11 Fast Food French Fries That Are Absolute Must-Tries In 2025

French fries – those golden, crispy sticks of potato heaven – have always been my fast food weakness. I once drove three hours just to try a famous chain’s special seasoned fries!
With new cooking techniques and flavor innovations hitting the scene, 2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year for fry enthusiasts.
Here’s my carefully curated list of the most mouthwatering fast food fries you absolutely need to experience this year.
1. McDonald’s World-Famous Fries

Nothing triggers my childhood nostalgia quite like that iconic red box of perfectly golden sticks. Last summer, I found myself at a McDonald’s after a terrible day, and that first bite instantly transported me back to simpler times.
The secret to their enduring appeal lies in their perfect balance – crispy exteriors giving way to fluffy, potato-y interiors. McDonald’s fries are still made from real potatoes, specifically the Russet Burbank variety, chosen for its ideal starch content.
In 2025, they’ve subtly refined their cooking process, resulting in even more consistent crispiness. Pro tip: ask for them fresh – the three-minute wait is absolutely worth it for that peak McDonald’s fry experience that’s remained undefeated for decades.
2. Chick-Fil-A Waffle Fries

Those distinctive waffle-cut beauties from Chick-fil-A have ruined regular fries for me on multiple occasions. I once showed up on a Sunday craving them, only to be reminded of their famous closed day – heartbreak doesn’t begin to describe it!
The genius of these fries lies in their architecture. Those little squares trap the perfect amount of ketchup or Chick-fil-A sauce, transforming each bite into a flavor explosion. Made from whole potatoes sliced into their signature waffle pattern, they maintain their crispiness longer than traditional cuts.
For 2025, they’ve tweaked their seasoning blend slightly, adding a subtle hint of black pepper that elevates the entire experience. Always request them well-done for maximum crunch factor – you’ll thank me later.
3. Five Guys Cajun Fries

Holy potato overload! My first encounter with Five Guys’ Cajun fries left me speechless – and that never happens. They literally filled my bag with an extra scoop of fries beyond what was already bursting from the cup.
These hand-cut, skin-on potatoes are fried in peanut oil, creating a distinctively rich flavor base. Then comes the magic: that generous shake of Cajun seasoning that turns good fries into an addictive spice experience. The blend includes paprika, cayenne, and other secret spices that dance on your tongue.
The 2025 version has been tweaked for even more consistent crispiness while maintaining that soft interior. My insider hack: ask for light Cajun seasoning if you’re spice-sensitive, or extra if you’re a heat-seeker like me!
4. Arby’s Curly Fries

Curly fries are the playground of the fry world, and Arby’s has mastered the art form. My nephew calls them ‘potato slinkies,’ and honestly, that’s the perfect description for these spiralized wonders that bring joy with every bite.
The genius is in their shape – those tight coils create varying textures throughout each fry, with some parts extra-crispy and others maintaining that perfect potato softness. The distinctive orange-tinted coating contains a proprietary blend of onion, garlic, and paprika that makes them instantly recognizable.
In 2025, Arby’s has enhanced their batter for even more crunch retention. A little-known fact: you can request them extra crispy, which gives you maximum crunch and flavor concentration. Pair them with Arby’s sauce for a taste combination that’s practically illegal it’s so good.
5. Shake Shack Crinkle-Cut Fries

The first time I bit into Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries after they switched to fresh-cut potatoes, I nearly wept with joy. These aren’t your average freezer-section crinkles – they’re potato royalty!
The ridged design creates perfect texture contrast: super-crispy ridges with pillowy valleys of potato goodness between them. Shake Shack fries in 100% non-GMO sunflower oil, giving these thick-cut beauties a clean, distinctive flavor that lets the potato shine. Their generous dusting of kosher salt hits your taste buds just right.
For 2025, they’ve perfected their twice-cooking method for even more consistent results. My pro move: order them with cheese sauce on the side (not on top) to maintain maximum crispiness while still enjoying that rich, tangy cheese experience whenever you want it.
6. Popeyes Cajun Fries

