Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Recipe

Waffle fries are a fan-favorite at Chick-fil-A. Their unique shape, crispy texture, and delicious seasoning make them hard to resist. But what if you could enjoy the same crunchy goodness at home? With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can make your own Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe crispy, golden, and full of flavor!

This guide will take you through everything you need to know, from selecting the right potatoes to getting that perfect crisp. Whether you deep-fry or use an air fryer, this recipe will help you achieve restaurant-quality waffle fries in your own kitchen.

Chef’s Feedback on This Recipe

“When making waffle fries at home, the secret is in the double-frying method,” says Chef Mark Reynolds, a professional chef with years of experience in fried foods. “It locks in that crispy texture while keeping the inside soft and fluffy. Don’t skip soaking the potatoes in water this removes excess starch and helps achieve that perfect crunch!”

What Makes Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Special?

Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries stand out because of their:

• Waffle shape – More surface area for crispiness.
• Soft interior – A perfect balance of crunch and fluffiness.
• Signature seasoning – Lightly salted for a classic taste.

Unlike traditional fries, waffle fries are cut in a crisscross pattern, allowing them to absorb just the right amount of oil. This results in an irresistible texture crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Brief History of Chick-fil-A Fries

Did you know that Chick-fil-A has been serving waffle fries since 1985? They quickly became the most popular side dish on the menu, surpassing even their famous chicken sandwiches. Over the years, the restaurant has made slight adjustments to its waffle fry recipe, but the core ingredients have remained the same.

Why People Love These Crispy, Golden Fries

People can’t get enough of Chick-fil-A waffle fries because:

• They have a unique, crunchy texture.
• The waffle shape holds dipping sauces better than regular fries.
• They taste great fresh, reheated, or even cold!

Ingredients Needed for Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Recipe

Main Ingredients: Potatoes, Oil, and Seasonings

To get that Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe just right, you’ll need a few key ingredients. The best part? You probably already have most of them in your kitchen!

Here’s what you need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Notes
Russet potatoes	2 large	Best for crispiness
Vegetable oil	4 cups	Can use peanut oil for authenticity
Sea salt	1 tsp	Adjust to taste
Sugar	½ tsp	Optional, adds a slight sweetness
Paprika	½ tsp	Adds a subtle flavor boost

Why These Ingredients Matter

• Russet potatoes have a high starch content, making them crispy outside and fluffy inside.
• Peanut oil is what Chick-fil-A uses, but vegetable oil works too.
• Salt and paprika enhance the fries’ natural flavors.
• A tiny bit of sugar balances the seasoning and gives that signature taste.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries at Home

How to Cut Waffle Fries (Using a Mandoline or Knife)

Cutting waffle fries requires a crinkle-cut blade on a mandoline slicer or a wavy knife.

Follow these steps:

1. Wash and peel the potatoes.
2. Slice the potato downward with the crinkle blade.
3. Rotate the potato 90 degrees and slice again.
4. Repeat until all potatoes are cut into waffle shapes.

Pro Tip: Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch. This helps make them crispier!

Prepping the Potatoes for Best Results

Before frying, pat the potato slices completely dry with a towel. Any moisture can cause the oil to splatter.

Double-Frying Method for Crispy Waffle Fries

Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries are famous for their crispy texture, achieved through a two-step frying process.

First Fry (Blanching):

• Heat oil to 325°F (163°C).
• Fry the potatoes in small batches for 2-3 minutes.
• Remove and let them drain on a paper towel.

Second Fry (Crisping):

• Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C).
• Fry the potatoes again for 3-4 minutes until golden brown.
• Drain, then immediately season with salt and paprika.

Draining and Seasoning the Fries Properly

Once the fries are golden and crispy, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate. This helps absorb extra oil. While they’re still hot, sprinkle the seasoning mix evenly.

Want an even more authentic flavor? Mix a little sugar into the seasoning for a hint of sweetness, just like Chick-fil-A!

For a delicious twist, check out this Loaded Fries Recipe for an extra flavorful fry experience!

How Chick-fil-A Has Changed Its Waffle Fry Recipe

Chick-fil-A has served its famous waffle fries for decades, but recently, they made a slight change to the recipe. While the difference might not seem huge, some loyal fans definitely noticed.

Recent Changes to Chick-fil-A’s Waffle Fries Recipe

In 2023, Chick-fil-A introduced a new coating to their waffle fries. The reason? To keep them crispier for longer. The new coating contains pea starch, which helps the fries stay fresh, especially for delivery and takeout orders.

