Red Robin Seasoning Recipe (Copycat French Fry Seasoning)

This Red Robin seasoning is a bold, savory, slightly smoky blend that tastes just like the famous french fry seasoning from the restaurant. It’s salty, garlicky, paprika-forward, and ridiculously versatile. Sprinkle it on fries, burgers, roasted potatoes, chicken, or even popcorn. Once you make it, you’ll find excuses to use it everywhere!

Why You'll Love This Red Robin Seasoning Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 Tbsp salt
• ¼ cup (30g) paprika
• 1 Tbsp onion powder
• 2 Tbsp garlic powder
• 2 tsp celery salt
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp dried basil
• 3 tsp chili powder or cayenne pepper (to taste)
• 1 Tbsp granulated sugar (optional)
• 2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)

How To Make Red Robin Seasoning

Step 1: Measure the Spices

Measure out all of the spice ingredients and add them to a medium mixing bowl.

Step 2: Mix the Seasoning

Stir everything together with a spoon or fork until the seasonings are fully combined. The blend should be evenly mixed and have a vibrant reddish color.

Step 3: Use or Store

Use the French fry seasoning immediately on hot fries, burgers, or potatoes, or transfer it to an airtight jar for later use.

Expert Tips To Make The Best Red Robin French Fry Seasoning

• Paprika is the backbone. This blend is paprika-forward, so the flavor is only as good as your paprika. If yours has been sitting in the cabinet for years, it can taste flat. Fresh paprika gives you that bold color and the warm, slightly sweet pepper flavor that makes this seasoning taste like the real deal. So if yours is old, buying a new bottle is well worth it.
• Control the heat based on how you use it. Chili powder gives a mild, rounded warmth that works on fries, burgers, and roasted potatoes without overpowering anything. Cayenne brings real heat fast. Start small, taste, then adjust. If you want a family-friendly jar, keep it mild and add cayenne to individual servings when you want extra kick.
• Sugar is optional but powerful. A tiny bit of sugar does not make this seasoning sweet, it just balances the salt and spice and gives you that restaurant-style flavor people crave. It also makes the seasoning pop on fries and potatoes, especially if you're using smoked paprika or a stronger chili powder.
• Smoked paprika adds depth. If you want that slightly smoky, addictive flavor, smoked paprika is the move. It makes the blend taste more complex and gives it that grilled, burger-joint vibe. If you prefer a cleaner classic fry seasoning, use regular paprika only.
• Season while the food is hot. The best time to season French fries is right when they come out of the fryer, oven, or air fryer. Hot fries have a tiny bit of surface moisture and oil, which helps the seasoning stick evenly instead of falling to the bottom of the bowl. Toss, taste, then add more seasoning if needed.
• Use a light oil mist for extra cling. If you're seasoning oven fries or air fryer fries and the seasoning is not sticking well, a quick mist of oil before seasoning makes a huge difference. It helps the spices coat the fries instead of turning into dusty seasoning at the bottom. I just use olive oil nonstick cooking spray.
• Grind finer if you want a smoother “shaker” texture. If your blend feels a little chunky or you want it to coat more evenly like a store-bought seasoning, pulse it briefly in a spice grinder or blender. Even 5 to 10 seconds helps it blend better and stick more evenly to fries.
• Store it the right way. Keep it in an airtight jar away from heat and sunlight. Spices lose punch fast when they sit near the stove. A well-stored blend stays vibrant and flavorful longer, which matters with paprika-heavy seasoning.

Ways to Use Red Robin Seasoning

Red Robin Seasoning FAQs

How long does homemade Red Robin seasoning last?

Stored in an airtight container in a cool, dry place, it keeps great flavor for 6 to 12 months. Paprika-heavy blends taste best when the spices are fresh, so if they start smelling dull or look faded, it’s time to mix a new batch.

Is this Red Robin seasoning spicy?

It’s usually mild to medium, and the heat level is totally in your control. Chili powder gives gentle warmth, while cayenne adds noticeable heat fast. If you want it kid-friendly, skip the cayenne or use a tiny pinch and let people add extra heat to their own fries.

Can I make Red Robin seasoning low sodium?

Yes. Reduce the salt, then balance the flavor by increasing the spices that provide “boldness,” such as paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. A tiny pinch of sugar can also help the blend taste more rounded, even with less salt.

Does this taste exactly like Red Robin’s fry seasoning?

It’s a very close copycat that hits the same salty, savory, paprika-forward flavor you remember. Exact store blends can vary slightly by batch, but this version lands in the same classic Red Robin seasoning profile and tastes right on fries, burgers, and tots.

What is Red Robin seasoning made of?

It’s a seasoned salt style blend that’s typically built around paprika with supporting spices like garlic, onion, and a touch of sweetness or heat, depending on the version. That paprika-forward base is what gives it the signature color and flavor people associate with Red Robin fries.

How do I get the seasoning to stick to fries?

Season the fries while they’re hot. Hot fries have a little surface oil and moisture, which helps the seasoning cling instead of falling to the bottom of the bowl. If you’re using oven fries or air fryer fries and it's not sticking well, a quick spray of oil or drizzle of melted butter before seasoning makes a big difference.

Can I use this seasoning on more than fries?

Definitely, it’s great on burgers, roasted potatoes, chicken wings, chicken fingers, popcorn, eggs, grilled vegetables, and even as a quick seasoning for mayo or sour cream for a dipping sauce.

How much seasoning should I use on fries?

Start light, toss, then taste. A good starting point is about 1 to 2 teaspoons per pound of fries, then adjust based on how bold you like it. It’s easier to add more than to fix fries that are over-seasoned.

My Final Thoughts

This Red Robin seasoning is simple, bold, and endlessly useful. It turns everyday food into something crave-worthy and takes less than five minutes to make. Keep a jar in your spice cabinet; you’ll reach for it constantly and want to put it on everything! Make this seasoning and give it a try, then leave me a comment and review below so I can hear your feedback. 

Copycat Recipes To Try Next

• Cajun two step seasoning
• Five Guys French fries
• In-n-Out animal style fries
• Wingstop French Fries
• Taco Bell nacho fries