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- 10 Best Fast-Food French Fries, Ranked (cheapism.com)
The Great Fry Face-Off: Local Foodie Ranks Fast Food’s Top 10 Fries
For many of us, the humble French fry isn’t just a sidekick to our burgers and sandwiches – it’s a star in its own right. Some might even say a burger without fries is like Batman without… well, another Batman. It’s an essential duo, and finding the perfect fry can make or break a fast-food experience.
Our resident fry connoisseur recently embarked on a crucial mission: to meticulously rank 10 of the most popular fast-food fries. The criteria?
A highly scientific examination of taste, crunch, and dip-ability. The results are in, and some might surprise you!
Here’s the definitive ranking of fast-food French fries, from good to glorious (and a few that missed the mark):
1. Kentucky Fried Chicken: The Unexpected Champion
Hold the phone – KFC at the top of a fry list? Our reviewer admits this might be an unexpected twist, especially after all that burger talk.
But truth be told, KFC’s fries are legitimately fantastic. They stand out for feeling more like actual fried potato pieces, with a distinct jagged, angled texture reminiscent of battered fish.
Seasoned with a flavor that brings to mind Australian chicken salt, these fries are simply superb. Our expert suggests they’d be right at home alongside steak frites or even a hearty German beer hall platter.
No notes, just perfection.
2. Shake Shack: Crinkle-Cut Perfection
Despite a long-standing allegiance to West Coast burger royalty, our reviewer reluctantly concedes that Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries are in a league of their own. Every fry delivers a consistently perfect crunch and is seasoned impeccably. While the comparison to its rival might be painful for some, the quality of these fries is undeniable, even if it doesn’t bring joy to every loyalist’s heart.
3. Arby’s: Double the Fry, Double the Fun
Producing one great fry is a challenge, but two? Arby’s truly shows off with its impressive lineup.
While famous for its terrific curly fries, Arby’s also offers a solid crinkle-cut option. Though Shake Shack’s crinkles might edge them out, Arby’s version is salty, crunchy, and, impressively, maintains its crispness even when cold.
Our reviewer declares them, without hesitation, the best item on the menu.
4. Jack in the Box: A Close Contender
Jack in the Box lands just shy of the third-place spot, mainly because its standard fries don’t quite measure up to Arby’s crinkles. However, both chains are absolute winners in the curly fry department, serving up perfectly seasoned, ideally shaped fries that are prime for dipping into any sauce. Offering two strong fry options is a double-damage win.
5. McDonald’s: The Consistency Conundrum
Before you reach for the angry email button, consider this: McDonald’s fries are, in theory, excellent. They boast the ideal shape and are usually well-seasoned.
The critical issue, however, is consistency. How often do you get them hot and crispy?
For a fast-food experience, waiting around for a fresh batch defeats the purpose. Too often, they arrive soft and soggy, making them unsuitable for dipping or providing that satisfying crunch against a burger.
6. Popeyes: A Southern Fried Standout
While some prefer a cold, crunchy side like coleslaw with fried chicken, Popeyes makes a compelling case for fries. The fries here feature a satisfyingly thick crunch and are beautifully flecked with pepper. They also prove to be excellent vehicles for Popeyes’ signature sauces.
7. In-N-Out Burger: The “Just Fine” Fry
For a Californian deeply devoted to In-N-Out, ranking their fries at number seven is a nuanced position. While opinions on these fries range from “worst ever” to “only good fries in fast food,” our expert finds them “just fine.”
They tend to be lightly salted, so a little extra seasoning can go a long way. The ultimate pro tip from a true Californian?
Ask for them “well-done” – it makes an enormous difference in texture and quality. This is the last stop on the train of fries truly worth your time.
8. Wendy’s: Significant Improvements
To be fair, Wendy’s fries have come a long way. A decade ago, they would have landed dead last.
These days, they’ve significantly improved, with a visible skin on the edges and a nice saltiness. The main drawback, however, is a consistent lack of crispness.
For a fry that’s destined for a dip in a frosty, sogginess is a major hurdle.
9. Chick-fil-A: The Waffle Fry Disappointment
If McDonald’s ranking didn’t ruffle feathers, this one might. Our reviewer truly wants Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries to be good, but sadly, they just aren’t.
In countless experiences, a truly crispy waffle fry from Chick-fil-A has proven elusive. Without that crunch, they simply don’t hold up for dipping into that legendary Chick-fil-A sauce.
10. Burger King: A Bland Farewell
And finally, at the bottom of the barrel, we find Burger King’s fries. Described as mere “starchy, salty rectangles,” these neon yellow sticks are more than just bland; they leave a strange aftertaste that seems to diminish any flavor already in your mouth. They’re more like soft, strange fillings than actual potato, earning a definitive “no” from our discerning palate.
So, there you have it – the ultimate guide to navigating the fast-food fry landscape. May your next fry experience be crispy, salty, and utterly satisfying!
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- 10 Best Fast-Food French Fries, Ranked (cheapism.com)