What is pea starch?
Pea starch is a natural thickener made from yellow peas. It helps fries hold their crispiness without changing the taste too much. Many fast-food chains use similar ingredients to improve the texture of their fries.

Why Pea Starch Was Added and How It Affects Texture

Before this change, Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries were delicious but could get soggy quickly, especially if not eaten right away. The addition of pea starch helps them maintain their crunch even after sitting for a while.

However, some customers felt the fries tasted slightly different or had a new texture. Chick-fil-A assured fans that the overall recipe remained the same, with just a minor adjustment to improve quality.

Customer Reactions to the New Recipe

People had mixed reactions to this change:

• Some loved that their fries stayed crispy for longer.
• Others claimed they noticed a slight difference in texture.
• A few longtime fans preferred the old version and wished it would return.

Despite this small change, Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries remain one of the most popular fast-food fries in the U.S.

Tips and Tricks for the Best Homemade Waffle Fries

Want to make your Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe taste as good as the real thing? Here are some expert tips to get crispy, golden fries every time!

Avoiding Soggy Fries: The Importance of Drying and Double Frying

One of the biggest mistakes people make is not drying their potatoes properly before frying. Excess moisture can cause fries to become soggy instead of crispy.

Follow these steps to prevent soggy fries:

1. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch.
2. Pat them completely dry with a towel before frying.
3. Use the double-fry method: First, fry at a lower temperature (325°F) to cook the inside, then fry again at 375°F to crisp them up.

Pro Tip: After the first fry, let the potatoes rest for 10 minutes before frying again. This helps develop that crispy texture!

How to Store and Reheat Waffle Fries Without Losing Crispiness

If you have leftover waffle fries, don’t worry! You can reheat them properly without making them soft.

Best ways to reheat Chick-fil-A waffle fries:

• Air Fryer – Heat at 375°F for 3-4 minutes to bring back crispiness.
• Oven – Bake at 400°F for 5-7 minutes on a baking sheet.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a dry skillet for a few minutes on medium heat.

Avoid microwaving! It makes fries soft and soggy instead of crispy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Waffle Fries

Making waffle fries at home is easy, but some mistakes can ruin the texture and taste. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Skipping the soaking step – Leads to sticky, soggy fries.
• Using the wrong oil – Peanut or vegetable oil works best for crispiness.
• Overcrowding the fryer – Too many fries at once lowers the oil temperature, making them greasy.
• Not seasoning immediately – Salt sticks best when the fries are hot and fresh.

By following these tips, your Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe will turn out crispy, golden, and just like the original!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Many people have questions about how to make the Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe at home and what makes them special. Here are some common questions and their answers!

How does Chick-fil-A make their waffle fries?

Chick-fil-A uses high-quality Russet potatoes, cuts them into a waffle shape using a special slicer, and deep-fries them in peanut oil for that perfect crispiness. After frying, they season the fries with fine sea salt to enhance their natural flavor.

If you’re making them at home, you can achieve a similar taste by double-frying them in vegetable or peanut oil and seasoning them immediately after cooking.

What are Chick-fil-A fries seasoned with?

The classic Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe keeps it simple: they are lightly salted with fine sea salt. Some copycat recipes suggest adding a pinch of paprika or sugar to mimic the slightly sweet and savory balance of the original fries.

Why do Chick-fil-A fries taste different?

Chick-fil-A waffle fries have a distinct texture and flavor due to three main reasons:

• The waffle shape creates more surface area for crispiness.
• Peanut oil frying adds a light, nutty taste that enhances the fries.
• Fresh-cut potatoes give them a natural potato flavor, unlike frozen fries from other fast-food chains.

Has Chick-fil-A changed its waffle fry recipe?

Yes, Chick-fil-A slightly adjusted its waffle fry recipe by adding pea starch to the coating. This change helps the fries stay crispier for longer, especially for delivery and takeout orders. Some customers noticed a small difference in texture, but the overall taste remains the same.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Making your own Chick-fil-A waffle fries recipe at home is easier than you think! By using Russet potatoes, peanut or vegetable oil, and the right seasoning, you can recreate these famous fries in your kitchen.

Key Takeaways for Perfect Waffle Fries:

• Use a crinkle-cut slicer to get the classic waffle shape.
• Soak the potatoes in cold water to remove excess starch.
• Double-fry the fries for a crispy outside and soft inside.
• Season immediately after frying to lock in flavor.
• Air fryer or deep fryer? Both work, but deep frying gives the most authentic taste!

With these tips, you can enjoy homemade Chick-fil-A waffle fries anytime you want. Whether you pair them with a chicken sandwich or enjoy them with your favorite dipping sauce, they’re sure to be a hit!

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