If you’ve ever craved the crispy, flavorful perfection of Popeye’s cajun fries, you’re in for a treat! This easy homemade version delivers all the bold, spicy flavors you love, and it even comes with a finger-lickin-good spicy cajun mayo dipping sauce. Plus, these fries are so, so easy to make. In fact, just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to make 'em.
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Why I Love This Popeye’s Cajun Fries Recipe
This recipe reminds me of the countless road trips my best friend Al and I have gone on through the years. Stopping for Popeye’s fries was always part of our plan no matter where we went.
Anyway, one day, he told me he had perfected a homemade version, and I couldn’t wait to try making them myself. Well, after experimenting with the seasoning a little bit - and the crunch - I landed on this recipe. It delivers the same bold flavors and crispy perfection as the original—maybe even better.
Ingredients You'll Need
Here's everything you'll need to make these homemade Popeye's cajun fries.
For the fries:
- 3 large potatoes (Russet or Idaho)
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 2 cups seltzer water or club soda
- 2 tablespoon corn starch
- *(6-7 Cups of oil for frying)
For the cajun seasoning:
- 2 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
For the spicy cajun mayo dipping sauce:
- ½ cup mayo
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
How to Make Popeye’s Cajun Fries At Home
Again, just a handful of steps of simple steps are all you have to follow to make these copycat Popeye's cajun fries.
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin strips.
Rinse them under warm water until the water runs clear, then pat them dry. This step removes excess starch and ensures crispy fries.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Combine the flour, cornstarch, and half of the cajun seasoning mix in a bowl. Gradually whisk in seltzer water until the batter is smooth and thick.
Step 3: Coat and Fry
Dip the potato strips into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Fry them in small batches at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Remove the potatoes from the oil and transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Add the Cajun Spice
Sprinkle the remaining cajun seasoning mix over the hot fries for an extra kick of flavor.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, cajun seasoning, and honey until smooth.
Serve the sauce alongside the fries for the ultimate snack. Enjoy!
My Expert Tips
- Rinse Thoroughly: Rinsing the potatoes removes excess starch, making the fries crispier.
- Use Cold Seltzer Water: Cold carbonation creates a light, airy batter.
- Season While Hot: Sprinkle the cajun seasoning on the fries right out of the fryer so it sticks better. If you're having a hard time getting it to stick to the fries, coat them with a tiny bit of oil and then shake them in the seasoning.
FAQ About Homemade Cajun Fries
Can I bake these fries instead of frying?
Yes, but they won’t be as crispy. Bake them at 425°F for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
The batter is best made fresh, but you can prep the dry ingredients ahead and mix in the seltzer when ready to cook.
Can I freeze the fries?
Yes! Freeze the coated fries on a baking sheet, then transfer them to a freezer bag. Fry directly from frozen for best results.
Final Thoughts
These homemade Popeye’s cajun fries are crispy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. When you pair them with the spicy cajun mayo, they’re an irresistible snack that’s sure to be a hit with whoever you share 'em with.
As always, if you try them, let me know how they turn out in the comments below!
More Homemade Popeye Recipes to Try Next
- Popeye's biscuits
- Popeye's mashed potatoes with cajun gravy
- Popeye's sweet heat sauce
- Popeye's chicken sandwich
- Popeye's red beans and rice
- Popeye's cajun rice
Homemade Popeye's Cajun Fries Recipe
If you’ve ever craved the crispy, flavorful perfection of Popeye’s cajun fries, you’re in for a treat! This easy homemade version delivers all the bold, spicy flavors you love, and it even comes with a finger-lickin-good spicy cajun mayo dipping sauce. Plus, these fries are so, so easy to make. In fact, just a handful of steps are all you have to follow to make 'em.
Ingredients
For the fries:
- 3 large potatoes (Russet or Idaho)
- 2 ½ cups flour
- 2 cups seltzer water or club soda
- 2 tablespoon corn starch
- *(6-8 Cups of oil for frying)
For the cajun seasoning:
- 2 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon cajun seasoning
For the spicy cajun mayo dipping sauce:
- ½ cup mayo
- ½ cup sweet chili sauce
- 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning
- 1 tablespoon honey
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin strips. Rinse under warm water until it runs clear, then pat them dry. This step removes excess starch and ensures crispy fries.
Step 2: Make the Batter
Combine the flour, cornstarch, and half of the cajun seasoning mix in a bowl. Gradually whisk in seltzer water until the batter is smooth and thick.
Step 3: Coat and Fry
Dip the potato strips into the batter, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Fry them in small batches at 375°F for 3-5 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
Step 4: Add the Cajun Spice
Sprinkle the remaining cajun seasoning mix over the hot fries for an extra kick of flavor.
Step 5: Make the Dipping Sauce
In a small bowl, mix mayo, sweet chili sauce, cajun seasoning, and honey until smooth. Serve the sauce alongside the fries for the ultimate snack.
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