Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Recipe – Easy & Crispy Homemade!

Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries are one of the most popular fast-food side dishes. Their crisscross shape, crispy outside, and fluffy inside make them irresistible. But what if you could make them at home?

This recipe will guide you step by step to recreate Chick-fil-A waffle fries, whether you deep-fry, bake, or air-fry them. Plus, we’ll share some pro tips to make them extra crispy and flavorful!

Why Are Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries So Popular?

Chick-fil-A waffle fries stand out because:

• Unique shape – The waffle-cut maximizes surface area, making them crispier.
• Perfect seasoning – Lightly salted with a slightly sweet aftertaste.
• Crispy but soft – Golden brown outside, fluffy inside.
• Pairs well with sauces – Especially Chick-fil-A sauce!

Ingredients Needed

To make perfect homemade waffle fries, you’ll need:

Essential Tools & Equipment

Step 1: Choosing the Right Potatoes

The best potatoes for waffle fries are:

• Russet potatoes – High in starch, which makes them crispy.
• Yukon Gold potatoes – Slightly softer but work well if you prefer a creamier texture.

Tip: Avoid waxy potatoes (like red potatoes) because they stay too firm when fried.

Step 2: Cutting the Perfect Waffle Shape

To achieve the signature crisscross pattern:

1. Use a waffle fry cutter or a mandoline slicer with a crinkle-cut blade.
2. Slice the potato in one direction.
3. Rotate the potato 90 degrees and slice again to form the waffle shape.
4. Repeat until all potatoes are cut.

No waffle cutter? You can slice thin rounds with a knife and make small cuts in opposite directions to mimic the shape.

Step 3: Prepping the Fries for Cooking

To get crispy fries, you need to:

✔ Soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
✔ Drain and pat them completely dry before frying.

Skipping this step may cause soggy fries!

Step 4: Frying the Waffle Fries

Deep-Frying Method (Best for Crispy Fries)

1. Heat oil to 350°F (177°C).
2. Fry the potatoes in small batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown.
3. Remove and place on a paper towel.
4. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C) and fry again for 1-2 minutes to make them extra crispy.

Baking Method (Healthier Option)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Toss fries in 1-2 tablespoons of oil.
3. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer.
4. Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Air Fryer Method (Quick & Healthy)

1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
2. Spray fries with oil and cook for 12-15 minutes, shaking halfway.

Step 5: Seasoning the Fries

After frying, sprinkle fries immediately with salt or try these seasoning ideas:

Classic: Just salt.
Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Garlic Parmesan: Toss fries in grated Parmesan & garlic powder.

Best Dipping Sauces for Waffle Fries

Want to make your own Chick-fil-A sauce? Mix ½ cup mayo, 2 tbsp BBQ sauce, 1 tbsp honey, and 1 tsp mustard.

How to Make Extra Crispy Waffle Fries (Pro Tips!)

Want restaurant-quality waffle fries with a super crispy texture? Here are some professional secrets:

1. Double-Fry for Extra Crunch

✔ First Fry: Cook at 325°F (163°C) for 2-3 minutes (fries should be soft but not browned).
✔ Second Fry: Increase heat to 375°F (190°C) and fry for another 2 minutes until golden brown.

2. Use Cornstarch for a Crispier Coating

✔ Toss the fries in 1 tablespoon of cornstarch before frying. This forms an extra crispy layer!

3. Freeze the Fries Before Frying

✔ After slicing and soaking, pat the fries dry and freeze them for 30 minutes.
✔ This makes the outside crispier while keeping the inside fluffy.

4. Shake the Basket While Frying

✔ This prevents fries from sticking together and ensures even crispiness.

How to Make Waffle Fries Without a Waffle Cutter

If you don’t have a waffle fry cutter, you can still make crisscross fries using a knife!

Manual Cutting Method:

1. Slice potatoes into thin round discs (about ¼ inch thick).
2. Place a disc on a cutting board and make shallow horizontal cuts.
3. Rotate the potato 90 degrees and make vertical cuts, forming a crisscross pattern.
4. Be careful not to cut too deep, or the fries will fall apart!

Fun Chick-fil-A Hacks You Didn’t Know About

Love Chick-fil-A? Here are some cool hacks to try:

1. Make “Loaded Waffle Fries”

✔ Top waffle fries with melted cheese, bacon bits, and green onions.
✔ Drizzle with Chick-fil-A sauce for extra flavor!

2. Turn Waffle Fries into a Breakfast Dish

✔ Serve waffle fries with scrambled eggs, sausage, and avocado for a Chick-fil-A-inspired breakfast.

