French Fries are synonymous with the fast food experience. Every chain has them and strives to come out on top in terms of crispiness, flavor, and fluffy interior. That’s why it is such a debate over where you can grab the best fast food French fries that are always piping hot and never soggy. That’s why we dived in to find out which drive-thru window serves up the tastiest batch!
It’s no secret that junk food is often irresistible. In fact, a recent study says the human brain may actually be wired to hunt down high-calorie food. Their study finds humans are significantly better at remembering where junk foods are kept than they are with healthier options. It doesn’t help that fast food restaurants are most likely scattered throughout your town begging you to stop for a bite. Everything is ok in moderation, after all. So, every once in a while, indulge in some crispy fries. Only the finest fries are listed below, however, based on expert foodies. We turned to 10 expert reviews to find the ultimate best fast food French Fries on the market. Let us know your favorite crispy treat in the comments below!
The List: Best Fast Food French Fries, According to Experts
1. McDonalds
Let’s face it, when it comes to fast food fries, there’s a certain golden standard everyone seems to measure by. And according to Mashed, that standard has a familiar name: McDonald’s fries. They might not be the trendiest option on the menu, but there’s a reason they’ve achieved “World Famous” status.
Mashed hits the nail on the head – these fries are like no other. Each slender fry boasts a satisfyingly crisp exterior that gives way to a fluffy potato center – the perfect textural contrast. And let’s not forget the flavor! That magical balance of potato, savory hints (some say reminiscent of beef?), and just the right amount of salt keeps you coming back for more.
Even the toughest taste testers can’t deny the allure of McDonald’s fries. Buzzfeed Los Angeles’ reviewers went in with a critical eye, but both Christopher and Krista found themselves charmed by the familiar taste. Freshness plays a role, but there’s a certain undeniable quality to these fries that keeps them at the top of the game!
Die-hard fans take the love for McDonald’s fries to a whole new level. Just look at the emoji for french fries – it practically screams “McDonald’s”! Eat This, Not That! breaks down the reasons behind this iconic status. From using a specific blend of seasonal potatoes for perfect texture and taste to their signature crispness and fluffy interior, McDonald’s fries are a study in consistency and deliciousness. The addition of that “je ne sais quoi” – that certain special something – is often attributed to the (now-bygone) days of beef tallow in the fry oil, but McDonald’s has adapted without sacrificing flavor.
So, the next time you’re craving a classic fast food fix, don’t underestimate the power of the McDonald’s fry. They may be simple, but they’re a Hall of Famer for a reason!
2. Wendy’s
Move over, golden arches, there’s a new contender in town when it comes to fast food fries! As Taste of Home declares, sometimes the classics are the best. Wendy’s fries, with their unpeeled potato skin for a touch of texture, are crispy perfection without any unnecessary bells and whistles. Forget fancy shapes, dips, or bold seasonings – these fries are all about celebrating the pure deliciousness of the potato, crisped to perfection and seasoned just right. And let’s not forget the perfect pairing: a Wendy’s Frosty for that sweet and salty combo that’s truly a match made in heaven (though Taste of Home admits it might be a controversial opinion!).
Even those with a soft spot for the golden M can’t deny the magic of a Wendy’s fry. Tasting Table argues that quality trumps popularity any day, and Wendy’s natural-cut fries consistently deliver. These fries hit all the right notes: fresh, perfectly salty, with a delightful contrast between the soft inside and the satisfyingly crisp exterior. Not too thick, not too thin – they’re the Goldilocks of fast food fries! Tasting Table acknowledges that ketchup is a classic fry companion, but again, the secret weapon is a dunk in a Wendy’s Frosty.
All Recipes throws a playful jab at McDonald’s loyalists, with a reviewer admitting to being a “McDonald’s fry stan” who was surprisingly blown away by Wendy’s revamped recipe. The key? A commitment to hot and crispy fries, every single time. These aren’t just any fries; they’re coated in a visible layer of sea salt, adding a delightful textural and flavor element. The reviewer even admits to a serious case of the “fry craving” after just one visit – a testament to the addictive power of these perfectly seasoned contenders.
