By emma hynes
Craving Chick-fil-A's famous waffle fries but don’t want to leave the house? Well, now’s the perfect time to try making them at home, especially with all the buzz about the famous eatery possibly getting rid of this iconic menu item.
With the right technique and ingredients, you can enjoy them whenever you want – no need to worry about any menu changes.
Waffle fry cutter (or a mandoline with a waffle blade) Large bowl Pot or deep fryer Paper towels (for draining)
4 large russet potatoes 2 cups of vegetable oil (for frying) Salt (to taste) 1 tsp garlic powder (optional) 1 tsp paprika (optional) 1/2 tsp black pepper (optional)
Wash the potatoes thoroughly, scrubbing off any dirt. Cut the ends off the potatoes and slice them into 1/4-inch thick wedges (a waffle fry cutter will help achieve the signature waffle shape).
Place the sliced potatoes in a large bowl of cold water. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes. This removes excess starch and helps the fries become crispier when fried.
While the potatoes soak, pour vegetable oil into a pot or deep fryer, filling it about 3-4 inches deep. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). After soaking, drain the water and pat the potato slices dry with paper towels.
Carefully place a few potato slices into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry the potatoes in batches for about 3-4 minutes, or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. While the fries are still hot, season them with salt to taste.
For extra flavor, you can also sprinkle on garlic powder, paprika and black pepper if desired.
For a healthier option, you can bake the fries instead of frying them. Simply toss the cut potatoes with a little oil, spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through.
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