When it comes to French fries, there are some fast-food fries that are legendary. However, one of the most sought-after copycat recipes for French fries is Popeyes French fries.
We love French fries that are steamy on the inside and crispy on the outside. The best French fries need plenty of salt, and they’re perfect as a side dish for steak, fried shrimp, or hamburgers. According to a South Florida newspaper, the average U.S. citizen eats almost 30 pounds of fries every single year. That’s a lot of fried potatoes!
Interestingly, French fries didn’t originate in France. Instead, the BBC reports that French fries were probably created in the country of Belgium. Regional folklore says that French fries came to be in the winter of the year 1680 when a river froze over.
For this recipe, we are going to tell you how to bake your Popeyes fries instead of frying them.
Also, you’re going to learn how to make your own special Cajun seasoning. It’s super easy and has delicious spices like garlic powder, chili powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, and paprika.
I have always been a fan of French fries, and in my quest to find the best ones out there, I have come across various contenders. One of the most well-loved, yet overlooked, options come from none other than Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen. This fast-food chain, famous for its signature fried chicken, has also quietly but consistently served some of the best French fries in the industry.
Each batch of Popeyes French fries is distinctly seasoned, has a great crunch, and unique mouthfeel that sets them apart from other fast-food fries. The key to their distinct flavor lies in their special blend of spices that is added to the crispy, golden morsels. Along with the unmistakable taste, the texture of Popeyes French fries also stands out due to their slightly thicker cut, compared to traditional fries which are often thinly sliced.
As someone who has enjoyed these delicious French fries numerous times, I can confidently say that stepping inside a Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen for their chicken is not enough. The next time you visit, make sure to indulge in their scrumptious French fries as well; you might just discover your new favorite side dish.
Ready? Let’s learn how to make the perfect Popeyes Cajun Fries.
About Popeyes Cajun Fries
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen was founded in New Orleans, Louisiana in 1972. After KFC, Popeyes is the largest chain of quick-service fried chicken. So they’re huge!
With more than 3,000 restaurants, it’s safe to say that everyone we know loves to visit a Popeyes restaurant. The company has come a long way since opening its doors in one humble little diner.
Although they started with fried chicken and other classic New Orleans dishes, the restaurant chain has become famous for their Popeyes Chicken Sandwich and their Popeyes Cajun Fries.
What is it about Popeyes Cajun Fries that makes them so addictive? It’s all about the crunch.
But that’s not all. The crunch is to die for, but the flavor is also incredible. The fries are coated in savory Cajun seasoning that packs the perfect punch.
Whether you love your Popeyes fries plain or prefer to dunk a Popeye’s fry in ketchup or another sauce, they’re delicious either way.
One of the things we love most about Popeyes Cajun fries is that they’re vegan and vegetarian.
You can serve Popeyes Cajun fries with fried chicken, popcorn shrimp or a nice chicken tender and biscuit dinner, of course. Other great sides include mashed potatoes, red beans and rice, seasoned green beans, and plenty of gravy. The mashed potatoes and red beans are great vegan options.
Tricks & Tips for Making the Best Popeyes Fries
It’s easy to make the perfect Popeyes fries as long as you follow these tried and true tips and tricks.
Use the right kind of potato
To make the best copycat Popeyes French fries, you need to choose potatoes that are less starch. Potatoes that are low in moisture and dense will serve up the best Popeyes fries.
The best potato for making Popeyes fries is the russet potato, which is also commonly known as Idaho potatoes.
Be sure to soak your sliced potatoes in water
This is an important step. We will go into more detail below about how to soak your potatoes.
After soaking your potatoes, be sure to dry them completely before you start to cook them. If you have any moisture remaining in your potatoes, it will ruin the crispiness of your French fries.
Reheat them in the oven
If you have leftovers (ha, as if!), store them in the fridge in a sealed container. Then, reheat them in the oven for 10 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
Try this recipe with sweet potatoes
Yes, you can use this recipe with sweet potatoes to make a healthier and sweeter version of Popeyes fries.
