Chick Fil A Waffle Fries Recipe – The Best Copycat Guide!

Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe is the perfect way to enjoy crispy, golden fries at home. These famous waffle fries are loved for their crisscross shape, crunchy texture, and light seasoning. By using fresh Russet potatoes, proper cutting techniques, and a two-step frying method, you can recreate the Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe just like the restaurant version. Whether deep-frying for maximum crispiness or air-frying for a healthier alternative, this guide will help you make the best homemade Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe with ease. Let’s get started!

Introduction to Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe

Why Are Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe So Popular?

The Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe is loved for its crispy exterior and fluffy interior. Unlike regular fries, their waffle shape creates more surface area, making them extra crunchy while still soft inside. Their unique design also makes them perfect for dipping in Chick-fil-A’s signature sauces.

What Makes Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe Different from Regular Fries?

The biggest difference between Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe and straight-cut fries is their grid-like shape and texture. This unique cut helps the fries cook evenly and allows them to hold more seasoning and sauce, making them irresistibly flavorful.

Ingredients Needed for Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe

Before making the Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe, it’s important to gather the right ingredients. Using high-quality ingredients ensures that your fries will have the same crispy texture and delicious taste as the original.

Best Type of Potatoes to Use

The key to achieving the perfect Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe is choosing the right potatoes. Chick fil A uses Russet potatoes, which are known for their:

• High starch content, making them crispy on the outside and soft inside.
• Low moisture, which prevents sogginess.
• Mild flavor, allowing the seasoning to shine.

For the best results, use large Russet potatoes and scrub them clean before cutting.

Seasoning and Coating Ingredients

Chick fil A’s waffle fries are lightly seasoned, enhancing their natural potato flavor. To recreate their signature taste, you’ll need:

• Kosher salt – for the classic Chick fil A taste.
• Paprika (optional) – adds a mild smoky flavor.
• Fine sea salt – for an extra layer of flavor.
• Garlic powder (optional) – enhances the taste without overpowering.

Chick fil A keeps their exact seasoning mix a secret, but this blend closely matches the original.

Oil Choice for Frying

Chick fil A uses canola oil to fry their waffle fries. Canola oil is preferred because it:

• Has a neutral flavor, allowing the fries’ taste to stand out.
• Has a high smoke point, making it ideal for frying.
• Produces a crispy, golden-brown texture.

Other alternatives include peanut oil or vegetable oil, but canola oil gives the closest result to the Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe.

How to Cut Waffle Fries at Home

The signature Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe starts with perfectly cut potatoes. Their grid-like pattern gives them their unique texture and makes them extra crispy. Follow these steps to get the perfect cut every time.

Choosing the Right Cutter for Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe

To achieve the signature waffle shape, use a waffle fry cutter, also known as a crinkle-cut slicer or mandoline with a wavy blade. This tool creates the ridged texture that makes waffle fries so crispy.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting Chick fil A Waffle Fries

1. Wash and dry the potatoes – No need to peel them; Chick-fil-A fries have the skin on.
2. Use the waffle fry cutter – Slice down firmly, then rotate the potato 90 degrees and slice again to create the crisscross pattern.
3. Keep slices even – Cut each fry about ¼ inch thick for even cooking.

Tips for Perfectly Shaped Fries

• Rotate the potato with each slice – This ensures the waffle effect.
• Keep the thickness even – Thicker slices won’t cook properly, while thinner slices can burn.
• Use firm pressure – A strong push ensures the ridges are well-defined.

Preparing Waffle Fries for Cooking

Before frying, it’s important to prepare the potatoes correctly. This step ensures that your Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe turns out crispy and golden brown, just like the real thing.

Soaking the Potatoes for Crispiness

One of the secrets to Chick fil A’s waffle fries is soaking the potatoes in water before frying. This helps to:

• Remove excess starch, which prevents soggy fries.
• Improve crispiness, creating a light, crunchy texture.
• Ensure even cooking, so the inside stays soft while the outside crisps up.

How to Soak the Potatoes

1. Place the cut waffle fries in a large bowl of cold water.
2. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best results.
3. Drain the water and rinse the fries to remove any remaining starch.

