Are Popeyes Fries Gluten Free? Plus A Recipe For Fries and Fried Chicken

Last Updated on September 1, 2024

Popeye’s fries are infamous and make no mistake about it, rightly so. Their Cajun fries are absolutely delicious. Popeyes fries sizes come in regular and large, and are very reasonably priced. Eating out can be difficult when following a gluten free diet, and something as plain as fries can often contain gluten. But are Popeyes fries gluten free? Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Popeyes?

If you’re from the US, you’ll likely already know what Popeyes is. Popeyes (or Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen) is a fried chicken fast food chain that originated over 50 years ago in Louisiana, US. While they started in the US, the chain now has locations all across the globe. In fact, they currently have over 3700 locations worldwide.

While Popeyes is best known for it’s chicken dishes such as their infamous chicken sandwich, chicken tenders, nuggets and wings, they also offer seafood, such as popcorn shrimp. As well as that, they have a delicious selection of sides including biscuits, mashed potatoes, Cajun rice and Cajun fries.

Are Popeyes Fries Gluten Free?

Unfortunately, Popeyes fries are not gluten free. This is because of a few reasons. The main reason is that the fries themselves contain gluten. One of the main ingredients in their fries is bleached enriched wheat flour. Another reason is because their fries share a fryer with gluten containing products, such as their chicken tenders and chicken nuggets. For this reason, you can not enjoy the Cajun fries from Popeyes when following a gluten free diet.

Are Popeyes Fries Breaded?

Popeyes fries are not breaded, but they do have a coating of flour to help make them crispier, and even more flavorful. If following a gluten free diet, you should not eat the fries from Popeyes.

Are Popeyes Mashed Potatoes Gluten Free?

Unfortunately, the mashed potatoes from Popeyes are also not gluten free. The allergens listed in their mashed potatoes and gravy are milk, wheat and sulfites. For this reason, you should not eat the mashed potatoes from Popeyes when following a gluten free lifestyle.

Popeyes Menu Gluten Free

If you’re looking for a meal from Popeyes, unfortunately, there is very little choice. For such a popular fast food chain, it’s disappointing how limited the choices are for those on a gluten free diet.

However, if you’re looking for a quick snack from Popeyes, the following menu items are free from any gluten ingredients:

• Cajun rice
• coleslaw
• corn on the cob
• red beans and rice
• jalapenos
• apple sauce

How To Make Popeyes Fries

If you’re looking to make Popeyes fries at home, then look no further. And guess what, this recipe is completely gluten free.

Ingredients

• 4 tablespoons of canola oil (or olive oil)
• 3 russet potatoes (large)
• 1 teaspoon of salt
• 1 teaspoon of black pepper
• 1 teaspoon of chili powder
• 1 teaspoon of oregano
• 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon of onion powder
• sprinkle of turmeric
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne

Recipe

Step 1: Prepare

Prepare by preheating your oven to 475F. Next, grab a bowl and add the salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, turmeric, paprika, sugar and cayenne. Mix well and leave to one side. Prepare the potatoes by cutting into strips and washing. Once washed, place in hot water and leave for 20 minutes and then dry on a paper towel. Grease a pan with 3 tablespoons of oil and 1/3 of the seasoning you’ve made.

Step 2: Cook the Potatoes

Place the fries into a bowl with one tablespoon of oil and add the rest of the seasoning (leave a small amount) and coat the fries well. Now place the potatoes onto your pan and cover with foil. Place into your preheated oven and cook for 5 minutes. Remove foil and cook for a further 15 minutes. Turn fries over and cook for a further 15 minutes.

Step 3: Serve

Sprinkle any remaining seasoning you have left after your fries are out of the oven. Serve and enjoy!

How To Make Gluten Free Popeyes Chicken

Let’s take a look at this copycat fried chicken recipe inspired by Fearless Dining.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of tapioca starch
• 2 cups of hot oil
• 1 cup of buttermilk
• 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
• 1/4 tablespoon of red wine vinegar
• salt and pepper (to taste)
• 8-10 pieces of chicken

Recipe

Step 1: Marinade

Add all ingredients (besides chicken, oil and tapioca) and mix well. Pour the marinade over your chicken and put in a Ziplock bag. Place in the refrigerator for around 12 hours. Once ready, drain your chicken.

Step 2: Fry the Chicken

Place chicken in the bowl of tapioca and coat each piece of chicken well. Leave to rest for a few minutes. Wait for the oil to be hot (around 350F) before adding the chicken. Fry each piece of chicken for around 10 minutes on each side. The internal temperature of chicken should be 165F when cooked, and the juices should run clear.

Step 3: Serve

Remove fried chicken pieces from oil and drain on paper towels. Season with salt and pepper. Serve and enjoy!

Conclusion – Are Popeyes Fries Gluten Free?

I hope this post has helped to answer the question: are Popeyes fries gluten free? Unfortunately, there is very little at Popeyes that is safe for a gluten free diet. We can only hope that this changes in the future and more options will become available, as I miss the chicken so much!