Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries are a cult favorite, and it’s no mystery why. Crispy on the outside, fluffy on the inside, and perfectly seasoned, these fries are the ideal side dish to just about anything—or a treat all on their own. But what if you could recreate that magic at home? Whether you’re a dedicated fan or just want to impress your family and friends, we’ve got you covered with this easy, step-by-step guide to making copycat Chick-fil-A waffle fries.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the recipe, share pro tips for perfect fries, and even dive into a little history of waffle fries for fun. Let’s get frying!
The Secret Behind Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fries
Before we jump into the recipe, let’s talk about what makes Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries so special. It’s not just the shape—though that’s a big part of the appeal. The unique crisscross pattern of waffle fries creates the perfect balance of crispy edges and soft centers, maximizing texture and flavor in every bite.
The flavor comes from a simple seasoning of salt that lets the natural potato taste shine. However, the cooking process—a perfect balance of frying time and temperature—is what ensures that golden, crispy exterior. By following the steps below, you can replicate this at home with ease.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The best part of this recipe? It uses simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 large russet potatoes – These are ideal for waffle fries due to their starchy texture, which results in a crispy finish.
- Vegetable oil – For frying. Peanut oil is a great alternative and is, in fact, what Chick-fil-A uses.
- Kosher salt – For that perfect seasoning.
- Ice water – To soak the potatoes and ensure crispiness.
Optional:
- Paprika, garlic powder, or black pepper for added seasoning if you want to customize the flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Mandoline slicer with a waffle blade – This is essential for achieving the classic waffle shape. If you don’t have one, you can use a sharp knife, but it will be more challenging.
- Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot – For frying the potatoes.
- Spider strainer or slotted spoon – For safely removing fries from the hot oil.
- Paper towels – To drain excess oil after frying.
Step-by-Step Recipe
1. Prepare the Potatoes
Start by washing and peeling your russet potatoes. Leaving the skin on is also an option if you prefer a rustic look and feel.
2. Slice the Potatoes
Use the mandoline slicer with the waffle blade attachment to slice the potatoes. For the crisscross pattern, rotate the potato 90 degrees after each slice. Aim for slices about 1/4-inch thick to replicate the iconic texture of Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries.
3. Soak the Potatoes
Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of ice water. Soaking is a critical step as it removes excess starch, which helps the fries achieve a crispier texture. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, but an hour is even better.
4. Preheat the Oil
While the potatoes are soaking, heat your oil to 350°F (175°C) in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot. Use a thermometer to ensure the oil maintains a consistent temperature—this is key to perfectly fried potatoes.
5. Dry the Potatoes
After soaking, drain the potatoes and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess water is essential to prevent splattering when the fries hit the hot oil.
6. Fry the Potatoes
Carefully place a batch of potatoes into the hot oil. Fry for 3-4 minutes until they start to turn a light golden color. This is the first fry, which cooks the potatoes through without fully crisping them.
Remove the fries from the oil and let them drain on paper towels. Allow the oil to return to 350°F before adding the next batch.
7. Second Fry for Crispiness
Once all the potatoes have been fried once, increase the oil temperature slightly to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again for 2-3 minutes or until they are golden brown and crispy.
Remove them from the oil, drain on fresh paper towels, and immediately sprinkle with kosher salt for that authentic Chick-fil-A taste.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your waffle fries hot with your favorite dipping sauces, such as Chick-fil-A’s signature sauce, ketchup, or honey mustard. They’re best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated in an air fryer if needed.
Pro Tips for Perfect Waffle Fries
1. Choose the Right Potato
Russet potatoes are ideal because of their high starch and low moisture content, which results in crispier fries.
2. Master the Mandoline
Getting the perfect waffle shape can take some practice. Always rotate the potato 90 degrees between slices, and be cautious—mandolines are sharp!
3. Double Fry for Success
The secret to crispy fries is the double fry technique. The first fry cooks the potato through, while the second fry adds the crunch.
4. Don’t Crowd the Pot
Frying too many potatoes at once lowers the oil temperature, which can make your fries soggy. Fry in small batches for the best results.
5. Season Immediately
Seasoning the fries while they’re hot ensures the salt sticks and evenly coats each fry.
Why Make Waffle Fries at Home?
Making your own waffle fries offers several benefits:
- Customization: You can tweak the seasoning to suit your taste, add spices, or even try a parmesan and herb topping for a gourmet twist.
- Cost-Effective: A bag of potatoes and some oil is much cheaper than dining out.
- Freshness: There’s nothing like fries straight from the fryer.
- Fun: It’s a great activity for kids and adults alike.
Nutritional Information
Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional content for homemade waffle fries (based on a serving of about 1 cup):
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 11g
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 3g
- Sodium: 200mg (varies based on seasoning)
While fried foods should be enjoyed in moderation, making them at home allows you to control the ingredients and portion sizes.
A Brief History of Waffle Fries
Waffle fries, also known as “pommes gaufrettes” in French, trace their origins back to traditional European cuisine. Their unique shape is achieved through a special cutting technique, which has evolved over the years with modern kitchen tools.
Chick-fil-A popularized waffle fries in the U.S. by including them on their menu in the 1980s. Their success is due in part to their iconic shape, which maximizes surface area for crispiness while remaining fluffy on the inside.
Wrapping It Up
Now that you know how to make Chick-fil-A-inspired waffle fries, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! This recipe is straightforward, fun, and yields delicious results that will rival any fast-food chain.
Whether you’re hosting a game night, preparing a family dinner, or just treating yourself, these waffle fries are sure to be a hit. Pair them with homemade chicken sandwiches for the full Chick-fil-A experience, or enjoy them as a standalone snack.
Happy frying!
