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With a careful selection of herbs and spices, this savory French fry seasoning recipe (aka Cajun fries seasoning) is perfect for fresh or frozen fries, burgers, and veggies, and will have you coming back for more!
Just when you think that homemade French fries and potato wedges couldn’t get better, you discover this French fry seasoning recipe and realize just how wrong you truly were. As much as salted fries are delicious, this fry seasoning really makes you never want to eat fries another way again. This Cajun fries seasoning is salty, savory, a little spicy, and all delicious – perfect for making restaurant-quality fries!
All you need for this homemade French fry seasoning is just 10 ingredients. Most, if not all, are probably already in your pantry. Simply mix the ingredients, and voila. In just minutes, you can prepare enough for weeks or months’ worth of use.
Best yet, as with all homemade seasoning blends, this recipe is incredibly adaptable too. So, adjust the ingredient ratios to your liking. Or reduce or even omit the salt if you’re watching your sodium levels.
It’s so good (I was tempted to even call it the BEST French fry seasoning) that you’ll want to use it on everything. Luckily, using it for seasoned fries is just the tip of the iceberg. You can even gift it to others during Christmas, Birthdays, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and more.
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What Is In Fry Seasoning?
This French fry seasoning relies on carefully selected herbs and spices. They will highlight the potato and make for deliciously seasoned French fries.
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika (You can use regular, sweet, hot, or smoked paprika)
- Chili powder (or cayenne pepper. For spicy fries, increase the amount)
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
- Dried basil
- Dried parsley
- Sea salt
- Black pepper
Any of the ingredients linked above or below are for homemade DIYs, not products!
Optional Add-ins and Flavor Variations
As with most homemade seasonings and spice blends, this simple French fry seasoning recipe is super adjustable. Below are just a few optional add-ins. No matter which you choose, simply add to taste.
- Red pepper flakes: To increase the heat levels.
- Italian seasoning: Instead of using the 4 individual dried herbs, you can use the same amount of Italian seasoning.
- Chipotle powder: For a smoky heat. Add just a pinch and increase to taste.
- Celery salt: A pinch adds more depth to the homemade fry seasoning.
- Cumin: To give it more of a Mexican flavor.
- Nutritional yeast: Will add a slightly nutty, cheesy flavor. Pulse in a blender or coffee/spice grinder to break down into a powder rather than flakes.
- Homemade Cajun seasoning: Omit the dried parsley and basil and up the chili powder for a more typical Cajun fries seasoning.
- Brown sugar: When using this as a dry rub for meat, some brown sugar will taste delicious.
How to Make French Fry Seasoning?
- First, measure out all the spices and place them into a small bowl.
- Mix well, then transfer to an airtight jar – voila!
Otherwise, you could add the spices directly to your jar of choice, then secure the lid and shake.
Storage Instructions
As with all seasonings, it’s best to store in an airtight glass jar (a spice jar with a shaker top is best). Keep it in a cool, dark, dry place away from moisture and sunlight. Aim to use it within 3-4 months for the best flavor. The shelf life could easily last 1-3 years, depending on the freshness of your ingredients.
You can also freeze the Cajun French fries seasoning for extended shelf life (10-12 months +). You have to be careful not to allow any moisture into the container. Otherwise, the seasoning will clump up and be ruined.
Label the jar. That way, you’ll know by when it’s best to use while it’s at its most flavorful.
How To Season French Fries?
Deep-Fried fries: Wait until they’re cooked, then immediately season them. I like to transfer them to a bag with the fries seasoning and shake them so they’re thoroughly coated.
Oven-baked and Air Fryer Fries: Toss the uncooked fresh or frozen fries with a small amount of olive oil (or spray with cooking spray). Then add the seasoning and toss once more to coat. Then bake or air fry to crispy perfection.
You can try this seasoning with Home Fries too!
FAQs
Cajun seasoning and this fry seasoning recipe are very similar, except for the addition of two dried herbs: parsley and basil. For a more traditional homemade Cajun seasoning, omit those. Optionally, you can increase the spice levels with extra chili powder and/or the addition of red pepper flakes.
The easiest way to get the seasoning to stick to fries and wedges (fresh or frozen) is to toss them in oil (or spray with cooking spray) before adding the seasoning. The oil should help the seasoning adhere.