3. Make Waffle Fry Nachos

✔ Layer crispy waffle fries with shredded cheese, jalapeños, sour cream, and salsa for a fun twist!

The Science Behind Crispy Fries

Ever wondered why some fries are crispier than others? It all comes down to starch, moisture, and frying technique.

✔ High-Starch Potatoes (Russet) – More starch = better crispiness.
✔ Soaking Removes Excess Starch – This prevents fries from becoming gummy.
✔ Double-Frying Creates Layers – The first fry cooks the inside, the second makes them crispy.
✔ Hotter Oil = Crispier Fries – If the oil is too cool, fries absorb oil and become greasy.

So next time your fries turn out soggy, check your temperature, starch levels, and frying method!

How to Make Waffle Fries for a Party

Planning a party or family gathering? Make a huge batch of waffle fries with these tips:

✔ Prep Ahead: Slice and soak the potatoes a day before.
✔ Use Multiple Frying Methods: Bake some, air-fry some, and deep-fry some.
✔ Serve Fries in Baskets: Use fast-food-style baskets to make them look extra fun!
✔ Offer a Sauce Bar: Include ranch, honey mustard, cheese sauce, BBQ, and Chick-fil-A sauce.

Chick-fil-A Secret Seasoning Recipe (DIY)

Want authentic Chick-fil-A flavor? Here’s a homemade seasoning mix:

Chick-fil-A Waffle Fry Seasoning Mix:

✔ 1 tbsp kosher salt
✔ ½ tsp sugar
✔ ½ tsp garlic powder
✔ ½ tsp onion powder
✔ ¼ tsp paprika

Sprinkle this over the fries immediately after frying for that signature Chick-fil-A taste!

How to Store and Reheat Waffle Fries

Storing Leftovers

✔ Store fries in an airtight container lined with paper towels.
✔ Keep them in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating Tips

✔ Air Fryer: 375°F for 5 minutes.
✔ Oven: 400°F for 10 minutes.
✔ Stovetop: Reheat in a pan with a little oil.

Making a Full Chick-fil-A Meal at Home

✔ Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich – Crispy chicken breast, pickles, and a buttered bun.
✔ Spicy Chicken Sandwich – Add cayenne and paprika to the chicken batter.
✔ Chick-fil-A Nuggets – Bite-sized crispy chicken pieces.
✔ Chick-fil-A Lemonade – A refreshing homemade drink.

Common Mistakes & How to Fix Them

How to make Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries

Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Recipe

Recreate Chick-fil-A’s famous waffle fries at home with this easy and crispy recipe. Whether you deep-fry, bake, or air-fry them, you’ll get golden, crunchy fries with a fluffy inside—just like the real thing!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Calories 223 kcal

Ingredients

  

• Main Ingredients
• 4 large russet potatoes washed and unpeeled
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 tablespoon salt plus more for seasoning
• 16 cups cold water
• Vegetable or canola oil for frying
• Optional Seasonings
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

 

• Step 1: Cut the Waffle Fries
• Use a waffle fry cutter or a mandoline slicer with a crinkle blade.
• Slice the potato in one direction, then rotate 90 degrees and slice again to form a crisscross pattern.
• Step 2: Soak the Potatoes
• In a large bowl, mix cold water, vinegar, and salt.
• Soak the cut potatoes for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
• Drain and pat dry completely.
• Step 3: Fry the Waffle Fries
• First Fry: Heat oil to 325°F (163°C) and fry in batches for 2-3 minutes until lightly golden.
• Remove and let them drain on paper towels.
• Second Fry: Increase oil to 375°F (190°C) and fry again for 1-2 minutes until crispy.
• Step 4: Season and Serve
• Immediately sprinkle with salt or the optional seasoning mix.
• Serve hot with Chick-fil-A sauce, ranch, or cheese dip!

Keyword crispy waffle fries, homemade waffle fries

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my waffle fries not crispy?

Too much moisture! Be sure to soak, dry, and double-fry for the best results. (Here’s a great guide on crisping up potatoes).

Can I make waffle fries ahead of time?

Yes! Cut, soak, and freeze them. Fry straight from frozen when ready.

What oil does Chick-fil-A use?

They use canola oil, but vegetable oil works too.

Can I use sweet potatoes?

Yes, but they won’t be as crispy because of their moisture content. (Find out why sweet potatoes hold more moisture).

What’s the best way to reheat waffle fries?

Use an air fryer (375°F for 5 minutes) or bake them at 400°F for 10 minutes.

Conclusion

Now, you have everything you need to make Chick-fil-A-style waffle fries at home! With the right technique, proper seasoning, and different cooking methods, you can enjoy crispy, golden waffle fries anytime.