Have You Ever Wondered How to Make Those Amazing Waffle Fries at Home?
Have you ever taken a bite of those perfectly crispy, golden Chick-fil-A waffle fries and thought, “How do they make these so delicious?” If you’re like me, you’ve probably wished you could enjoy those mouth-watering Chick-fil-A waffle fries without having to leave your house. Well, guess what? Today I’m sharing the secret to making your very own Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe right in your kitchen.
Table of Contents
Why This Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Recipe Is Special
What makes this Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe so special is how close it comes to the real thing! These aren’t just any waffle fries – they have that perfect combination of a crispy outside and soft inside that Chick-fil-A is famous for. Plus, they have a unique seasoning that gives them that can’t-stop-eating flavor we all love.
Time Required: About 45 minutes total (15 minutes prep, 30 minutes cooking) Difficulty Level: Medium – you’ll need a few special tools, but I’ll guide you through it!
Essential Ingredients for Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe
To make these delicious copycat Chick-fil-A waffle fries, you’ll need:
- Russet Potatoes – These are the best potatoes for fries because they’re starchy and make the crispiest fries. You’ll need about 4 large ones.
- Peanut Oil – Chick-fil-A uses peanut oil because it has a high smoke point and gives a special flavor. You’ll need about 4-6 cups for frying.
- Sea Salt – About 2 teaspoons, or to taste.
- Optional Seasoning Mix – 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, and a pinch of sugar to get that special Chick-fil-A flavor.
Ingredient Alternatives
- Can’t use peanut oil? Canola oil or vegetable oil will work too, but the taste will be slightly different.
- No Russet potatoes? Yukon Gold can work in a pinch, but they won’t be quite as crispy.
- Allergic to salt? Try a salt-free seasoning blend, though the taste will be different from the original.
Special Tools You’ll Need
To make waffle-cut fries like Chick-fil-A, you’ll need:
- A waffle cutter or crinkle cutter knife
- OR a mandoline slicer with a waffle/crinkle attachment
- A deep fryer or large, deep pot
- A candy/oil thermometer
- A slotted spoon or spider strainer
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash your Russet potatoes well. You can peel them if you want, but I like to leave the skin on for extra texture.
- Cut off the ends of each potato to create flat surfaces.
Step 2: Create the Waffle Cut
- If using a mandoline with a waffle/crinkle attachment: Set it up according to the directions. Make one cut, then turn the potato 90 degrees and make another cut to create the waffle pattern.
- If using a waffle cutter knife: Slice the potato about ¼ inch thick. Then rotate 90 degrees and cut again to create the waffle pattern.
- If you don’t have either tool: You can use a regular knife to make crinkle cuts. They won’t look exactly the same, but they’ll still taste great!
Step 3: Soak the Potatoes
- Place your cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water.
- Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight in the refrigerator.
- This removes extra starch and helps make them extra crispy!
Step 4: Dry Thoroughly
- Drain the potatoes and rinse with fresh water.
- Lay them out on paper towels or clean kitchen towels.
- Pat them very dry – this is super important for crispy fries!
Step 5: The First Fry (Blanching)
- Heat your peanut oil to 325°F (use your thermometer to check).
- Work in small batches – add a handful of fries to the hot oil.
- Fry for about 3-4 minutes until they’re soft but not browned.
- Remove with your slotted spoon and place on paper towels.
- Repeat with remaining potatoes.
Step 6: The Second Fry (For Crispiness)
- Increase the oil temperature to 375°F.
- Return the blanched fries to the oil in small batches.
- Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes.
- Remove and drain on fresh paper towels.
Step 7: Season While Hot
- While the fries are still hot, sprinkle them with sea salt and the optional seasoning mix.
- Toss gently to coat all the fries evenly.
Assembly and Presentation Tips
To serve your homemade Chick-fil-A waffle fries like a pro:
- Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
- Line a basket or bowl with parchment paper for that fast-food feel.
- Add a small cup of Chick-fil-A sauce on the side (you can buy this at many grocery stores now, or make your own!).
- For a full Chick-fil-A experience, serve alongside a homemade chicken sandwich.
Storage and Reheating Tips for Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe
The truth is, these Chick-fil-A style waffle fries are best eaten fresh! But if you have leftovers:
Storage:
- Let the fries cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Don’t freeze them – they’ll lose their texture.
Reheating:
- Oven method (best): Preheat your oven to 400°F. Spread fries on a baking sheet and heat for 5-7 minutes until crispy again.
- Air fryer method: 3-4 minutes at 350°F works great!
- Avoid the microwave – it will make them soggy.