Whoa, Nelly! The first time I tried Popeyes’ Cajun fries, my taste buds did a happy dance I didn’t know was possible. Unlike any other fast food fry, these bad boys pack a serious flavor punch that lingers delightfully.
These thin-cut fries are bathed in Popeyes’ signature Cajun seasoning before frying, allowing the spices to become one with the potato. The result is a reddish-orange fry with notes of paprika, garlic, onion powder, and that distinctive Cajun heat that builds gradually with each bite.
For 2025, they’ve tweaked the recipe slightly for more consistent spice distribution. My personal hack: ask for them extra crispy and grab a side of their buttermilk ranch for the perfect cool counterpoint to the spice. The contrast between heat and creamy coolness creates pure french fry nirvana.
7. Wendy’s Natural-Cut Fries

Skin-on potato perfection! When Wendy’s revamped their fry game years back, I was skeptical – until that first hot, skin-on, sea-salted bite convinced me they’d made the right choice.
These medium-thickness fries keep their skins on for extra flavor and texture, creating a more rustic, homestyle experience. They’re cooked in a blend of oils that gives them a distinctive flavor profile, then finished with a light dusting of sea salt that elevates the whole experience. The skin-on approach provides a subtle earthiness that regular fries just can’t match.
For 2025, Wendy’s has refined their cooking process for more consistent crispiness. My favorite way to enjoy them: dipped in a Frosty! The hot-cold, salty-sweet combination might sound strange, but trust me – it’s a life-changing experience that every fry enthusiast needs to try at least once.
8. Rally’s/Checkers Seasoned Fries

Holy flavor explosion! Rally’s/Checkers fries hit me like a freight train of deliciousness the first time I tried them. Even my fry-skeptic sister became an instant convert after just one bite of these uniquely coated treasures.
Unlike traditional fries, these are coated in a secret batter before frying, creating an extra-crispy exterior that somehow stays crunchy longer than any other fast food fry. The coating contains a proprietary blend of garlic, onion, paprika and other spices that creates a distinctive flavor profile you can identify blindfolded.
In 2025, they’ve subtly enhanced their seasoning for even more flavor impact. The best part? You can find these identical fries in the freezer section of many grocery stores – a fact I discovered during lockdown that possibly saved my sanity during those french fry-deprived months!
9. In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

Game-changer alert! My first road trip to California culminated in a religious experience called Animal Style Fries. These aren’t just fries – they’re a full-blown comfort food phenomenon that’s worth every calorie.
The base is In-N-Out’s fresh-cut, made-to-order fries – already unique since they’re literally cut from whole potatoes right before frying. The Animal Style transformation adds melted cheese, their famous spread (similar to thousand island), and caramelized onions. The combination creates a savory, sweet, tangy masterpiece that transcends regular fry expectations.
For 2025, they’ve perfected the cheese-melting technique for more consistent coverage. My insider tip: ask for the fries well-done before going Animal Style – the extra crispiness helps them hold up better under all those magnificent toppings. Grab extra napkins; this glorious mess is worth it!
10. Smashburger Smashfries

Rosemary and olive oil and garlic, oh my! The first whiff of Smashburger’s Smashfries sent my senses into overdrive. These aren’t just fries – they’re a sophisticated flavor experience masquerading as a simple side dish.
These shoestring-thin fries are tossed in olive oil, rosemary, and garlic while still hot from the fryer, allowing the herbs and oil to penetrate deeply. The result is an aromatic, herbaceous take on french fries that feels almost Mediterranean in inspiration. The thin cut ensures maximum crispiness throughout, with no soggy centers.
For 2025, they’ve adjusted their herb blend for more consistent distribution. My personal hack: grab a side of their truffle mayo for dipping to create a next-level flavor combination that feels like it belongs at a fancy restaurant instead of a fast-casual burger joint. These sophisticated fries will ruin regular fries for you!
11. Del Taco Crinkle-Cut Fries

Surprise contender alert! Del Taco’s crinkle-cut fries blindsided me with their excellence during a road trip pit stop. I only wanted a quick bathroom break but ended up with a new french fry obsession.
These thick-cut, deep-ridged crinkle fries maintain a perfect crisp-to-fluffy ratio that many other fast food joints struggle to achieve. The ridges create extra surface area for optimal crispiness while protecting the soft interior. They’re seasoned with a light touch of salt that enhances rather than overwhelms the potato flavor.
For 2025, they’ve refined their cooking process for more consistent results across locations. The true genius move: order them covered in Del Taco’s chili cheese for a transformative experience. The combination of crispy fries, hearty chili, and melted cheese creates a fork-worthy side that easily becomes a meal in itself.