Crispy French Fries with Three Seasoning Blends

Ingredients

• 3.5 large russet potatoes (3–4 potatoes; peeled optionally and cut into sticks)
• 2.5 tbsp vegetable or olive oil (To toss with the potatoes; use the necessary amount within the 2–3 tbsp range)
• salt (To taste, for the potatoes)
• 1 tsp sweet paprika (For the Cajun blend)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (For the Cajun blend)
• 0.5 tsp onion powder (For the Cajun blend)
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper (For the Cajun blend)
• 0.5 tsp dried oregano (For the Cajun blend)
• 0.5 tsp dried thyme (For the Cajun blend)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (For the Cajun blend)
• 0.5 tsp salt (For the Cajun blend)
• 0.25 tsp sugar (For the Cajun blend)
• 1 tsp garlic powder (For the garlic Parmesan blend)
• 0.5 tsp salt (For the garlic Parmesan blend)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper (For the garlic Parmesan blend)
• 0.25 cup grated Parmesan cheese (For the garlic Parmesan blend)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley (For the garlic Parmesan blend)
• melted butter (Optional; add a little before seasoning, especially with the garlic Parmesan blend)
• 1 tsp smoked paprika (For the smoky BBQ blend)
• 0.5 tsp brown sugar (For the smoky BBQ blend)
• 0.5 tsp garlic powder (For the smoky BBQ blend)
• 0.5 tsp onion powder (For the smoky BBQ blend)
• 0.5 tsp salt (For the smoky BBQ blend)
• 0.25 tsp chili powder (For the smoky BBQ blend)

Steps

1. 1

   Peel the potatoes if desired and cut them into evenly sized sticks so they cook evenly.

2. 2

   Place the sticks in a large bowl and cover them with cold water. Soak them for 30 minutes; this removes some of the starch and helps them become crispier.

3. 3

   Drain the potatoes and dry them completely with paper towels. They should not remain damp before cooking, especially if using the oven or hot oil.

4. 4

   For the oven method, preheat to 425 °F (220 °C). Toss the dry potatoes with 2–3 tbsp of oil until lightly coated and arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet.

5. 5

   Bake for 30–40 minutes, turning them halfway through, until golden and crispy on the outside.

6. 6

   Alternatively, cook the potatoes in an air fryer at 380 °F (193 °C) for 15–20 minutes. Shake the basket halfway through to brown them evenly.

7. 7

   For the classic frying method, heat oil to 350 °F (175 °C) and fry the potatoes until golden and crispy. For an even crispier texture, you can double-fry them.

8. 8

   While the potatoes are still very hot, prepare the Cajun blend by combining the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, thyme, black pepper, salt, and sugar.

9. 9

   For the garlic Parmesan blend, combine the garlic powder, salt, black pepper, grated Parmesan, and chopped parsley.

10. 10

    For the smoky BBQ blend, combine the smoked paprika, brown sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and chili powder.

11. 11

    Add your preferred seasoning blend to the freshly cooked potatoes and toss immediately so the heat and light coating of oil help it adhere.

12. 12

    If desired, add a little melted butter before seasoning; it pairs especially well with the garlic Parmesan blend. Serve the potatoes immediately.

Notes

The post indicates three alternative cooking methods: oven, air fryer, or classic frying. Always season while the potatoes are hot so the seasoning adheres better. The melted butter is optional.

Nutrition per serving

• side dish
• French fries
• vegetarian
• gluten-free
• baked
• air fryer
• fried
• spicy