Drying and Prepping for Frying

Before frying, the potatoes must be completely dry to prevent oil splatters and ensure crispiness.

How to Dry the Fries

1. Place the soaked waffle fries on a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
2. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove all moisture.
3. Let them air-dry for 5-10 minutes before cooking.

Cooking Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe – Step-by-Step

Now that your potatoes are cut, soaked, and dried, it’s time to cook them! The Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe can be made using two methods: deep frying (for the most authentic taste) or air frying (for a healthier option).

Deep Frying vs. Air Frying Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Recipe

Chick fil A uses deep frying to achieve the perfect crispiness, but air frying is a great alternative for a lighter version.

Perfect Temperature for Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe

• Deep Frying: Heat canola oil to 325°F (163°C) for the first fry and 375°F (190°C) for the second fry.
• Air Frying: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for best results.

How Long to Cook Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe

For Deep Frying:

1. First Fry (325°F / 163°C): Fry for 2-3 minutes to cook the inside. Remove and drain.
2. Second Fry (375°F / 190°C): Fry for 1-2 more minutes until golden brown and crispy.
3. Drain & Season: Place fries on a paper towel to remove excess oil and sprinkle with salt immediately.

For Air Frying:

1. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
2. Arrange the fries in a single layer for even cooking.
3. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-15 minutes, shaking halfway through.
4. Remove, season, and serve hot!

For more tips on deep-frying techniques and oil temperatures, check out this expert guide from Serious Eats

How to Season Chick fil A Waffle Fries

The secret to Chick fil A’s Waffle Fries Recipe isn’t just in the cooking—it’s also in the seasoning! Chick fil A keeps their exact seasoning blend a secret, but we can recreate a similar flavor at home with simple ingredients.

What Seasoning Does Chick fil A Use?

Chick fil A keeps their waffle fries lightly seasoned to highlight the natural potato flavor. Their seasoning mainly consists of:

• Kosher salt – Provides a clean, balanced saltiness.
• Fine sea salt – A second layer of salt for enhanced taste.
• Paprika (optional) – Adds a subtle smoky note.

Unlike some fast-food fries, Chick fil A Waffle Fries do not have complex spice blends or artificial flavors—just a simple, delicious salty taste.

DIY Chick fil A Seasoning Recipe

Want to make your fries taste just like Chick fil A’s? Try this homemade Chick fil A waffle fries seasoning mix:

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)

How to Apply the Seasoning:

1. Season immediately after frying – While the fries are still hot, sprinkle the seasoning mix over them.
2. Toss the fries gently – This helps evenly coat the fries without overpowering the flavor.
3. Adjust seasoning to taste – If you prefer a stronger flavor, add more seasoning while the fries are warm.

Alternative Seasoning Ideas

Want to try a twist on the classic Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe? Here are a few seasoning ideas:

• Spicy Fries: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder for heat.
• Garlic Parmesan Fries: Toss with grated Parmesan cheese and garlic powder.
• Ranch-Style Fries: Sprinkle with a mix of dry ranch seasoning and black pepper.

Want to elevate your waffle fries even more? Don’t miss our simple, delicious guide for making the perfect burger sauce: Ultimate Guide to Burger Bowl Sauce.

Dipping Sauces for Waffle Fries

No Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe is complete without a delicious dipping sauce! Chick fil A is famous for its signature sauces, which pair perfectly with their crispy waffle fries. Let’s explore how to make the classic Chick fil A sauce at home and other tasty dip options.

Classic Chick fil A Sauce Recipe

Chick fil A’s signature sauce is a blend of sweet, smoky, and tangy flavors. Here’s how to make it at home:

Ingredients:

• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon barbecue sauce
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients together until smooth.
2. Taste and adjust sweetness or tanginess as needed.
3. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors blend.
4. Serve with your Chick fil A Waffle Fries and enjoy!

Other Great Dipping Sauces to Try

If you want to switch it up, here are more Chick fil A-inspired dipping sauces:

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even with the best Chick fil A Waffle Fries Recipe, small mistakes can lead to fries that are too soggy, burnt, or lacking flavor. Here are some common mistakes and how to fix them to ensure your waffle fries turn out crispy and delicious every time.

