I Sampled Every Fast Food French Fry & Ranked The Best Ones

I ate my way through 20 fast food fries so you don’t have to, documenting every crunch, salt crystal, and sad, soggy letdown. From cult favorites to overlooked drive-thru gems, I tested them hot, traveled with them, and revisited them to see who actually holds up. Some legends stumbled, and a few unexpected contenders sprinted to the top. If you crave the perfect fry—crispy edges, fluffy centers, and bold seasoning—this ranking will save your next order.

1. Jack in the Box – Regular Fries

Fresh from the fryer, Jack in the Box’s regular fries can impress with a light crisp and gentle potato aroma. Unfortunately, that window closes quickly; once they cool, the texture softens and the salt seems to vanish. They’re serviceable as a companion to a burger, especially if you eat them immediately. Without a dip or an extra shake of salt, the flavor leans a bit bland. Portion sizes are fair, and consistency varies by location. Ask for them hot, maybe even “well-done,” to squeeze out extra crunch. Otherwise, they fade fast and lose the bite that makes fries exciting.

2. Sonic – Fries

Sonic’s standard fries are mild-mannered and soft, leaning more toward a gentle chew than a crisp snap. Their neutral flavor makes them ideal as a canvas for add-ons—think chili, cheese, or a side of ranch. On their own, they rarely thrill; the seasoning is light and the exterior often lacks structure. They can arrive hot, but that warmth disappears fast, and with it, most of the appeal. If you time it right and pair them with a shake or a loaded topping, they step up. For stand-alone snacking, though, Sonic’s fries are more supporting actor than star.

3. Burger King – Classic Fries

Burger King’s classic fries bring a thicker cut and solid heft, which helps them feel substantial alongside a Whopper. When piping hot, the salt level is spot-on and the exterior offers a modest crisp. The issue is consistency: cool down a few minutes and the outer layer goes slack. Texture swings from batch to batch, and over-salting happens. Still, their size makes them satisfying for dipping—zesty sauces add needed spark. They travel decently in short spurts, but aren’t road-trip warriors. Catch them fresh and you’ll nod approvingly. Miss that window, and they slip into forgettable territory.

4. In-N-Out – Fries

In-N-Out’s fries are cut fresh in-store, showcasing honest potato character, but that purity is polarizing. Their default cook often skews pale and under-crisp for many palates. The pro move is ordering them “well-done” or “light-well” to coax out a satisfying crunch and deeper color. Seasoning is lean, so salt them generously, or go Animal Style for savory oomph. They shine when eaten immediately; travel saps their delicate texture fast. Fans praise the clean taste and minimal oiliness. Detractors call them cardboardy. With a custom cook and assertive seasoning, they can charm. Without tweaks, they’re divisive.

5. Shake Shack – Crinkle-Cuts

Shake Shack’s crinkle-cut fries arrive with wide ridges that promise crisp edges and dipping potential. With cheese sauce, they sing—salty, creamy, and indulgent. Without it, the texture can read slightly starchy, and the interior may feel dense depending on the cook. They hold heat reasonably well for a crinkle, though travel can dull their crunch. Salt is typically balanced, and portion sizes satisfy. The appeal is comfort: consistent shape, nostalgic look, and reliable pairing with Shack sauce. If you’re ordering plain, request them extra crisp. Otherwise, lean into that cheese topping and enjoy them at peak decadence.

6. Wingstop – Seasoned Fries

Wingstop’s seasoned fries wear a sweet-savory sugar-and-spice rub that sets them apart from classic fast food salt bombs. The flavor is fun and craveable, though it can divide purists who want straight salt and pepper. Texture is the wildcard: some batches nail a crispy exterior while others slump quickly. They’re vastly improved with dips—ranch and cheese both complement the sweetness and add tang. Portion sizes are generous, which helps when sharing alongside wings. Ask for them extra crispy to hedge against softness. When you catch a great batch, they’re memorable; when not, the seasoning does the heavy lifting.

