If you think regular fries are delicious, just wait until you meet this Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe! Imagine golden, crispy fries smothered in plump, garlicky shrimp, chunks of sweet crab, and a creamy-spicy Cajun sauce. Every bite is bursting with flavor and a little bit of coastal magic. Whether you’re planning a fun family dinner or impressing your friends at your next get-together, these fries win hearts every time!

Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe brings together a handful of essential ingredients, and every single one is chosen for the way it boosts taste and texture. From perfectly crispy fries to a rich, buttery seafood topping and a zippy Cajun sauce, each piece plays a delicious role.

French fries (1 lb, frozen or fresh): Start with your favorite fries for a fast base that’s sturdy enough to hold all that seafood!
Olive oil (1 tbsp): Tossing your fries in olive oil helps achieve that irresistible golden crispiness.
Salt (1/2 tsp): Just enough to bring out the natural flavor of the fries.
Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a mild heat and depth to the simple fries.
Shrimp (1/2 lb, peeled and deveined): They cook up quickly and bring a delicate, snappy bite.
Snow crab meat (1/2 cup, pre-cooked): Sweet and tender, crab elevates the seafood blend beautifully.
Butter (2 tbsp): Butter lays down a rich, savory base for sautéing the shrimp and garlic.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Garlic infuses the seafood with boldness and a comforting aroma.
Smoked paprika (1/2 tsp): Adds a hint of smoky depth and warm color.
Cajun seasoning (1/2 tsp for seafood, 1 tsp for sauce): Bright and spicy, it ties the whole dish together.
Lemon juice (2 tbsp total): A splash in both seafood and sauce gives unbeatable freshness.
Mayonnaise (1/2 cup): The creamy element for that luscious Cajun drizzle.
Sour cream (2 tbsp): Adds tanginess and helps create an ultra-smooth sauce.
Hot sauce (1 tbsp or to taste): Spice lovers can turn up the heat here!
Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): For gentle, rounded garlic flavor in the sauce.
Onion powder (1/2 tsp): Melds into the sauce, creating extra savory undertones.
Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): A green, herby pop that lifts and visually finishes the dish.

How to Make Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe

Step 1: Crisp Up the Fries

Start by preheating your oven to 425°F, or crank your air fryer to 400°F for that craveable crunch. Toss your fries in olive oil, salt, and black pepper, spreading them on a baking sheet or in the fryer basket. Bake around 20 minutes (or air fry for 12), flipping halfway to get fries ultra-crispy and golden brown. These fries are your delicious canvas!

Step 2: Sauté the Seafood

While your fries are sizzling away, grab a skillet and add those buttery aromatics. Melt the butter on medium heat, drop in garlic, and let it sizzle for 30 seconds until the kitchen smells incredible. Toss in the shrimp, smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, and lemon juice. Cook for 3–4 minutes on each side until the shrimp turn opaque and start curling. Finally, stir in the crab meat and cook for 2 minutes more, just to warm everything through and let flavors mingle.

Step 3: Whip Up the Creamy Cajun Sauce

This sauce is the magical finishing touch in the Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe. In a bowl, simply whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and fresh lemon juice. It only takes a minute, but this sauce brings the whole dish together with a spicy, tangy kick.

Step 4: Assemble and Garnish

Take your hot, crispy fries and pile them onto a platter. Scoop the garlicky shrimp and crab mixture generously over top. Drizzle the luscious Cajun sauce across everything, then sprinkle with a shower of fresh parsley. For extra flair, you can even add cheese, bacon, or crispy onions before serving!

How to Serve Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe

Garnishes

The final flourish really makes your Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe pop! Freshly chopped parsley not only adds color, but a fresh, herbaceous spark. For those who love some extra flair, a scatter of thinly sliced green onions, shredded Parmesan, or a few lemon wedges can really jazz up the platter. Feeling spicy? A light dusting of smoked paprika or extra hot sauce is always welcome!

Side Dishes

Though this dish absolutely shines on its own, pairing Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe with a few side options can make a meal feel complete. Crisp coleslaw brings a crunchy contrast and refreshes the palate. Garlic bread offers a chewy, toasty friend for dipping, while a glass of sweet tea or lemonade rounds everything out in classic Southern-comfort style.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party vibe, serve the fries in mini baskets or paper boats for easy mingling. Pile everything high on a large platter for family-style sharing, or portion into individual bowls for a casual dinner. You can even layer everything in a cast iron skillet for a dramatic, hot-from-the-oven presentation that truly wows!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with a few extras (hard to believe!), store any remaining fries and seafood in separate airtight containers in the fridge. This helps keep the fries from getting too soggy and the seafood topping as fresh as possible. Both components should keep well for up to two days.

Freezing

While fries themselves are plenty freezer-friendly, the seafood topping is best eaten fresh. If you do freeze extras, place the cooled shrimp and crab topping in a well-sealed container and freeze for up to a month. Fries can be frozen too, but for best texture, re-crisp them in a hot oven or air fryer after thawing.

Reheating

To bring your Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe back to life, warm the fries on a baking sheet in the oven at 400°F until crisp again, about 8–10 minutes. Gently reheat the seafood topping in a skillet over low heat, just until warmed—avoid overcooking to keep the shrimp tender. Always drizzle fresh Cajun sauce before serving for the creamiest finish.

FAQs

Can I use other types of seafood?

Absolutely! This Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe is the perfect base to swap in scallops, lobster, or your favorite white fish. Just be sure to adjust cooking times for smaller or firmer seafood to avoid overcooking.

What fries work best for this recipe?

Thicker fries such as steak fries or crinkle-cut hold up well to the delicious, saucy topping. However, shoestring and curly fries also work in a pinch, especially if you prefer more crunch.

Is the dish spicy?

There’s definitely a gentle Cajun kick, but you’re in full control! Dial up the hot sauce for a fiery version, or cut back for a milder plate of fries. Either way, the heat level is easy to customize to your taste.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The creamy Cajun sauce can be whipped up a day in advance and stored covered in the fridge. It will thicken slightly and the flavors deepen, making it even more delicious poured over hot fries.

Is this Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe gluten-free?

The recipe is mostly gluten-free depending on your choice of fries. Always check packaging for hidden wheat ingredients or cross-contamination. Homemade or certified gluten-free fries make it easier to adapt for gluten-sensitive guests.

Final Thoughts

Seafood Loaded Fries Recipe isn’t just a snack—it’s an experience you’ll want to share again and again. Crispy, creamy, bold, and fresh, this creative twist on loaded fries is pure comfort with a coastal spin. Give it a whirl, and you just might find your new favorite way to treat yourself and your loved ones!