Love the crispy, flavorful fries from Hardee’s? Now you can make their famous seasoned fries right in your own kitchen! This Copycat Hardee’s Seasoned Fries recipe delivers that perfect blend of spices and crunch—easy to whip up and totally addictive. Perfect as a side or snack anytime you’re craving that classic fast-food taste without leaving home.
These Copycat Hardee’s Seasoned Fries bring all the bold, savory flavors of the fast-food favorite right to your kitchen.
Crispy on the outside and tender inside, they’re coated with a perfectly balanced blend of spices that gives every bite a satisfying kick. Whether you air fry or bake them, these fries are simple to make and perfect for pairing with burgers, sandwiches, or as a tasty snack on their own.
If you are looking for other great but Easy Copycat Hardee’s Recipes, try my recipe for Hardee’s Frisco Burger Recipe, Hardee Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe, or Hardees Honey Mustard Recipe.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- 🍟 Perfectly crispy – Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside every time.
- 🌶️ Flavor-packed seasoning – Bold, savory spices that replicate Hardee’s famous fries.
- ⏱️ Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes with simple prep.
- 🍔 Versatile side – Perfect alongside burgers, sandwiches, or as a snack.
- 🏠 Made at home – Skip the fast-food drive-thru and enjoy fresh fries anytime
Hardee’s Fries Ingredients Needed
- Frozen French fries – Convenient, crispy base that cooks evenly in air fryer.
- Olive oil spray – Helps seasoning stick and fries crisp up nicely.
- Paprika – Adds smoky flavor and a vibrant reddish hue.
- Garlic powder – Delivers savory, aromatic depth to the fries.
- Onion powder – Brings mild sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- Salt – Essential for bringing out all the seasoning flavors.
- Black pepper – Provides subtle heat and balances the spices.
- Cayenne pepper – Optional for a touch of spicy warmth.
How To Make Copycat Hardee’s Seasoned Fries
Step 1: Preheat your air fryer temperature to 400 degrees F (200°C), for 3-5 minutes.
Step 2: Place frozen French fries in a large bowl. Lightly spray or drizzle with olive oil to help the seasoning stick. Mix in the the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Toss well to coat evenly.
Step 3: Arrange the fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Set cook time for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even crisping. Once golden and crispy, remove the fries from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Copycat Hardee’s Seasoned Fries Recipe Tips
🍟 Use thin-cut fries – Shoestring or fast food-style frozen fries work best for even seasoning and crispiness.
🧴 Lightly coat with oil – A quick spray of olive oil helps the spices stick and creates that signature crunch.
🔄 Shake halfway through – Toss the fries in the air fryer basket halfway to ensure they cook evenly.
🌶️ Adjust spice level – Add more cayenne if you like it hot or skip it for a milder flavor.
🧂 Season while hot – For the most flavor, season the fries right after cooking while they’re still hot and crisp.
Storing & Reheating Instructions
🫙 Storing: Let the fries cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
🔥 Reheating: Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F for 4–6 minutes until hot and crispy again. Oven: Bake at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes on a baking sheet. Microwave (not recommended): Fries may become soggy but can be reheated in 30-second intervals.
What To Serve With Copycat Hardee’s Seasoned Fries
Copycat Hardee’s seasoned fries pair perfectly with a variety of main dishes, making them a versatile side for any meal. Serve them alongside burgers, hot dogs, or fried chicken sandwiches for a classic fast-food-inspired combo.
They also make a great addition to grilled meats like steak, chicken, or even barbecue pulled pork. For a fun twist, try loading them up with cheese, bacon, and sour cream for a fry-based appetizer or game-day snack.
Copycat Hardee’s Seasoned Fries Recipe Faqs
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries? Yes! Just cut them into thin strips, soak in water for 30 minutes, pat dry, then season and cook as directed.
What type of frozen fries works best? Thin-cut or shoestring-style fries mimic Hardee’s texture the closest, but crinkle or steak fries can work too.
Can I bake these instead of air frying? Absolutely—bake in a preheated oven at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
How spicy is the seasoning? It’s mildly spiced. You can adjust the heat by increasing or omitting the cayenne pepper.
Can I make the seasoning mix ahead of time? Yes! Mix a big batch and store it in an airtight container for quick and easy use anytime.
More Copycat Hardee Recipes
Air Fryer Hardee’s Big Hot Ham N’ Cheese
Hardee’s Apple Turnovers Recipe
Hardee Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe
Better Than Hardee’s Cinnamon Raisin Biscuits Recipe
Copycat Hardee’s Mushroom Swiss Burger Recipe
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Copycat Hardee’s Seasoned Fries
Description
Ingredients
- 16 ounces frozen French fries, (thin-cut or shoestring)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil, or olive oil spray
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for heat
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley, optional
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- In a large bowl, toss frozen fries with olive oil or spray lightly to coat.
- In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper (if using), and parsley.
- Sprinkle seasoning over the fries and toss to coat evenly.
- Air fry the fries in a single layer for 15–20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or alongside burgers and sandwiches.
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Notes
INGREDIENTS SUBSTITUTION
- French fries: You can substitute them with any frozen French fries you like. Just keep in mind that if you take thicker fries, your cooking time may vary.
- If you don’t have garlic powder, onion powder can be used instead.
SKILLS
- I have an air fryer with a basket, so every 5 minutes, it is easy for me to shake it for 2 or 3 seconds. If you don’t have one, use a spatula to move them around. By doing this, it allows the fries to cook more evenly.
- I use half the bag because putting too many fries will not allow the fries to cook properly as the air is restricted to properly cook all the fries.
Nutrition
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