Crispy, golden, and perfectly seasoned – who can resist Chick-fil-A waffle fries? This homemade version brings all the goodness of the drive-thru to your kitchen. With just a few ingredients and simple steps, you’ll be serving up a plate of fries that rivals the real deal.

Why You’ll Love This Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Recipe

If you’ve ever had Chick-fil-A waffle fries, you know they’re not just ordinary fries. This recipe gives you:

That iconic waffle shape (hello, crispy edges!).
A golden, crunchy exterior with a fluffy center.
A simple ingredient list you probably already have at home.
The satisfaction of recreating a restaurant favorite!

These fries are perfect for snack time, game day, or even alongside your favorite burger.

How to Make It

Making Chick-fil-A waffle fries at home may feel like a fancy trick, but trust me, it’s easier than you think! Here’s the step-by-step breakdown to nail those crispy, golden fries:

Pick the right potatoes.
Russet potatoes are the star of this recipe. They’re high in starch and low in moisture, which means they crisp up beautifully. If you like a slightly creamier texture, Yukon Golds are another great option.

Cut those iconic waffle shapes.

You’ll need a mandoline slicer fitted with a waffle blade.
Start slicing your potato, then rotate it 90 degrees for the next slice. This creates the signature crisscross pattern.
Be careful with your fingers when using the mandoline – safety first! If you don’t have one, you can try using a knife, but it’s a challenge to get the same look.

Soak the slices for that perfect crunch.
Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water for at least 30 minutes. This step is crucial! It removes excess starch, which helps the fries stay crispy and prevents them from sticking together. If you have time, soak them for up to 2 hours for even better results.

Dry them thoroughly.
Drain the soaked potatoes and pat them completely dry with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. Wet potatoes and hot oil don’t mix well, so take your time here.

Double fry for ultimate crispiness.

Heat peanut oil in a deep fryer or large, heavy-bottomed pot. Start at 325°F.
Fry the potato slices in small batches for 3-4 minutes. At this stage, they’ll look pale and slightly soft – that’s okay! Remove and drain them on a paper towel-lined tray.
Increase the oil temperature to 375°F. Fry the potatoes again for 2-3 minutes, until they’re golden and crispy. This second fry gives them that perfect texture.

Season immediately.
As soon as the fries come out of the oil, sprinkle them with sea salt. Want to kick things up? Add a little garlic powder, paprika, or your favorite fry seasoning.

Make Ahead Method

Planning ahead? Waffle fries can absolutely be prepped in advance, making life easier when you’re hosting a crowd or juggling a busy schedule.

Prep and soak:
Slice the potatoes into waffle shapes and soak them in cold water. You can refrigerate the bowl of water for up to 24 hours. Just ensure the potatoes are fully submerged to prevent browning.

Par-cook and freeze:

After the first fry (at 325°F), let the fries cool completely.
Arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1-2 hours. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.
When you’re ready to serve, fry them straight from frozen at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, and season immediately.

Reheat leftovers:
If you’ve already fully cooked the fries, reheat them in an air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes or in the oven at 400°F until crispy. They won’t taste just like fresh, but they’ll still be delicious!

Pro Tips

Here are some tricks to help you master your waffle fries game:

Cut consistently:
Uneven slices can lead to some fries overcooking while others stay underdone. Use a mandoline slicer for uniform thickness and that classic waffle shape.
Monitor the oil temperature:
Keeping the oil temperature steady is key. Use a kitchen thermometer to ensure it’s at 325°F for the first fry and 375°F for the second. Too hot, and your fries may burn; too cold, and they’ll soak up excess oil.
Don’t overcrowd the fryer:
Fry in small batches to avoid cooling the oil. Crowded fries cook unevenly and lose their crispiness.

Choose the right oil:
Peanut oil gives the most authentic flavor, but avocado or canola oil are great alternatives if you prefer.
Season immediately after frying:
Salt sticks best when the fries are hot and slightly oily. For a flavor twist, add a pinch of paprika, onion powder, or even Parmesan cheese.
Keep them warm while frying batches:
Place cooked fries on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven to keep them warm and crisp while you finish frying the rest.

With these tips, your waffle fries will come out perfectly golden and crispy every single time. 🙌

Storage Options

Got leftovers? Here’s how to keep them fresh:

Fridge: Store cooled fries in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer or oven for the best texture.
Freezer: Freeze after the first fry. Reheat directly in hot oil or in the oven at 400°F.

Tools for This Recipe

Mandoline slicer: For that perfect waffle shape.
Large bowl: To soak the potato slices.
Thermometer: To keep your oil temperature just right.
Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot: For frying.
Slotted spoon or tongs: To safely remove the fries from the oil.

FAQs!

Can I use a different oil?
Yes! Peanut oil is traditional, but avocado or canola oil works too.

What if I don’t have a mandoline slicer?
You can use a sharp knife, but it’ll be tough to get that classic waffle pattern.

Why do I need to double fry?
The first fry cooks the potato; the second fry makes them crispy. Skipping this step will result in soggy fries.

Variations and Substitutions

Healthier option: Bake the fries at 425°F, flipping halfway, until crispy.
Different spices: Try ranch seasoning, smoked paprika, or Parmesan cheese.
Sweet potato version: Swap russets for sweet potatoes for a fun twist!

Let’s Make Those Fries!

There you have it – your very own Chick-fil-A waffle fries at home! Whether it’s for a party or a quiet snack, these fries are a crowd-pleaser. I’d love to hear how yours turned out. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and let me know if you tried any fun twists on the recipe!

Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Copycat Recipe

A crispy, golden, and flavorful copycat recipe for Chick-fil-A waffle fries made with just a few simple ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Ingredients

2 large russet potatoes
3-4 cups peanut oil or avocado oil
Sea salt to taste

Instructions

Wash and peel the potatoes (optional).
Use a mandoline slicer to cut into waffle shapes, rotating 90 degrees with each slice.
Soak the slices in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat them dry.
Heat oil to 325°F and fry potatoes for 3-4 minutes. Remove and drain.
Increase oil temperature to 375°F. Fry again for 2-3 minutes until golden and crispy.
Sprinkle with sea salt while hot and serve immediately.
Enjoy your fries! 🍟