3. Five Guys
Forget everything you thought you knew about fast food fries. Five Guys throws out the rulebook, and Mashed argues that every other chain should be taking notes. Here, hand-cut fries reign supreme, each one a testament to fresh potato perfection. Forget skimpy portions – Five Guys piles them high in a paper bag overflowing with golden goodness, a glorious “greasy peanut oil mess” that somehow manages to be beautiful in its own way! Seasoning is on point, with just the right amount of salt to enhance the natural potato flavor, and a texture that hits the sweet spot between crispy and dry – pure fry bliss! Sure, they might cost a bit more than your average fast food fry, but trust us, these spuds are worth every penny.
Uproxx dives deeper into the unique experience of a Five Guys fry. These aren’t your typical limp, flavorless fast food afterthoughts. Prepared right, they boast a heavenly combination: a shatteringly crisp exterior gives way to a molten hot, buttery Idaho potato interior, making every bite an explosion of flavor. However, a word to the wise: skip the Cajun fries. Uproxx warns that Five Guys’ enthusiasm for seasoning can sometimes backfire, with the Cajun option overwhelming the delicate potato flavor. Their advice? Stick to the classic fries, seasoned with just salt, and customize your own flavor profile with a side of Cajun seasoning and pepper packets. A little DIY goes a long way in creating the perfect fry to your taste.
LA Times puts it simply: Five Guys fries are in a league of their own. Like a record-breaking sports feat, they stand out from the competition in a way that’s almost unfair. Imagine a heaping helping of piping hot, perfectly salted, natural-cut fries, with a delightful mix of crispy exteriors and those oh-so-satisfying soft ones. Five Guys uses peanut oil for frying, which adds a subtle touch that allows the true potato flavor to shine through, unlike the generic oils that mask the essence of a good fry. Be prepared to pay a premium for this fry masterpiece, but trust us, the taste will have you singing its praises (and maybe even contemplating a second order!).
4. Arby’s Curly Fries
Move over, boring straight fries, there’s a curly contender in town that will steal the show every time! Thrillist declares Arby’s curly fries to be a revelation, a “nuclear-orange spice concoction” that transforms potato perfection into a taste bud party. These aren’t just fries, they’re an experience – a glorious spiral of crispy, seasoned goodness that begs to be devoured. And for the truly adventurous, a double dunk in Arby’s Sauce and Horsey Sauce might just lead to a culinary epiphany.
The love for Arby’s curly fries goes beyond the drive-thru. Delish points out their availability in grocery store freezers, a testament to their enduring popularity. Now you can enjoy the magic of those perfectly seasoned spirals from the comfort of your own kitchen – pure curly fry bliss at your fingertips!
Tasting Table ponders why more restaurants don’t embrace the curly fry revolution. Perhaps, they say, it’s because they know they can’t compete with Arby’s iconic masterpiece. And who can blame them? These fries are crispy, seasoned to perfection, and even the occasional soggy batch somehow manages to retain its deliciousness. The quest for the perfect, springy spiral is a true fast food adventure, and Arby’s consistently delivers. That’s why they deserve a top spot on any list of fry royalty! So next time you’re craving a curly fix, look no further than Arby’s – your taste buds will thank you.
5. Burger King
In the fast food fry fight, Burger King emerges as a champion for some, according to Taste of Home. They claim that when it comes to classic fries, Burger King reigns supreme over its golden-arched rival. These fries are all about familiar goodness: thicker cut than your average fry, with a light golden brown hue and a satisfyingly crisp texture. Craving a taste of pure, old-fashioned potato perfection? Look no further than Burger King – their fries won’t let you down! Sure, you can get a Whopper on the side, but let’s be honest, these fries might just steal the show.
While Burger King might not be the flashiest fry option, it wins points for consistency, according to Tasting Table. These classic, natural-cut fries are what they are – reliable and delicious. They achieve that perfect balance of textures: fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, the ideal partner to a juicy Whopper. For those who crave tradition, Burger King is your happy place. But Tasting Table throws in a playful twist – for the truly adventurous, their chicken fries are the gold standard. Why not indulge in both and have the best of both worlds?
Eat This, Not That! sums it up perfectly – Burger King’s fries are a fast food staple for a reason. They might not be revolutionary, but they get the job done well. Imagine a slightly bigger, bolder version of McDonald’s fries, with a more pronounced potato flavor thanks to the thicker cut. Really, what’s not to love?
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