If you make Popeye’s French fries with sweet potatoes, don’t soak them in water. You’re going to just go straight to the part where you cut them into strips.
How to Cut Potatoes for Popeyes Fries
It’s important to get the right cut when you’re preparing to make your Popeyes fries. Follow these steps. Be sure your knife is nice and sharp.
Lay the potatoes on their sides.
Chop a thin slice off of one side so that you have a base.
Put the potato flat on the base side, then slice them into 1/4-inch-thick disks lengthwise.
Cut the disks into 1/4-inch-thick strips lengthwise.
Technically, you can make your Popeyes fries as thick as you want them to be, but Popeyes fries are approximately 1/4-inch thick.
Also, Popeyes leaves the skin on their fries, but you can peel your potatoes before cutting them up if you want.
This is important: make sure all of your fries are the same thickness so that they cook evenly.
Ingredients for Copycat Popeyes French Fries
To make enough Popeyes fries to serve four people, you need four large russet potatoes.
These are the spices you will need for your Cajun seasoning mixture. Feel free to make a double batch so that you have some delicious flavor ready to go the next time you make Popeyes Cajun fries or another Cajun fry recipe.
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Black pepper
Oregano
Sugar
Paprika
Cayenne pepper
Onion powder
Salt
Another idea we love is to use some of the Cajun spices to make a special dipping sauce for dipping your seasoned fries into.
Tasty Popeye’s French Fries Recipe
These recipes are sure to please. So, gather your family and friends and enjoy. Let us know your thoughts!
Mix all of your spices together to create your Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
Wash your russet potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thick strips.
Put the washed potatoes into a bowl that is filled with hot water. Allow the potatoes to sit for 20 minutes.
Drain the potatoes and lay them out on paper towels. Allow the potatoes to dry thoroughly and pat them dry as needed. It’s important to make sure every potato strip is completely dry.
Using 3 tablespoons of oil, grease your cookie sheet or baking pan.
Sprinkle the baking pan with 1/3 of the Cajun seasoning mixture.
In a large bowl, toss your potatoes lightly with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sprinkle lightly with your Cajun seasoning mixture.
Placed the sliced potatoes in a single layer on the baking pan. Cover the pan with foil.
Bake for five minutes.
Remove the foil from the pan and bake your Popeyes fries for an additional 15-20 minutes. When the potatoes are brown on the bottom, you are going to flip the potatoes.
After you flip your fries, bake them for an additional 10-15 minutes. Your tasty Popeyes fries are ready to pull out of the oven when they are golden and crispy.
Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle your crispy fries with the rest of the remaining Cajun spice mixture.
Serve them up while they’re nice and hot!
METHOD (FRIED)
If you want to fry your Popeyes Cajun fries, worry not. We’ve got you covered. Follow steps 1-5 above, then fry your sliced potatoes as you normally would fry a French fry batch. We recommend the double-frying method. You can use canola oil, vegetable oil, or peanut oil as the frying oil to fry your seasoned fries.
Follow steps 1-5 from above, then proceed with the following steps.
Prepare a sheet pan or large plate by lining it with paper towels.
In a deep-fryer or large deep frying pan, heat oil to 275 degrees Fahrenheit. Add the potato slices gently and cook them for about five minutes.
Remove the potatoes from the oil and drain them on paper towels, allowing them to cool completely.
Heat the oil in your large frying pan or deep fryer to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Fry your potato slices until golden brown. This step will take between 5-6 minutes.
Remove from the fryer and lay the cooked fries on your prepared plate or sheet pan that is lined with paper towels.
Blot the fries gently with a paper towel to remove the excess oil.
Sprinkle with Cajun seasoning.
Notes
Don’t overcook them, but you want your fries to be nice and crispy. The flavor will blow your mind! Get your plate of chicken strips ready and enjoy the dinner you’ve worked hard to prepare.
Cassie brings decades of experience to the Kitchen Community. She is a noted chef and avid gardener. Her new book "Healthy Eating Through the Garden" will be released shortly. When not writing or speaking about food and gardens Cassie can be found puttering around farmer's markets and greenhouses looking for the next great idea.