Why Your Waffle Fries Might Be Soggy

One of the most common problems when making waffle fries is sogginess. Here’s why it happens and how to fix it:

Causes & Solutions:

• Skipping the soaking step: Soaking removes excess starch. If skipped, the fries can turn mushy. → Solution: Always soak the fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes.
• Not drying properly: Wet fries don’t crisp up. → Solution: Pat the fries completely dry before frying.
• Using low frying temperature: If the oil is not hot enough, fries absorb too much oil. → Solution: Always fry at 375°F (190°C) for the second fry.

How to Fix Overly Crispy or Burnt Fries

Sometimes, waffle fries can turn out too hard or burnt. Here’s what might be going wrong:

Causes & Solutions:

• Frying too long: Overcooking makes the fries tough. → Solution: Stick to 2-3 minutes per fry cycle and watch closely.
• Thin slices: If fries are too thin, they burn easily. → Solution: Cut fries about ¼ inch thick for the perfect balance.
• High frying temperature: If the oil is too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks. → Solution: Keep the temperature at 325°F (163°C) for the first fry and 375°F (190°C) for the second fry.

Not Seasoning Fries at the Right Time

Seasoning mistakes can lead to fries that are either bland or unevenly flavored.

Fix It:

• Season immediately after frying while the fries are still hot, so the salt sticks.
• Use fine salt instead of large salt crystals for even distribution.

FAQs About Chick fil A Waffle Fries

Many people wonder what makes Chick fil A Waffle Fries special and how they’re made. Here are answers to the most frequently asked questions about them.

How does Chick fil A make their waffle fries?

Chick fil A follows a simple process to make their waffle fries:

1. Russet potatoes are washed and sliced using a crinkle-cut slicer, creating the signature waffle shape.
2. The potatoes are soaked in water to remove excess starch.
3. Fries are dried completely before frying.
4. The fries go through a two-step frying process: first at a lower temperature to cook the inside, then at a higher temperature for crispiness.
5. After frying, they are lightly salted and served fresh.

What are Chick fil A fries seasoned with?

Chick fil A’s waffle fries are simply seasoned with kosher salt to bring out the natural potato flavor. Some people like to add a little paprika or garlic powder for extra taste, but the original recipe is just salt.

Why do Chick fil A fries taste different?

Chick fil A fries taste different from regular fries because of their unique waffle-cut shape, which creates more surface area for a crispy texture. Additionally, Chick fil A fries in canola oil, giving them a clean, mild flavor without a greasy aftertaste.

Why is Chick fil A getting rid of their waffle fries?

There have been rumors about Chick fil A changing its menu, but the company has not announced any plans to remove waffle fries permanently. However, limited-time menu changes or supply chain issues may sometimes cause temporary unavailability.

Chick Fil A Waffle Fries Recipe – The Best Copycat Guide!

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• Author: lina
• Total Time: PT55M
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

Print Recipe

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Description

Crispy, golden-brown Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries made at home with this easy step-by-step recipe. Get the perfect texture with our two-step frying method or a healthier air fryer option. Lightly seasoned and just like the original!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 large Russet potatoes
• Kosher salt (to taste)
• ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
• ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
• Canola oil for frying

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Instructions

1️⃣ Wash & Cut: Scrub the Russet potatoes and slice them using a waffle fry cutter, rotating 90 degrees for a crisscross pattern.
2️⃣ Soak the Fries: Soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Drain and pat completely dry.
3️⃣ Fry in Batches (First Fry): Heat canola oil to 325°F (163°C). Fry the waffle fries for 2-3 minutes, then remove and let them drain.
4️⃣ Increase Temperature (Second Fry): Raise the oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry again for 1-2 minutes until golden and crispy.
5️⃣ Season & Serve: Remove from oil, drain excess grease on a paper towel, and immediately sprinkle with kosher salt and optional seasoning.

• Prep Time: PT40M
• Cook Time: PT15M
• Method: Side Dish, Snack
• Cuisine: American, Fast Food Copycat

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4 servings
• Calories: 250 kcal