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Seasoned Crinkle Cut French Fries

July 28, 2022
•
Shanika | Orchids + Sweet Tea

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Learn how to make ultra crispy, oven-baked crinkle cut fries—those ridges take the crunch and flavor to the next level!
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Seasoned Crinkle Cut French Fries

These homemade Seasoned Crinkle Cut French Fries are the kind you "accidentally" eat straight off the baking sheet. Golden, crispy edges, crinkly goodness, and just the right hit of seasoning—basically, snack heaven. Vegan + Gluten-free.

Fries in a food basket with ketchup and a fork.

Sometimes you just need fries—but maybe you’re craving something a little healthier than the drive-thru version. That’s where these Seasoned Crinkle Cut French Fries come in. They’re oven-baked, super crispy, and full of flavor thanks to my quick Homemade Cajun Seasoning (ready in 5 minutes!).

These days, I love making fries at home because I can season them exactly how I like—and crinkle cut fries are my go-to. All those ridges hold onto the seasoning SO WELL. And yes—baked fries can be just as crispy as fried ones. With a few simple tricks, you’ll get that golden crunch without the extra oil.

If you're a fellow fry lover, I highly recommend checking out my Crispiest Seasoned French Fries, Crispy Cajun Sweet Potato Fries, and Garlic Herb Jumbo Fries too. Whether you're dipping, sharing, or eating them straight off the pan (no shame here), they always disappear SO fast.

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What Are Crinkle Cut Fries?

Basically, crinkle cut fries are wave-like fries that are a bit crispier and has a better texture than regular fries due to the grooves and cuts. Therefore, when it's fried (or baked) it produces a lot more crunch crispiness than most other types of fries.

For these crinkle cut fries, you don't need anything out of the ordinary when it comes to equipment except for an actual crinkle cutter, which is super easy to purchase.

What is the Point of Crinkle Cut Fries?

The crinkle-cut shape gives a fry more surface area, increasing its outer crispiness, which helps to keep the crisp longer and truly makes for the best dipper in sauce.

Three large russet potatoes on a black wood table with Cajun seasoning, and a bottle of olive oil.

Ingredients for Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries

Aside from getting your crinkle cut fries nice and crispy in the oven, you’ll want to be sure to season the potatoes very well. Here’s how I like to add Cajun flavor to my homemade fries:

  • Potatoes. Use russet or Yukon gold potatoes for the best texture. You'll need about 3-4 large ones. Gently scrubs and rinse with an organic chemical-free soap for clean skin.
  • Cajun seasoning. Use store-bought or my homemade seasoning blend.
  • Olive oil. You can also use Grapeseed oil or coconut oil as well.

How To Make Homemade Cajun Seasoning

This Cajun seasoning is as simple as mixing all your spices together and takes just 5 minutes! Here are the simple ingredients that you will need -

INGREDIENTS

To make your own cajun seasoning, combine:

  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder

SHOP MY FAVORITE FOOD STORAGE CONTAINERS, ESPECIALLY FOR THIS CAJUN SEASONING!

If you're all about making your own homemade spice mixes, you've got to store them right to keep that freshness! Check out my favorite high-quality food storage containers and jars HERE—they're total game-changers.

Russet potatoes cut lengthways on a cutting board with knife.

Tips for Super Crispy Oven Baked Fries

These are my top tips to make sure your seasoned crinkle cut fries are as crisp as possible:

  • Cut the potatoes to equal sizes as much as possible using a crinkle cutter. This way, they cook at the same rate. 
  • Soak the potatoes for at least 20 minutes in cool water. This removes excess starch on the outside of the potatoes that prevent them from crisping up. 
  • Let the potatoes dry for at least 30 minutes. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness! For good measure, blot them dry with a towel as well. 
  • Don’t be afraid to season well!
  • Let the oven come fully to temperature before you add the fries to the oven. It needs to be a nice and hot environment.
  • Spread the potato pieces out well on the baking sheet lined with a wire rack to let the hot air circulate around each individual fry. 
Russet potatoes being cut with crinkle cutter tool on a cutting board on black wood table.

Why You Will Completely LOVE Crispy Crinkle Cut French Fries

  • Crispy, golden edges with soft, fluffy centers.
  • Seasoned to perfection with homemade Cajun spice.
  • Healthier than takeout but just as satisfying.
  • Crinkle cut = next-level texture and flavor.
  • No soggy fries here—just crunchy, crave-worthy bites.
  • Pairs perfectly with burgers + sandwiches, or solo snacking!
  • A guaranteed crowd favorite every time.
Fries cut into crinkled shape using crinkle cut tool on a cutting board on a black wood table.