Creative Waffle Fries Variations
Want to mix it up? Try these tasty twists on the classic Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe:
Loaded Waffle Fries
Top your hot waffle fries with:
- Shredded cheese
- Bacon bits
- Sour cream
- Green onions
Spicy Waffle Fries
Add these to your seasoning mix:
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Sweet Potato Waffle Fries
- Use sweet potatoes instead of Russet
- Season with a mix of salt, cinnamon, and a tiny bit of brown sugar
Herb and Parmesan Waffle Fries
Add these after frying:
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
Dipping Sauce Ideas
What’s a waffle fry without something to dip it in? Try these options:
- Homemade Chick-fil-A sauce (mayo, BBQ sauce, honey, mustard, and lemon juice)
- Ranch dressing
- Honey mustard
- Ketchup (a classic!)
- Garlic aioli
Conclusion
Now you have all the secrets to making amazing Chick-fil-A waffle fries at home any day of the week – even Sundays! While it takes a little practice to get them just right, the results are so worth it. The crispy, perfectly seasoned waffle cut fries will impress your family and friends. So grab those potatoes, heat up that oil, and start cooking! I’d love to hear how your homemade Chick-fil-A waffle fries turn out.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries
Are homemade Chick-fil-A waffle fries healthier than the restaurant version?
When you make them at home, you control the ingredients. You can use less salt or try baking them instead of frying for a healthier option, though they won’t be quite the same.
Can I make these waffle fries in an air fryer?
Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 12-15 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through. They won’t be exactly like Chick-fil-A’s, but still delicious!
Why do I need to soak the potatoes?
Soaking removes extra starch, which helps the fries get crispier when cooked.
Why fry the potatoes twice?
The first fry cooks the inside of the potato, while the second fry makes the outside super crispy. It’s the secret to restaurant-quality fries!
What if I don’t have a waffle cutter?
You can still make delicious fries! Just cut them into regular sticks. They’ll taste great, just with a different shape.
How can I make these fries gluten-free?
Good news! Potatoes are naturally gluten-free, and so is peanut oil. Just be careful about any additional seasonings you add – check that they don’t contain hidden gluten.
Do I really need a thermometer for the oil?
Yes, it helps a lot! The right temperature is key for perfect fries. If the oil is too cool, the fries will absorb too much oil and be soggy. If it’s too hot, they’ll burn on the outside before cooking inside.
Add a Moroccan Touch to Your Kitchen:
While you’re perfecting your Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe, why not elevate your kitchen’s style with some authentic Moroccan decor? Visit our Artisanat Marrakech store on Chairish to discover handcrafted items like Berber carpets, brass chandeliers, and unique ceramic vases. These beautiful pieces will bring a touch of Marrakech charm to your home.
Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe
Ingredients
- 🥔 Ingredients:
- 2 large Russet potatoes or Yukon Gold for a creamier texture
- 2 cups vegetable oil for frying
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt adjust to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for extra spice
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar for that signature Chick-fil-A sweetness
- Cold water for soaking the fries
- Ice cubes to keep the water chilled
Notes
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
- Wash and scrub the potatoes thoroughly.
- Leave the skin on for that authentic Chick-fil-A look and texture.
- Using a waffle fry cutter or mandoline with a crinkle blade, slice the potatoes into ¼-inch thick waffle shapes.
- To create the waffle pattern:
- Slice down once, then rotate the potato 90 degrees before slicing again.
- Repeat this process to achieve the signature waffle shape.
- To create the waffle pattern:
💦 Step 2: Soak the Fries
- Place the cut fries into a large bowl of cold water with a few ice cubes.
- Let them soak for 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour) to remove excess starch.
- Drain and pat the fries dry thoroughly with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
🍟 Step 3: Heat the Oil
- In a deep fryer or large pot, heat vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Use a thermometer to maintain a consistent temperature for even frying.
🔥 Step 4: Fry the Waffle Fries
- Carefully add a batch of fries to the hot oil.
- Fry for 2–3 minutes, or until they turn light golden.
- Remove the fries and place them on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Let them rest for 2–3 minutes.
- Fry the fries a second time for 2–3 minutes until they are golden and crispy.
- Double frying gives them the signature Chick-fil-A crunch.
- Transfer the fries to a cooling rack or a plate lined with fresh paper towels.
🧂 Step 5: Season the Fries
- In a small bowl, mix the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, cayenne pepper, and sugar.
- Sprinkle the seasoning generously over the hot fries.
- Toss the fries gently to ensure even coating.
🍽️ Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve your Chick-fil-A waffle fries hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as Chick-fil-A sauce, ranch, or ketchup.
- Enjoy your crispy, golden waffle fries that taste just like the real deal.