7. Dairy Queen – Fries

Dairy Queen’s fries are classic, no-drama companions to a burger or Blizzard pit stop. They land reliably golden with a light crisp shell and a softly tender center. The salt level is pleasant if unadventurous, meaning they’re enjoyable but rarely headline-worthy. Consistency is a plus; you’ll usually get what you expect, especially when ordered fresh. They don’t travel particularly well, and cooling flattens their crunch. A dip—gravy in poutine regions or basic ketchup—adds personality. Think of these as steady background players: comforting, predictable, and easy to like. Not iconic, but rarely a disappointment.

8. White Castle – Crinkle-Cuts

White Castle’s crinkle-cuts deliver sharply defined ridges that lock in salt and create an initial, audible crunch. They’re a great textural contrast to steamy sliders. The challenge is their short freshness window; within minutes, the structure softens and the thrill fades. Eaten promptly, they’re satisfying and snackable with a nostalgic, cafeteria-adjacent vibe. Portion sizes are modest but fair for the price. Dips help, though the fries’ ridges do a lot of the work. For best results, grab them fresh at the counter and don’t delay. As travel companions, they underperform—but hot and immediate, they punch above expectations.

9. McDonald’s – World-Famous Fries

At their best, McDonald’s fries are peerless: thin, shatter-crisp edges, fluffy interiors, and that unmistakable aroma. Fresh out of the fryer, the salt balance feels engineered for instant satisfaction. But quality swings are real; a few minutes of cooling turns them limp and wan. Travel and humidity are the enemy. Ask for them without salt to prompt a fresh batch, then season yourself. Their nostalgic power is undeniable, and when they hit, they’re elite. The inconsistency nudges them down the list, yet they remain the benchmark many compare against. Hot and immediate, they’re fast-food magic.

10. Chick-fil-A – Waffle Fries

Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries maximize surface area, delivering big potato flavor and ample sauce-catching nooks. When hot and properly salted, the exterior crisps pleasingly while the interior stays fluffy. But batches vary: some arrive pale or undersalted, dulling the snap and taste. They’re superb with Chick-fil-A sauce or Polynesian—dips lift middling fries into craveable territory. They travel decently, retaining warmth better than thin cuts. Portion sizes feel generous, making them a satisfying side all on their own. For crunch chasers, ask for a fresh batch. At their best, these waffles are hearty, comforting, and distinctly satisfying.

11. Arby’s – Curly Fries

Arby’s curly fries are a nostalgic thrill ride, with peppery seasoning and springy spirals that trap flavor in every loop. They typically arrive crispy, delivering satisfying crunch and a bold savory kick. A slight oiliness accompanies the spices, but it’s part of their indulgent charm. They pair wonderfully with Arby’s sauce or horsey sauce, elevating the already assertive seasoning. Travel performance is decent thanks to their shape and coating. Portion sizes are generous, and the visual fun is undeniable. If you like personality in your fries, this is your pick. Loud, messy, and deliciously crowd-pleasing.

12. Del Taco – Crinkle-Cuts

Del Taco’s crinkle-cut fries are a quiet powerhouse for road trips: sturdy ridges, reliably crisp edges, and a salt balance that doesn’t pummel your palate. They hold up better than many competitors in a bag, keeping structure and warmth on the go. Flavor leans clean and potato-forward, making them easy to eat by the handful. They’re underrated as a side to tacos and burritos, especially with Del Scorcho or queso dips. Ask for them fresh to maximize crunch. Not flashy, but dependable and satisfying—these are the fries you’ll finish without realizing it.

13. Five Guys – Boardwalk-Style

Five Guys serves a hefty portion of boardwalk-style fries with skins-on, delivering rich potato flavor and rustic charm. Salted assertively and cooked in peanut oil, they’re aromatic and filling. The downside is sogginess risk: packed into cups and bags, steam can soften the exterior quickly. Ask for “extra crispy” to preserve snap, and eat them promptly. Cajun seasoning adds a welcome punch if you prefer bolder spice. Even when they soften, the real-potato taste remains satisfying. They’re messy, generous, and rewarding when handled right—a fry for people who want substance over pristine crunch.

