When you hear “waffle,” you probably think of golden breakfast treats cooked in a waffle maker. Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries, however, are named for their iconic waffle-like shape not because they’re made with a waffle iron. These fries are crispy, flavorful, and one of the most popular side dishes at Chick-fil-A.
Chick-fil-A uses a specially designed machine to cut their potatoes into the signature waffle shape. This ensures consistent size and crispiness for every fry.
What Are Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries?
Chick-fil-A waffle fries are thick, crisscross-cut fries made from fresh potatoes. Their unique shape not only makes them fun to eat but also perfect for scooping up your favorite sauces like Chick-fil-A Sauce or ketchup. These fries are deep-fried to golden perfection, giving them a crispy outside and a fluffy inside.
The potatoes are cut using a crinkle-cut machine specifically designed to achieve the waffle-like pattern. This specialized equipment ensures every fry is evenly shaped and perfectly cooked.
What Are the Ingredients in Waffle Fries?
The ingredients are simple and straightforward, ensuring a natural and flavorful taste:
- Potatoes: Freshly cut, high-quality potatoes.
- Canola Oil: The fries are cooked in canola oil, creating their signature crispy texture.
- Salt: Lightly seasoned for enhanced flavor.
Love fries? Try adding this seasoned salt blend to recreate that signature fast-food flavor at home.
Are Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Vegan?
Yes! Chick-fil-A waffle fries are 100% vegan. They’re cooked in canola oil and contain no animal products, making them a great choice for plant-based eaters.
Looking for more vegan-friendly options? Check out our easy recipe for vegan waffles.
Nutritional Facts: Calories & More
Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a medium serving of Chick-fil-A waffle fries:
- Calories: 360
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 43 grams
- Protein: 5 grams
- Fiber: 5 grams
Are Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries Healthy?
While Chick-fil-A waffle fries are undeniably delicious, they’re more of an indulgent treat than a health food. Therefore, enjoying them in moderation as part of a balanced meal is the best approach. For instance, pairing them with a grilled chicken sandwich or a salad can help balance out your meal.
If you’re looking for a healthier breakfast option, try our healthy waffles for breakfast instead.
Why Are Waffle Fries the Best?
Waffle fries stand out for several reasons:
- Unique Shape: The crisscross design is ideal for holding sauces and dips, making every bite flavorful.
- Perfect Texture: Waffle fries have crispy edges and a soft, fluffy center, giving you the best of both worlds.
- Even Seasoning: Their larger surface area allows for an even distribution of salt, enhancing every bite.
That same texture and shape also makes for amazing savory waffle creations you can make at home.
Who Supplies Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries?
Chick-fil-A sources its Waffle Potato Fries primarily from two trusted Idaho-based potato suppliers: Lamb Weston and The J.R. Simplot Company. Lamb Weston has been supplying Chick-fil-A with waffle fries and hash browns for nearly 40 years, focusing on sustainable farming practices and high-quality Russet potatoes grown mainly in Idaho and Washington State’s Columbia River Basin. Due to Chick-fil-A’s growth, The J.R. Simplot Company also supplements the supply to meet demand. Both companies emphasize sustainability and quality in their operations.
The potatoes are processed at advanced facilities where they are washed, peeled, and cut into the signature waffle shape using specialized slicing machines. These machines use razor-sharp blades and a crisscross cutting technique to create the distinctive waffle pattern. The fries are then blanched, frozen, and shipped to Chick-fil-A restaurants, where they are cooked in canola oil until crispy outside and tender inside.
Primary Suppliers:
Lamb Weston (Idaho-based, nearly 40 years partnership)
The J.R. Simplot Company (also Idaho-based, supplements supply)
Potato Source:
Russet potatoes from Idaho and Washington State’s Columbia River Basin
Cutting Machine:
Industrial slicing machines with razor-sharp blades that cut potatoes into the waffle (crisscross) shape by slicing and rotating the potato 90 degrees between cuts
Want to make waffle fries at home? Check out this top-rated waffle fry cutter on Amazon.
Cooking Method:
Fries are blanched, frozen and then cooked in canola oil at Chick-fil-A locations
This partnership and technology ensure Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries maintain their consistent quality, unique shape, and crisp texture customers expect
You can recreate that crispy texture with this deep fryer or air fryer from Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is in Chick-fil-A waffle fries?
Chick-fil-A waffle fries are made from three simple ingredients: potatoes, canola oil, and salt.
2. Is Chick-fil-A discontinuing waffle fries?
No, Chick-fil-A has no plans to discontinue their iconic waffle fries. They remain one of the most beloved menu items.
3. How many calories are in an order of waffle fries from Chick-fil-A?
A medium serving contains 360 calories, while a small serving has approximately 280 calories.
4. Are waffle fries vegan?
Yes, Chick-fil-A waffle fries are vegan-friendly as they contain no animal-based ingredients and are cooked in canola oil.
5. Why are waffle fries so popular?
The unique shape, crispy texture, and perfect seasoning make waffle fries a fan favorite.
6. How are waffle fries cut?
Chick-fil-A uses a specially designed crinkle-cut machine to cut potatoes into their signature waffle shape.
7. What does Chick-fil-A fry their chicken in?
Chick-fil-A fries their chicken in peanut oil, which gives it a distinct flavor and crispy texture.
Conclusion
Chick-fil-A waffle fries are more than just a side dish — in fact, they’re a beloved snack and a go-to choice for many. Thanks to their simple ingredients, vegan-friendly recipe, and deliciously crispy texture, they’ve become a favorite for all ages. Moreover, the use of a specialized crinkle-cut machine ensures every fry is perfectly shaped and consistently delicious. Whether you enjoy them with ketchup, Chick-fil-A Sauce, or on their own, these waffle fries never disappoint.
Want to bring the waffle fry experience home? Grab this waffle fry cutter, seasoning set, and air fryer from Amazon and enjoy
Additionally, waffle fans will also love our recipes for gulten free waffles , waffle tacos and delicious waffle for breakfast.
