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This French Fry Seasoning is the ultimate spice blend for fresh or frozen fries, potato wedges, and even roasted potatoes. Plus, it’s so easy to make with simple pantry ingredients. Mix once, store for months, and make every bite taste better!

White ramekin filled with homemade fry seasoning blend, placed on a tray next to crispy golden French fries.
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This Is The Best Fry Seasoning Because…

If I’m being honest, French fries are always better with plenty of seasoning, and this homemade fry seasoning is my favorite. It’s bold, yet balanced, and guaranteed to add delicious flavor to all your favorite fry recipes. It also,

  • Works on everything: Perfect for homemade French fries, frozen fries, crispy Air Fryer potato wedges, roasted potatoes, and more!
  • Quick & easy: Mix together in just 5 minutes using pantry spices.
  • Versatile flavor: Smoky, garlicky, herby, with a touch of heat.
  • Make-ahead friendly: Stores well in a spice jar for up to 3 months.
  • Family favorite: A kid-approved seasoning that also impresses adults.

What’s In Fry Seasoning

This is what you need to make this homemade French fry seasoning recipe:

Small dish holding individual piles of seasoning ingredients: sea salt, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, dried parsley, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper.
  • Garlic powder: Adds depth and savory richness. If you don’t have garlic powder, you can use granulated garlic, though the flavor will be slightly stronger.
  • Onion powder: Balances the blend with mild sweetness. Granulated onion works as a substitute, just use slightly less since it’s more potent.
  • Smoked paprika: Brings smoky flavor and a hint of earthiness. You can swap in regular paprika for a milder flavor, or hot paprika for extra spice.
  • Dried oregano: Adds an herby, slightly peppery note. Italian seasoning can be used as a substitute in a pinch.
  • Dried parsley: Lends a mild, fresh herb flavor and a pop of color. Dried basil or chives make good alternatives.
  • Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and makes the seasoning pop. For the smoothest coating and best flavor, use fine sea salt or kosher salt. Avoid table salt which may contain anti-caking agents that can add a metallic aftertaste or flakey salts which don’t mix well due to their large crystals.
  • Ground black pepper: Provides a sharp bite and balances the smokiness. White pepper can be used for a more subtle flavor.
  • Cayenne pepper: Adds gentle heat without overpowering the mix. For less spice, reduce or omit; for more kick, increase slightly.

This recipe makes about 5 tablespoons of seasoning, or enough for 4 to 5 pounds of fries. For smaller portions, you can scale the recipe down, or double it to keep extra seasoning stored for up to 3 months in an airtight jar.

How to Make Fry Seasoning

  1. Measure the spices: In a small bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, dried oregano, dried parsley, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
  2. Mix well: Stir or whisk until all ingredients are evenly combined.
  3. Store: Transfer the blend to a small airtight jar or spice container. Keep in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months.
  4. Use on fries: Sprinkle generously over hot fries right after deep-frying, air frying, or roasting, then toss to coat evenly.
Homemade fry seasoning blend mixed together in a white dish with a gold spoon scooping up the seasoning.

Ways to Use Fry Seasoning

This bold, smoky seasoning mix isn’t just for French fries. Keep a jar in your pantry and use it to add flavor to a variety of dishes. Here are some ways I’ve used it in the past:

  • Potatoes: Toss with crispy Air Fryer potato wedges, sprinkle over garlic roasted potatoes, or stir it into buttery mashed potatoes.
  • Roasted Vegetables: Sprinkle over carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, or Brussels sprouts before serving.
  • Popcorn: Add a savory twist to movie night by tossing fresh popcorn with melted butter and fry seasoning.
  • Proteins: Rub onto chicken, shrimp, or baked pork chops for a quick flavor boost.
  • Eggs: Shake a little over scrambled or fried eggs to wake up breakfast.
  • Avocado Toast: Sprinkle over the top for a savory, smoky kick.
Close-up of a spoon holding homemade fry seasoning blend with visible herbs and spices, French fries blurred in the background.
Golden crispy French fries sprinkled with homemade fry seasoning, served on a tray with a bowl of ketchup for dipping

Frequently Asked Questions

Should you season fries before or after cooking?

Always season fries after cooking while they’re still hot. The heat and surface oil help the spices stick, ensuring every fry is coated with flavor. If you season before cooking, the spices often burn, leaving the fries bland or bitter.

What’s the Best Salt for Seasoning Blends?

Fine sea salt or finely ground kosher salt works best because it blends smoothly with other spices and sticks evenly to hot fries. Avoid table salt (which can taste metallic) and flaky finishing salts (which don’t mix well in seasoning blends).

How Much Seasoning Should I Use on Fries?

A good rule of thumb is about 1 tablespoon of seasoning per pound of fries. Adjust to taste depending on how bold you want the flavor.

More Homemade Seasoning Recipes

Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and a star rating below – your feedback helps others discover (and enjoy) this recipe too. Thank you so much! 💛

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White ramekin filled with homemade fry seasoning blend, placed on a tray next to crispy golden French fries.
5 from 1 vote

French Fry Seasoning


Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlightJessica Randhawa
A bold and balanced spice mix made with garlic, onion, paprika, herbs, and cayenne pepper. Perfect for seasoning homemade fries, frozen fries, wedges, roasted potatoes, and more. Ready in 5 minutes and keeps for up to 3 months!
Prep: 5 minutes
Total: 5 minutes
Servings: 5 tablespoons (approx)
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Ingredients 

Instructions 

  • Add all of the spices to a small mixing bowl. Stir thoroughly with a spoon or whisk until the spices are evenly combined and no clumps remain.
  • Transfer the blend to a clean, dry spice jar or airtight container.
  • Use about 1 tablespoon per pound of fries, sprinkling while they are still hot for the best flavor adhesion

Notes

  • Storage: Keep the seasoning stored in an airtight jar in a cool, dry place for up to 3 months. Shake before each use to redistribute spices.
  • Yield: Makes about 5 tablespoons of seasoning, enough for 4-5 pounds of fries or wedges.
For more information about the ingredients, FAQs, and ways to use your homemade fry seasoning, please visit the full post. And if you have any questions, feel free to leave me a comment, I love hearing from you!

Nutrition

Calories: 15kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.2g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 1398mg | Potassium: 64mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 486IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment below!
Close up photo of Chef Jessica Randhawa of The Forked Spoon in a blue spotted dress, in the sunlight

Jessica Randhawa

Chef | Food Photographer

Jessica Randhawa leads The Forked Spoon, sharing 14 years of experience and over 1,200 original recipes, kitchen tips, and practical cooking advice. Inspired by her world travels, Jessica's approachable recipes have been featured in outlets such as USA Today, Daily Mail, and CNET. She holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of California.

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Recipe Rating




5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)