Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)

If you’ve ever found yourself craving the bold, spicy, perfectly seasoned fries from Five Guys but wished you could enjoy them at home with a lighter, healthier twist, this recipe is exactly what you need. Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer) deliver everything people love about the famous fries—crispy edges, fluffy centers, and that unmistakable Cajun spice kick—without deep frying or excessive oil.

This recipe is designed for home cooks who want restaurant-quality results using simple ingredients and accessible cooking methods. Whether you prefer baking your fries in the oven or crisping them up in an air fryer, you’ll achieve delicious results every time. Best of all, these fries are naturally gluten-free, vegan, and vegetarian, making them a crowd-pleasing side dish for almost any meal.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through everything you need to know to master Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)—from choosing the right potatoes and perfecting the Cajun seasoning blend to cooking tips, variations, storage ideas, and serving suggestions. Let’s dive in.

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Why Everyone Loves Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)

Five Guys Cajun fries have achieved near-legendary status among fast-food lovers, and for good reason. They’re bold, generously seasoned, and unapologetically flavorful. Unlike standard fries, they aren’t just salty—they’re smoky, garlicky, slightly spicy, and deeply satisfying.

This homemade version recreates those flavors while offering several advantages:

• Healthier preparation with oven or air fryer cooking

• Customizable spice level to suit your taste

• No preservatives or artificial ingredients

• Budget-friendly compared to takeout

• Consistent results every time you make them

By making Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer) at home, you’re in full control of texture, seasoning, and portion size—all without sacrificing flavor.

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Recipe Overview

Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer)

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Soaking Time: 30 minutes

• Cook Time: 20–40 minutes

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes

• Servings: 4

• Course: Side Dish

• Cuisine: American

• Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegan, Vegetarian

These fries are crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and generously coated in a smoky Cajun seasoning blend that mirrors the iconic Five Guys flavor.

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Ingredients Breakdown

For the Fries

• 2 large russet potatoes (or 3 medium)

• 1 tablespoon peanut oil, canola oil, or olive oil

• Cooking spray

For the Cajun Spice Blend

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon onion powder

• ½ teaspoon granulated sugar

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano

• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme

• ¼ teaspoon red chili flakes

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ¼ teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)

This spice blend is what truly defines Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer). The balance of smoky, savory, slightly sweet, and spicy flavors ensures each bite is bold without being overwhelming.

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Choosing the Best Potatoes for Cajun Fries

Russet potatoes are essential for authentic Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer). Their high starch content creates a fluffy interior, while their thick skins help achieve crispy edges.

Why russet potatoes work best:

• They crisp better than waxy potatoes

• They absorb seasoning evenly

• They mimic restaurant-style fries

Avoid red or Yukon Gold potatoes for this recipe, as they tend to stay softer and won’t crisp as well.

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Why Soaking the Fries Matters

One of the secrets to restaurant-quality fries is soaking the potatoes in cold water. This step removes excess starch, which allows the fries to crisp properly during cooking.

For Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer):

• Soak the cut fries in ice water for at least 30 minutes

• Rinse and drain thoroughly

• Pat completely dry before seasoning

Skipping this step won’t ruin the fries, but soaking significantly improves texture.

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Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the Potatoes

1. Wash, peel, and cut the potatoes into ½-inch thick fries.

2. (Optional but recommended) Soak the fries in a bowl of ice water for 30 minutes.

3. Drain, rinse, and pat completely dry using paper towels.

4. Transfer fries to a large bowl.

5. Toss with oil, then add all Cajun spices.

6. Mix thoroughly until evenly coated.

At this stage, your fries should be well-seasoned but not wet or oily.

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Oven Method: Crispy and Reliable

The oven method is perfect if you’re cooking a larger batch of Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer).

1. Preheat oven to 390°F (200°C) with a baking sheet inside.

2. Carefully remove the hot baking sheet and spray with cooking spray.

3. Arrange fries in a single layer, ensuring they don’t overlap.

4. Bake for 35–40 minutes, flipping halfway through.

5. Remove when golden brown and crispy.

Oven-baked Cajun fries develop deep flavor and consistent crispiness when given enough space and time.

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Air Fryer Method: Fast and Extra Crispy

The air fryer is ideal for achieving maximum crispiness with minimal oil.

1. Preheat air fryer to 390°F (200°C).

2. Spray the basket with cooking spray.

3. Add fries in a single layer (work in batches if necessary).

4. Air fry for 20–25 minutes, shaking or flipping halfway.

5. Remove when crispy and golden.

Air frying produces incredibly crunchy Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer) with a fluffy interior in less time.

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How to Make Extra Crispy Cajun Fries

If crispiness is your top priority, follow these expert tips:

• Dry the potatoes thoroughly after soaking

• Use minimal oil—too much causes sogginess

• Avoid overcrowding the pan or basket

• Flip or shake halfway through cooking

• Serve immediately after cooking

Crispy fries are all about moisture control and proper spacing.

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Adjusting the Spice Level

One of the biggest advantages of making Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer) at home is customizing the heat level.

For milder fries:

• Reduce red chili flakes

• Increase garlic or onion powder

For spicier fries:

• Add cayenne pepper

• Increase chili flakes

• Add smoked chipotle powder

You can tailor the seasoning to suit kids, spice lovers, or mixed crowds.

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Best Dipping Sauces for Cajun Fries

While these fries are flavorful on their own, dips take them to the next level:

• Ketchup

• Vegan mayo

• Garlic aioli

• Spicy mustard

• Chipotle sauce

The bold seasoning pairs especially well with creamy or tangy sauces.

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Serving Ideas

Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer) work beautifully with:

• Burgers (vegan or classic)

• Grilled sandwiches

• BBQ dishes

• Wraps and tacos

• Salads for a hearty side

They’re also perfect for game days, casual dinners, and party platters.

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Storage and Reheating Tips

Although best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored and reheated.

To store:

• Cool completely

• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

To reheat:

• Air fryer: 3–5 minutes at 375°F

• Oven: 8–10 minutes at 400°F

Avoid microwaving, as it softens the fries.

Print

Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Approximate)

• Calories: 210

• Carbohydrates: 34 g

• Fat: 7 g

• Fiber: 4 g

• Protein: 4 g

This makes Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer) a lighter alternative to traditional deep-fried versions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Are these fries really similar to Five Guys Cajun fries?

Yes. The seasoning blend closely mirrors the bold, smoky, spicy profile Five Guys is known for.

Can I make these fries oil-free?

You can reduce oil significantly, but a small amount helps the seasoning stick and improves crispiness.

Can I freeze these fries?

You can freeze them after cutting and soaking, but for best results, cook fresh.

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Final Thoughts

Copycat Five Guys Cajun Fries (Oven or Air Fryer) prove that you don’t need a deep fryer—or a takeout bag—to enjoy bold, crispy, restaurant-style fries at home. With simple ingredients, flexible cooking methods, and a perfectly balanced Cajun spice blend, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.

Whether you choose the oven for convenience or the air fryer for extra crunch, these fries consistently turn out golden, fluffy, and irresistibly seasoned. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or anytime you’re craving comfort food with a spicy twist.