How to Cut Waffle Fries Using a Crinkle Cutter

While these crinkle-cut fries are similar to waffle fries, the process to making them completely waffle fries is super easy! When using a crinkle cutter, you begin by slicing downward from the top end of the potato---this should create a "crinkle-like" shape. 

To make waffle fries, you simply turn your potato 90 degrees after the first cut downward and then cut again----repeating this process until all fries are cut. That simple.

Can I Make These Crinkle Cut Fries in an Air-Fryer?

While I made these crinkle cut fries originally in the oven, this recipe will also work in your air fryer.

I have found that cooking with an air fryer is fast and fairly easy. Air fryers tend to get hotter and have better air circulation than your oven, so they might need a slightly shorter cook time.

If air frying, check on the fries every 10 minutes to shake the potatoes so they do not stick. After 30 mins, check for doneness every few minutes. Both the oven and the air fryer make excellent crispy potato french fries!

Fries soaking in cold water in a silver bowl on a black wood table.

Best Condiments to Serve with Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries

Dipping these crispy Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries is a must and while there are many options out there, I highly recommend serving these fries with any of the following:

Fries cut in a crinkled shape lined side by side on a large baking sheet with parchment paper.

How To Serve Seasoned Crinkle Cut Fries

These homemade crispy fries are so incredibly tasty that they can stand tall as a delicious snack all by themselves. They're a crunchy and satisfying treat that will have you reaching for more.

But if you want a little more, consider pairing them with these options:

  • Serve the potatoes alongside your favorite main course, such as chicken, steak, lamb or fish.
  • With breakfast: ---Serve the potatoes as a savory side dish with breakfast favorites like eggs + bacon.
  • Enjoy the potatoes alongside sandwiches or burgers.
  • Load 'em up --- Top the potatoes with all your favorite fixings like melted cheese, crispy bacon bits, and a dollop of sour cream.
  • Add the potatoes to any table spread or holiday feast.
  • Pair the potatoes with a gooey grilled cheese sandwich for the ultimate comfort food combo.
  • Serve the potatoes alongside a warm bowl of soup or a crisp salad.
Baked crispy fries on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

How to Store + Freeze Crinkle Cut Fries

Place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, simply add leftovers to a freezer safe ziplock bag or container and keep frozen for up to 10 months. 

If you're planning to meal prep your own crinkle cut fries as you would frozen fries, simply do the following to your cut fries:

  • Blanch your fries by cooking them for 2 minutes in boiling water and then transferring them to a bowl of ice water.
  • Drain your fries and lay them out in a single layer (on a baking sheet lined with parchment) to dry.
  • Add the laid out fries (still on the baking sheet) to the freezer for 6 hours or overnight until solid.
  • Transfer the frozen fries to a freezer-safe ziplock bag, label/date, and store in the freezer. 
  • As you would store-bought frozen fries, remove desired servings of fries each time and bake per instructions. 
Fries in a food basket on black wood table with ketchup, seasoning, and a blue napkin.

Do I Really Need to Soak Them?

YES! Soaking the potatoes is key to getting those fries extra crispy. It helps remove excess starch, ensuring your fries come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Skipping this step might leave you with fries that are a bit limp and lacking that ideal texture. If you want that irresistible combo of crispiness and tenderness, soaking is definitely a must-do step.

What Are The Best Potatoes For French Fries?

The top contenders for potatoes are Russet or Yukon potatoes. However, you can also make French fries using large sweet potatoes for a nice twist!

Seasoned Crinkle Cut French Fries Q + A's

How do you make crinkle cut fries taste better?

Basically, you can make your crinkle cut fries taste better with seasoning and herbs. This recipe is well-seasoned, however, if you don't want to use a cajun blend, simply add seasonings like: salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, parsley, thyme, etc. You could also try my lemon pepper seasoning!

How do they cut crinkle fries?

For crinkle-cut fries, simply slice potatoes vertically with a crinkle cutter, also called a wavy chopper or serrated slicer. When the potatoes are super thick, I like to pre-cut them with a sharp knife into easy to handle pieces and then use my crinkle cutter/chopper in each side.

Why is it important to soak potatoes in salt water?

Basically, soaking potatoes in salt water helps to draw out water and removes excess starch, ensuring a crisper, firmer result when cooking + baking your fries.

Is it OK to soak potatoes in salt water overnight?

