Crinkle Cut Fries : The Crispy, Wavy Potato Favorite
French fries are one of the most popular side dishes in the world. They come in many shapes and sizes, but one of the most fun and tasty types is the crinkle cut fry. With its wavy design, golden color, and perfect crunch, the crinkle cut fry stands out from the rest. In this blog, we’ll explore everything about crinkle cut fries – their history, how they’re made, why they’re loved, and how you can make them at home.
What Are Crinkle Cut Fries?
Crinkle cut fries are French fries with a wavy, zigzag shape. This shape is made using a special kind of knife or cutter with a corrugated blade. Instead of cutting the potato into straight sticks, this tool gives the fries their unique wave design.
The crinkles are more than just pretty – they help make the fries crispier on the outside while staying soft on the inside. The wavy edges create more surface area, which means more crunchy bits after frying or baking. That’s one reason why many people love crinkle cut fries – they’re both crispy and fluffy at the same time.
A Short History of Crinkle Cut Fries :
Nobody knows exactly when or where crinkle cut fries were first made. However, the idea likely started in the mid-1900s, when food companies began creating new ways to cut and cook potatoes for frozen foods. The crinkle cut shape made the fries look different and helped them cook faster and more evenly.
Crinkle cut frieses became especially popular in school cafeterias, fast food restaurants, and diners. They were easy to freeze and reheat, and kids loved their fun shape. Over time, they became a classic part of American food culture.
Some restaurants, like Shake Shack, made crinkle cut fries their signature side dish. Because of that, crinkle cut fries have stayed popular even with all the new fry styles available today.
Why People Love Crinkle Cut Fries :
There are many reasons why people love crinkle cut fries:
1. Crispy and Soft Texture :
The wavy shape creates extra surface area, which means more crispy edges. At the same time, the inside of the fry stays soft and warm. It’s the perfect mix of crunch and fluff.
2. Fun Shape :
The crinkly design is fun to look at and eat. It’s great for kids and adults alike. The shape also makes them stand out from regular fries or shoestring fries.
3. Better for Dipping :
The ridges on crinkle cut frieses hold onto sauces better. Whether it’s ketchup, cheese, mayo, or spicy sauce, every bite has more flavor.
4. They Don’t Get Soggy Fast :
Compared to some thin fries, crinkle cuts tend to stay crispy longer, even after being in sauce or sitting for a bit. That makes them great for meals or snacks.
How Are Crinkle Cut Fries Made?
Making crinkle cut frieses isn’t too hard. You just need the right kind of potato, a wavy cutter, and your choice of cooking method – frying, baking, or air frying.
Ingredients :
- Large potatoes (Russet potatoes work best)
- Oil (for frying or brushing if baking)
- Salt and seasoning
- Optional: cornstarch or flour for extra crunch
Tools :
- Crinkle cutter (a special knife with a wavy blade)
- Fryer, oven, or air fryer
Steps to Make Crinkle Cut Fries :
Wash and Peel the Potatoes :
You can leave the skin on if you like, but many people peel them for a smoother texture.
Slice with the Crinkle Cutter :
Cut the potatoes into 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch slices. Then turn each slice and cut again to get crinkled sticks.
Soak the Fries :
Place the cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch and makes them crispier.
Dry the Fries :
Take the fries out of the water and dry them completely using a clean towel or paper towels.
Fry, Bake, or Air Fry :
- Frying: Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). Fry the potatoes in batches until golden and crispy.
- Baking: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the fries on a baking sheet, brush with oil, and bake for 30-40 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Air Frying: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and cook the fries for 15-20 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Season and Serve :
Sprinkle with salt and your favorite seasonings while they’re still hot. Enjoy!
Best Sauces for Crinkle Cut Fries :
One of the best things about crinkle cut frieses is how well they hold onto sauces. The ridges and wavy shape trap dips perfectly, giving you more flavor with every bite. Here are some of the most delicious and popular sauces to enjoy with your fries:
1. Ketchup :
The classic dip that everyone knows and loves. Ketchup is made from tomatoes, vinegar, sugar, and spices, giving it that perfect mix of sweet and tangy. It’s a favorite for kids and a go-to for dipping fries of all kinds. With crinkle cut frieses, ketchup clings to every ridge, giving you a satisfying burst of flavor in every bite. It’s simple, but that’s what makes it great.
