Salt can bring out the flavor of a fresh batch of French fries, but it does little to change the flavor of the potato itself. A mix of common pantry spices can add garlic, herbs, pepper, and paprika without requiring a bottled fry seasoning.
The blend uses seven ingredients that can be mixed in a few minutes and stored in a sealed spice jar. It works with deep-fried, oven-baked, and air-fried potatoes, with a small change in when you add it depending on the cooking method.
Seven Pantry Ingredients Make the Seasoning
Combine 2 tablespoons of paprika with 1 tablespoon each of garlic powder, onion powder, dried oregano, dried thyme, black pepper, and salt. Stir until the powders and dried herbs are distributed throughout the mixture.
Paprika forms the base and gives the fries an earthy pepper flavor, while garlic and onion powders add the savory notes often missing from fries seasoned with salt alone. Oregano and thyme bring in the herbal component, and black pepper adds a sharper finish.
Smoked paprika can replace regular paprika for a deeper smoky taste. Cayenne pepper or chili powder can also be added when more heat is wanted, though the basic seven-ingredient mix works without either.
When You Add the Seasoning Matters
Deep-fried potatoes should be seasoned as soon as they leave the hot oil. The thin layer of oil left on their surface helps the dry mixture cling to the fries rather than collecting at the bottom of the bowl.
Oven and air-fryer fries give you another option. Toss the cut potatoes with a small amount of oil and seasoning before cooking so the spices coat each piece. Seasoning can also be added after cooking if you want more control over the final amount of salt and spice.
Avoid adding a heavy coating without enough oil to hold it in place. Fine powders such as paprika, garlic, and onion powder can fall away from a dry potato surface before you get much flavor from them.
Make a Jar Instead of Mixing It Every Time
Since every ingredient in the blend is dry, there is no need to prepare a new batch whenever fries are on the menu. Transfer the mixture to an airtight spice jar and keep it in a cool, dry cabinet away from the stove and other sources of heat or moisture.
The same seasoning also works on potato wedges, roasted potatoes, vegetables, popcorn, and other savory foods that could use more than a layer of salt. Making a larger batch turns seven separate spice containers into one mixture that is ready whenever potatoes go into the oven, air fryer, or hot oil.
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