With deep-fried French fries, immediately transfer the cooked fries to a bag with the seasonings and shake. The leftover oil on the outside of the fries will help it adhere.
Just because I’ve called this a French fry seasoning recipe doesn’t mean that is its only purpose. You can also use this flavorful seasoning:
As a burger seasoning,
As a meat rub for steaks, pork, and chicken, etc. (or tofu/tempeh),
For chicken wings,
Other potato dishes (home fries recipe, these accordion potatoes, chips, russet potatoes, etc.) or for Sweet potato fries,
Over popcorn,
Sprinkle over roasted vegetables and other side dishes,
Mix into scrambled eggs/scrambled tofu,
Sprinkle into a grilled cheese,
Add to mac and cheese and other creamy pasta dishes,
Use as an all-purpose seasoning,
Mix with sour cream, yogurt, or mayonnaise to make a simple dip.
I usually just say to add it to your fries to taste. As a general guideline, I’d recommend about two teaspoons of seasoning per 1 lb/450 g of potato.
Recipe Tips and Notes
- Use freshly dried herbs and spices: It will taste better (otherwise, the ratios will be thrown off). It also makes for the longest shelf life.
- A glass container is best: It isn’t as porous as plastic, which can cause the aromas of the spices to “cling” to the container and affect all future use.
- Omit the salt if preferred: If you prefer to individually salt each meal you make, omit the salt from the seasoning. Or adjust the amount to your liking.
- Adjust the ratio: Tweak the amount of the herbs and spices to create a unique blend that’s perfect for you. Add more spice (chili/cayenne), smokiness (paprika), aromatics (garlic or onion powder), etc.
- For a super fine powder: Use a coffee/spice grinder to pulse the seasoning blend several times into a finer powder.
More Homemade Spice Blends
If you try this easy French fry seasoning recipe (Cajun fries seasoning), I’d love to hear your thoughts below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Easy French Fry Seasoning (Cajun Fries Seasoning)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp onion powder
- 1 Tbsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp paprika regular, smoked, or hot
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 1 tsp dried parsley
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp red chili powder adjust the amount to taste; cayenne would also work
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 Tbsp sea salt
Check the Recipe Notes below for optional add-ins!
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a small bowl and mix.
Storage Instructions
- It's best to store this seasoning in a clean, airtight glass jar (a spice jar with a shaker top is best) in a cool, dark, dry place away from moisture and sunlight. Aim to use it within 3-4 months for the best flavor, though the shelf life will easily last 1-3 years, depending on the freshness of your ingredients. You can also freeze the French fries seasoning for an extended shelf life (10-12 months +). Though you have to be careful not to allow any moisture into the container, or the seasoning will clump up and be ruined. Label the jar. That way, you'll know by when it's best to use it and make the most of it while it's at its most flavorful.
Video
Notes
- Use freshly dried herbs and spices: It will taste better (otherwise, the ratios will be thrown off), but it also makes for the longest shelf life.
- A glass container is best: It isn’t as porous as plastic, which can cause the aromas of the spices to “cling” to the container and affect all future use.
- Omit the salt if preferred: If you prefer to individually salt each meal you make, omit the salt from the seasoning or adjust the amount to your liking.
- Adjust the ratio: Tweak the amount of herbs and spices to create a unique blend that’s perfect for you. Add more spice (chili/cayenne), smokiness (paprika), aromatics (garlic or onion powder), etc.
- For a super fine powder: Use a coffee/spice grinder to pulse the seasoning blend several times into a finer powder. Â
- Red pepper flakes: To increase the heat levels.
- Italian seasoning: Instead of using the 4 individual dried herbs, you can use the same amount of Italian seasoning.
- Chipotle powder: For a smoky heat. Add just a pinch and increase to taste.
- Celery salt: A pinch adds more depth to the homemade fry seasoning.
- Cumin: To give it more of a Mexican flavor.
- Nutritional yeast: Will add a slightly nutty, cheesy flavor. Pulse in a blender or coffee/spice grinder to break down into a powder rather than flakes.
- Homemade Cajun seasoning: Omit the dried parsley and basil and up the chili powder for a more typical Cajun fries seasoning.
- Brown sugar: When using this as a dry rub for meat, some brown sugar will taste delicious.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