Yes, BUT you always must soak your potatoes overnight in the refrigerator to adhere to safety measures. Simply tightly seal your bowl with the soaked potatoes and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight, if needed.

Do you rinse potatoes after soaking in water?

Yes! Once you've soaked them, simply drain and rinse before going to the next step which is letting them "air dry".

Why won't my french fries get crispy?

This issue is rather common if you use very starchy potatoes OR you don't allow for the potatoes to soak correctly. I always ensure ensuring that your water is VERY cold and stirring in the salt so that they are well dehydrated after the soak. In addition, it's never bad to prolong the soak time a bit (adding another 30 minutes) for bigger batches.

Up close shot of fries in food basket with a side of ketchup.

More Potato Recipes You'll Love!

If you love these oven baked Crispy Crinkle Cut French Fries, then you'll love these recipes:

MADE OUR RECIPE(S)?

If you tried this Seasoned Crinkle Cut French Fries recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how you go in the 📝 comments below. And don't forget to tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea! I love hearing from you!

Up close shot of fries in food basket with a side of ketchup.

Seasoned Crinkle Cut French Fries

July 28, 2022 •
By Shanika
5 from 7 votes
These homemade Seasoned Crinkle Cut French Fries are the kind you "accidentally" eat straight off the baking sheet. Golden, crispy edges, crinkly goodness, and just the right hit of seasoning—basically, snack heaven. Vegan + Gluten-free.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 55 minutes
Serves: 6 servings
Units:
US Customary|Metric
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Ingredients

HOMEMADE CAJUN BLEND:

  • 2-3 Tbsps Homemade Cajun Seasoning

FRIES:

  • 4 large organic russet or Yukon potatoes
  • ¼ cup Extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt, for soaking

OPTIONAL SAUCES:

  • Ketchup
  • 1 dairy-free Creamy Lemon Garlic Dressing
  • 1 Creamy Honey Mustard Dressing
  • 1 Homemade Vegan Ranch Dressing

Instructions

PREP + SOAK POTATOES:

  • Rinse and pat dry each potato and cut lengthways into halves and then in halves lengthways again, and then one last time----this should create a medium-thick "stick-like" shape. You should have about 6-8 pieces of fries (aka "sticks") when done for each potato. Repeat until all potatoes are cut. Then using a crinkle cutter, slice down the sides of each potato from the top end of the potato---this should create a "crinkle-like" shape. Repeat again and continue to repeat until all potatoes are sliced/shaped.
  • In a bowl, add cold water until ¾ filled along with a few ice cubes and salt to keep things cold. Add cut potatoes into bowl and let soak for 20 minutes.
  • Once soak time is complete, drain potatoes and pat dry thoroughly before adding them unto a flat surface (i.e. countertop, cutting board, etc.) lined with paper towels for them to "dry" out for a bit (about 30-minutes to 1 hour). NOTE: This process helps them to be extra crispy when baked.

BAKE THE FRIES:

  • Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. 
  • Add the dry cut slices of potatoes into a large bowl along with the olive oil and cajun seasoning, mixing everything together with your hands until fries are full coated.
  • Transfer the fries to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 35-40 minutes or until fries are golden and crispy. NOTE: Test the doneness of potatoes by seeing how soft they are and how golden the edges become. If they are tender then they are done.
  • Remove the baked fries from the oven and serve with a side of your favorite condiment/sauce (ketchup, mayo, dressings, etc).
  • Bon Appetit!

Tips & Tricks

  • STORAGE: Place any leftovers in a tightly sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For longer storage, simply add leftovers to a freezer safe ziplock bag or container and keep frozen for up to 10 months. 
  • CAJUN SEASONING (STORAGE): Any leftover cajun seasoning mix can be stored in a ziplock bag for later use or used as garnish. 

Nutrition

Calories: 109kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 10g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Sodium: 393mg | Potassium: 144mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 1552IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 54mg | Iron: 2mg

DID YOU MAKE THIS recipe?

Tag @orchidsnsweettea_ on Instagram and hashtag it #orchidsandsweettea

Script text: Xx, Shanika

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  1. I'm drooling over these fries! Never made crinkle cut fries before but now I have to because these look like fry perfection!

    Reply

  4. These turned out amazing! They're so tasty and crispy on the outside but soft within. I never thought these could be made at home. Great recipe!

    Reply

  5. I loved the seasoning on these crinkle cut fries, and they went so well with the ranch dressing! I will definitely be making this again and again!

    Reply