The Best Fast Food Fries Ranked: Our Top Pick Might Shock You
Fast food fries are a universal side dish, but not all are created equal. From Wendy’s Frosty to Taco Bell’s Crunchwrap, every chain has its signature item—but fries are the trusty sidekick you can order anywhere. Making crispy, golden fries at home is no easy feat, so we hit the drive-thru to find the best fast food fries. We sampled fries from major chains—regional favorites to global giants—judging them on crispiness, seasoning, and overall flavor. Shapes vary (classic, curly, crinkle, waffle), and so do cooking methods (peanut oil, canola, or proprietary blends). Seasoning can make or break a fry, and a poorly cooked batch can ruin your meal. Here’s our definitive ranking, with a surprising winner.
In-N-Out
In-N-Out’s fresh-cut fries sound promising—you can even watch them slice the potatoes from the drive-thru. But freshness doesn’t always win. These fries often come out limp and overly soft. Ordering them “well done” or “animal style” helps, but a great fry should shine without customization.
Shake Shack
Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries have potential: crispy, well-seasoned, and perfectly cut. But their fatal flaw? The oil. Whether it’s the soybean oil or the cooking method, these fries taste like rancid grease, and the smell lingers. It’s a no for us.
Hardee’s/Carl’s Jr.
Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. made headlines when they switched to “natural cut” fries with potato skins left on, promising a premium, restaurant-style experience. But these thicker fries lack the crispiness we crave, leaving us underwhelmed.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell’s nacho fries, a limited-time offering, have a cult following thanks to their cheesy, spicy seasoning. They’re tasty but don’t satisfy the classic fry craving. The nacho cheese and Doritos-inspired flavor feel out of place with Taco Bell’s menu.
Arby’s
Arby’s curly fries are a fan favorite for their fun shape and extra-crispy texture. But the seasoning and frying method leave a strange, unpleasant coating on the tongue, forcing us to chug soda or brush our teeth right after eating.
Burger King
Burger King’s fries are solid—crispy, salty, and decently flavored. They’re not the reason you visit BK, but they won’t disappoint. Their chicken fries, though? Those might just steal the show.
Wendy’s
Skin-on fries can be hit-or-miss, often too thick to crisp up properly. Wendy’s gets it right with their skin-on fries, delivering the best version we tried. They’re not flawless, but they’re reliably tasty.
Five Guys
Five Guys’ boardwalk-style fries, fried in peanut oil and served with salt or Cajun seasoning, come in generous portions. But they’re often too salty and greasy, leaving us feeling heavy and a bit queasy.
Chick-fil-A
Love them or hate them, Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries are a standout. Their unique shape maximizes crispiness and pairs perfectly with the chain’s signature sauces. Well-salted and potato-forward, they avoid the stale oil taste of lesser fries.
Raising Cane’s
With a limited menu, Raising Cane’s fries have to deliver—and they do. These crinkle-cut fries are crispy, flavorful, and pair beautifully with Cane’s sauce, making them a highlight of any combo.
Del Taco
Del Taco’s crinkle-cut fries are a revelation. Perfectly crispy, fluffy inside, and well-salted, they avoid the greasy aftertaste of competitors. These are the crinkle-cut fries to beat.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s fries are iconic for a reason. Though we miss the beef tallow days, their current blend still delivers crispy, fluffy, perfectly seasoned fries. They’re close to perfection and a must-order.
Checkers/Rally’s
The unexpected champion: Checkers (or Rally’s). Their beer-battered, seasoned fries are insanely crispy, flavorful, and satisfying. They’re so good, you can buy them in grocery stores. Checkers takes the crown!
Did we miss your go-to fries? Drop your thoughts in the comments!