re hot, so every fry comes out bold and flavorful. Whether you make them in the air fryer or oven, you’ll get fries that are crispy, hearty, and impossible to stop eating.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 large russet potato (12 oz), cut into ¼-inch fries
- 1 tablespoon avocado oil (or peanut oil for a more classic flavor)
- ½ tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon ground thyme
How To Make Five Guys French Fries
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Wash and thoroughly dry the potato, then cut it into ¼-inch thick fries. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess surface moisture. Transfer to a large bowl and toss with the avocado oil until evenly coated.
Step 2: Start Cooking the Fries
For the air fryer, place the fries in a single layer in the basket and cook at 400°F for 15 minutes, until they begin to turn golden brown.
For the oven, toss the fries with the oil and about ¾ of the seasoning blend, spread evenly on a baking sheet, and bake at 450°F for 25–35 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Step 3: Mix the Seasoning
While the fries cook, combine the sugar, smoked paprika, salt, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, red pepper flakes, black pepper, and thyme in a small bowl. Stir until evenly mixed.
Step 4: Season and Finish
Transfer the partially cooked fries back to the bowl and toss with ½ to ¾ of the seasoning mix.
Return them to the air fryer and cook for an additional 4–6 minutes at 400°F, until deeply golden and crisp.
Step 5: Final Toss & Serve
Remove the fries from the air fryer and immediately toss with the remaining seasoning. Serve hot and enjoy while perfectly crispy.
Expert Tips To Make The Best Five Guys Cajun Fries
- Cut them thick (and keep them consistent). Five Guys fries are intentionally thick-cut for that fluffy interior. Aim for fries about ⅜-inch thick (think “steak fry-ish,” but not giant wedges). The biggest key is cutting them as evenly as possible so they all finish at the same time—thin pieces burn while thick ones stay pale and soft. A simple trick: slice the potato into planks first, then stack and cut into sticks.
- Soak, then dry like you mean it. If you want that crisp-on-the-outside finish, soak the cut fries in cold water for 30–60 minutes to pull off excess surface starch (this prevents gumminess). Then drain and dry thoroughly—use a towel and really pat them down. Wet fries = steamed fries, and steamed fries never get that Five Guys bite.
- Don’t overcrowd (this is non-negotiable). Fries need space for hot air (or hot oil) to circulate. If they’re piled up, they trap steam, and you’ll get soft fries even if you cooked them long enough. Cook in batches and spread them in a single layer. If you’re using an air fryer, shake the basket every few minutes.
- Season after cooking, not before. Cajun seasoning and spices can burn in high heat, especially in the oven or air fryer. For bold flavor that actually sticks, toss the fries immediately after they come out while they’re still hot and slightly oily. Use a large bowl, sprinkle seasoning in two rounds, and toss in between so every fry gets coated evenly.
- Sugar matters (but keep it subtle). Five Guys fries have that lightly balanced, craveable flavor, and a small amount of sugar helps mimic that restaurant-style browning and rounds out the salt + spice. You’re not making “sweet fries”—you’re adding just enough to help color and balance. Start with ¼ teaspoon sugar per pound of potatoes, then adjust if you want.
- Use russet potatoes only. Russets are higher starch, which is what gives you that fluffy, dry interior and crisp edges. Waxy potatoes (like red or Yukon gold) tend to stay denser and can come out more “firm” than fluffy. If your russets are very fresh and wet inside, the soak + thorough dry step matters even more.
- Serve immediately (and avoid the foil trap). Fries are at their peak in the first 5–10 minutes. If you need to hold them, don’t cover with foil—foil traps steam and makes them soggy. Instead, keep them on a wire rack in a 200°F oven until you’re ready to serve, then hit them with a final pinch of Cajun seasoning right before eating.
Five Guys French Fries FAQs
Do I need to soak the potatoes?
You don’t have to for this method if you cut them thick and dry them really well, but soaking does help if you want the crispiest fries possible. If you skip the soak, rinse the cut fries in cold water until the water looks mostly clear, then pat them completely dry—dry potatoes crisp, wet potatoes steam. If you do soak, 30–60 minutes in cold water is the sweet spot, then dry thoroughly before cooking.
Can I deep fry these instead of baking or air frying?