2. Ranch Dressing :
Ranch is a creamy, herby sauce made from buttermilk, garlic, onion, and a mix of spices. It’s cool, smooth, and rich – a great partner for the warm crunch of crinkle fries. Ranch balances out spicy or heavily seasoned fries and adds a nice contrast in texture. It’s especially popular in the U.S. and can be made even tastier with a sprinkle of dill or extra garlic.
3. Cheese Sauce :
If you love cheesy snacks, this one’s for you. Cheese sauce is warm, melty, and perfect for drizzling over or dipping your fries. The salty, creamy flavor of cheddar or nacho cheese pairs so well with the crispy texture of crinkle fries. You can add jalapeños for a spicy twist or bacon bits for extra flavor. Cheese sauce turns a simple snack into comfort food heaven.
4. Spicy Mayo :
Spicy mayo brings heat and creaminess together in one delicious dip. It’s usually made with mayonnaise and sriracha or another type of chili sauce. Some people add a squeeze of lime or a pinch of sugar to balance it out. The creamy texture sticks well to crinkle friess, and the spice gives a bold kick. It’s a popular choice for people who like a little fire with their food.
5. Garlic Aioli :
Aioli is like an upgraded mayonnaise, and garlic aioli is a flavor bomb. It’s made by blending garlic with oil and sometimes egg yolks or mayo to create a thick, flavorful dip. The garlic adds a strong, rich taste that pairs beautifully with the saltiness of fries. With crinkle cut fries, the aioli gets into all the little grooves, giving you a super flavorful bite every time. It’s a fancy yet easy sauce that adds restaurant-style quality to your snack.
Crinkle Cut Fries in Fast Food :
Many fast-food chains and diners serve crinkle cut fries. Some of the most famous include:
- Shake Shack – Their crinkle friess are thick, golden, and perfectly crispy.
- Del Taco – Offers crinkle fries with their Mexican-inspired meals.
- White Castle – Known for their sliders and crinkle cut fries.
- Culver’s – Another place where crinkle fries are a popular side.
Some places even sell seasoned crinkle fries with flavors like Cajun, garlic, or spicy pepper.
Frozen Crinkle Cut Fries :
Don’t want to cut and cook from scratch? No problem. Frozen crinkle cut frieses are available in almost every grocery store. Brands like Ore-Ida, McCain, and Alexia offer frozen fries that you can bake or air fry at home. They’re quick, easy, and still delicious.
Just remember to check the instructions on the bag for the best results. You can add your own spices to give them more flavor, too.
Health Tips for Eating Fries :
While fries are super tasty, they can be high in calories and fat, especially when deep-fried. Here are a few tips to enjoy them in a healthier way:
- Bake or air fry instead of deep frying.
- Use heart-healthy oils like olive or avocado oil.
- Choose sweet potatoes for more fiber and vitamins.
- Watch the portion size and avoid too many toppings.
You can also make fries from veggies like zucchini, carrots, or parsnips using the same crinkle cut method for a healthy twist.
Fun Crinkle Cut Fry Ideas :
Want to do something different with your fries? Here are some fun ideas:
- Crinkle Fry Nachos – Layer fries with cheese, salsa, jalapeños, and sour cream.
- Crinkle Fry Sandwich – Add crispy friess inside your burger or sandwich.
- Fry Platter – Serve with multiple sauces for dipping fun at parties.
- Crinkle Fry Poutine – Add cheese curds and gravy on top for a Canadian-style treat.
Final Thoughts :
Crinkle cut fries are more than just a side dish – they’re a fun, crispy, and tasty part of the food world. Whether you make them fresh at home or buy them frozen, they’re always a hit. Their special shape gives them a perfect crunch, holds dips better, and makes them stand out from regular fries.
Next time you’re craving something salty and crispy, try reaching for crinkle cut fries. Whether plain, seasoned, or topped with cheese and sauce, they’ll always satisfy your fry craving.
FAQs :
FAQs :
Yes! Frozen crinkle cut fries are convenient and tasty. Just follow the cooking instructions on the bag. Air frying or baking can give good crispy results.
Restaurants like Shake Shack, White Castle, Del Taco, and Culver’s are known for serving crinkle cut fries as part of their menu.
They’re similar in calories and fat, but how you cook them matters. Baking or air frying with less oil is a healthier option compared to deep frying.
Yes! You can use other veggies like sweet potatoes, zucchini, or carrots with a crinkle cutter. It’s a fun way to make healthier fries at home.