14. Raising Cane’s – Crinkle-Cuts

Raising Cane’s crinkle-cuts are consistently hot, with ridges that hold salt and a tender, steamy center. They’re engineered as perfect dunkers for Cane’s Sauce, which adds garlicky-tangy richness to their mild profile. On their own, they’re pleasant rather than thrilling, but the execution is reliable across locations. They maintain warmth reasonably well, making them friendly to drive-thru commutes. Ask for extra salt if you like a punchier bite. While not the crunchiest crinkle, the overall experience—freshness, texture, and sauce synergy—makes them a dependable favorite. Best enjoyed as part of the box combo ritual.

15. 6) Wendy’s – Hot & Crispy Fries

Wendy’s reformulated Hot & Crispy Fries aim squarely at drive-thru durability, and they largely deliver. The exterior stays sturdier than many rivals, preserving crunch for longer rides, while salt levels are confident but not harsh. Texture isn’t glass-shatter crisp, yet it remains satisfying and resists sogginess better than before. They’re versatile with dips or standalone, and portion sizes feel fair. Some batches read slightly dry, so a dip can help. Overall, they’ve climbed the rankings by doing the fundamentals right: heat retention, consistent salting, and a pleasing bite that survives the commute.

16. Popeyes – Cajun Fries

Popeyes Cajun Fries bring zippy seasoning and a respectable crunch that stands up to the chain’s bold chicken. The spice blend offers paprika warmth, peppery kick, and a savory backbone without overwhelming the potato. They travel decently, though optimal enjoyment still happens hot. Dipping into Blackened Ranch or Mardi Gras Mustard doubles the fun. Some batches can be a touch salty, but the balance generally works. Their ridged, thin profile captures seasoning well, delivering flavor in every bite. If you like your fries with attitude, Popeyes makes a strong case—spiced, crispy, and undeniably snackable.

17. Checkers/Rally’s – Seasoned Fries

Checkers/Rally’s seasoned fries are a maximalist’s dream: aggressively spiced, deeply crispy, and proudly indulgent. Their robust coating guarantees crunch and flavor even after a short drive, making them standout travel companions. The seasoning skews garlicky-peppery with a hint of sweetness, turning the fries into a side that eats like a snack on its own. Oiliness is present but forgivable given the payoff. Pair with cheese sauce or ranch if you dare, though they hardly need it. For many, these are the ultimate fast-food seasoned fry—bold, crunchy, and consistently satisfying across locations.

18. Culver’s – Crinkle-Cuts

Culver’s crinkle-cuts strike an admirable balance: lightly crisp edges, real buttery potato flavor, and a tenderness that lingers pleasantly. They hold up longer than most crinkles, maintaining structure without turning mealy. A dash of salt is usually dialed in, and they sing alongside a ButterBurger or cheese curds. While not explosive in seasoning, they excel in comfort and consistency. They’re dependable travel partners and terrific with ranch or cheese sauce. If you value balance over bravado, Culver’s nails it—quietly excellent fries that keep tasting good past the first few bites.

19. Portillo’s – Crinkle-Cuts

Portillo’s crinkle-cut fries are shatter-crisp outside, fluffy inside, and reliably salted to a satisfying snap. Their ridges stay crunchy impressively long, making them unusually dependable for takeout. Dip them in Portillo’s cheese sauce and they soar—rich, gooey, and perfectly matched to the fry’s architecture. Even plain, they’re excellent, showcasing clean potato flavor with zero greasiness. Portion sizes are generous, and consistency is a strong suit across locations. If you’ve dismissed crinkles as flimsy, these will convert you. They’re precision-engineered comfort: crisp, warm, and ready for dunking.

20. Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s – Natural-Cut

Carl’s Jr./Hardee’s natural-cut fries are the sleeper champs, marrying real potato flavor with a hearty, travel-friendly crunch. The cut is generous without feeling bulky, and the salt level hits a satisfying middle ground. They maintain texture longer than most, resisting sogginess during commutes, which makes them dependable. The exterior offers crisp ridges and browned edges; the interior stays fluffy and warm. They’re excellent plain, yet even better with a peppery dip. Consistency is commendable across visits. If you want the best balance of crunch, salt, and authentic potato taste, these natural-cuts take the crown.