Yes, and deep frying is the closest way to get that true Five Guys-style texture. For best results, use a double-fry method: fry at 325°F for 4–6 minutes until pale and tender (not browned), let them rest about 10 minutes, then fry again at 375°F for 2–4 minutes until deeply golden. Toss with Cajun seasoning immediately after the second fry while they’re hot so it sticks.
What oil does Five Guys use for fries, and what’s best at home?
Five Guys is known for frying in peanut oil, which is part of the signature flavor and crispiness. At home, peanut oil is the best match, but you can also use a high-heat neutral oil like canola, vegetable, avocado, or grapeseed oil. Avoid olive oil for frying, it won’t give you the same clean fry flavor at high temps.
What kind of potatoes does Five Guys use, and which potatoes should I buy?
To get that fluffy interior and crispy edge, use russet potatoes. Russets are what Five Guys uses, and they have the starch level you need for that classic fry texture. Waxy potatoes, such as red or Yukon Gold, tend to stay firmer and won’t give you the same “pillowy” bite.
Why add sugar to homemade Five Guys fries? Will they taste sweet?
No, when used in a tiny amount, sugar doesn’t make the fries sweet. It helps with browning and balances the salt and spice so the flavor tastes more “complete.” Keep it small (about ¼ teaspoon per pound of potatoes), and it won’t taste sugary.
How do I get fries crispy in the oven or air fryer?
Crisp fries come down to three things: dry potatoes, enough space, and enough heat. Dry the fries completely, cook in a single layer (or in batches), and use high heat—425°F in the oven or 400°F in the air fryer. Toss the fries halfway through, and don’t season until they’re done so the spices don’t burn.
What seasoning is on Five Guys Cajun fries, and can I control the heat?
Five Guys Cajun fries are coated in a bold Cajun-style blend that includes paprika, cayenne, garlic, onion, and pepper. At home, you can make them as mild or spicy as you want by adjusting the cayenne: ⅛ teaspoon for mild, ¼ teaspoon for medium, and ½ teaspoon for a strong kick. Toss the seasoning on while the fries are hot for maximum cling.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Fries are always best fresh, but leftovers can be re-crisped. You can make the fries ahead and store them in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 400°F for 3–5 minutes, shaking once, or in the oven at 425°F for 6–10 minutes on a baking sheet. Skip the microwave since it softens the fries too much.
My Final Thoughts
These Five Guys French fries are bold, crispy, and loaded with flavor, everything great fries should be. With real potatoes, the right cut, and smart seasoning timing, you get that classic fry experience at home. Make a batch, grab some burgers, and don’t forget extra napkins.
French Fries To Try Next
- Wingstop fries
- Garlic parmesan fries
- Popeyes cajun fries
- In-N-Out animal style fries
- McDonald's french fries
- Louisiana Voodoo fries
Copycat Five Guys French Fries (Cajun Fries Recipe)
If you’re chasing that Five Guys French fries experience at home, this recipe gets you there fast. These fries start with real russet potatoes, cut thick like the originals, then cooked until golden, finished with Cajun seasoning while they’re still hot, so the seasoning sticks. They’re crave-worthy straight out of the oven or air fryer, and they hit that “just cooked” flavor Five Guys is famous for.
Ingredients
- 1 large (12 oz) Russet Potato, cut into ¼" fries
- 1 tablespoon Avocado Oil
- ½ tablespoon Granulated Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Smoked Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Kosher Salt
- ½ teaspoon Garlic Powder
- ½ teaspoon Onion Powder
- ½ teaspoon Dried Oregano
- ½ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Ground Thyme
Instructions
- Wash and dry the potatoes, then cut them into ¼-inch strips. Pat dry with a paper towel and place in a large bowl with the peanut oil. Toss to evenly coat, then transfer to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry at 400°F for 15 minutes, until the fries begin to turn golden brown (no need to shake). While the potatoes cook, mix the remaining ingredients in a small bowl. For oven-baked fries, toss the cut potatoes with the peanut oil and about ¾ of the seasoning blend. Spread evenly on a baking sheet and bake at 450°F for 25–35 minutes, flipping and stirring halfway through.
- Transfer the partially cooked fries back to the bowl and toss with ½ to ¾ of the seasoning mix. Return them to the air fryer basket and cook for an additional 4–6 minutes at 400°F.
- Finish by tossing the hot fries with the remaining seasoning and a sprinkle of parsley, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 95Total Fat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gUnsaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 287mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 2gSugar: 3gProtein: 2g
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