A good plate of fries must be golden, crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside — it’s comfort food at its finest. But when those fries are dusted in smoky paprika, they’re taken to a whole new level of delicious. Enter a quick Paprika Fries recipe — a simple yet irresistible twist on a classic that’s sure to win over anyone who loves bold flavour with their crunch.
At first glance, Paprika Fries might not seem too different from your usual chips. But it’s the seasoning that makes all the difference. Paprika, a ground spice made from dried red peppers, adds a warm, subtly smoky flavour and a gorgeous deep-red colour. It brings a touch of heat without being overpowering, making these fries feel both comforting and exciting all at once.
The beauty of Paprika Fries lies in their balance — crispy edges and a pillowy centre. To get that perfect contrast, the type of potato used is important. Floury varieties like Maris Piper or King Edward are often chosen because they have a soft interior that fluffs up nicely when cooked. The outer layer crisps beautifully in hot oil or the oven, giving you that satisfying crunch in every bite.
Once cooked, the fries are sprinkled with paprika while they’re still warm. This helps the spice cling to the surface, blending with any residual oil or butter to create a light coating of flavour. Some people add a touch of garlic powder, onion powder, or even a pinch of sea salt for extra depth. These additions don’t overwhelm the paprika — they just help it shine.
Paprika Fries are incredibly versatile. They pair well with everything from burgers and grilled meats to roasted vegetables and dips. A dollop of creamy mayonnaise or a splash of tangy ketchup brings out the spice even more. They also make a great snack on their own — satisfying, savoury, and just spicy enough to keep things interesting.
Whether served as a hearty side or enjoyed on their own, Paprika Fries are a reminder that sometimes, it’s the little tweaks — a sprinkle of spice, a crispier finish — that turn everyday dishes into something special. So next time you’re craving fries, reach for the paprika. You won’t be disappointed.
Paprika Fries
Ingredients
- 4 large floury potatoes such as Maris Piper or King Edward
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- sea salt to taste
- ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 220°C (200°C fan) or gas mark 7. Line a baking tray with baking paper or lightly oil it.
- Peel them if you prefer (though the skin adds extra texture), then cut into fries about 1cm thick. Rinse under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat dry thoroughly with a clean tea towel or kitchen paper.4 large floury potatoes
- In a large bowl, toss the dried potato pieces with the olive oil, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder (if using), salt and pepper. Make sure each piece is evenly coated.2 tbsp olive oil, 1½ tsp smoked paprika, ½ tsp garlic powder, ½ tsp onion powder, sea salt, ground black pepper
- Spread the fries out in a single layer on the prepared baking tray. Bake for 25–30 minutes, turning once halfway through, until golden brown and crisp on the outside.
- Remove from the oven and, while still hot, sprinkle with a little extra paprika or salt if desired. Serve immediately with your favourite dip or alongside a main dish.
13 comments
So good. Not having plain chips again!
Honestly, these were better than any takeaway fries I’ve had.
A fantastic twist on regular fries. The paprika adds just the right amount of warmth without being too spicy.
I’ll definitely be making them again.
I tried these with sweet potatoes instead of regular ones and it still worked beautifully.
I paired these with grilled chicken and it was a winning combo. The texture is spot on, and the smoky taste is addictive.
A lovely snack or side dish. I served them with a homemade garlic mayo dip and it was a match made in heaven.
Crispy on the outside and perfectly fluffy inside – what more could you want?
So simple, but the seasoning is perfevt.
Made these for a movie night and they disappeared in minutes.
Absolutely loved these! The paprika gives the fries such a rich, smoky flavour.
Simple ingredients, big flavour! The paprika gives it a warm depth that’s just right for chilly evenings.
Super crispy and the paprika gives them such a unique kick. Love them.