Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries have a signature taste that keeps customers coming back for more. But what exactly gives them their distinct flavor? The secret is in the seasoning blend that Chick-fil-A uses specifically for their fries.
The Seasoning
According to Chick-fil-A, their waffle fries are coated in a seasoning blend that contains the following ingredients:
- Sea salt – for flavor
- Garlic powder – for aroma
- Onion powder – for savoriness
- Paprika – for color
- Sugar – to balance the savory flavors
- Spices – likely including black pepper, though the exact blend is proprietary
This combination of salts, savory powdered flavors, sweetness, and spice is what gives Chick-fil-A waffle fries their signature taste. The sea salt provides the dominant salty flavor, while the garlic and onion powders enhance the overall savory profile. Paprika lends a reddish-orange color and hint of peppery flavor. Sugar balances out the blend by adding a subtle sweetness. And the spice blend, though its exact composition is unknown, likely provides background notes of black pepper and other aromatic spices.
Why Waffle Fries
In addition to the seasoning, the unique shape of Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries also contributes to their iconic taste and texture. The waffle cut provides more surface area for the seasoning to adhere to compared to traditional straight-cut fries. And the crisp ridges and airy interior created by the waffle iron hot press results in fries that are crispy outside but fluffy inside.
Fry Preparation
Chick-fil-A uses a specific process to prepare their waffle fries:
- Potatoes are cut into a waffle shape using a specialized cutter.
- The raw fries are soaked in water to remove starch.
- After drying, the fries are partially fried in canola oil at a low temperature.
- The par-fried fries are cooled and then seasoned with the signature blend.
- The seasoned fries are packaged and sent to restaurants.
- In the restaurant, the fries are fried again at a higher temperature to finish cooking and get crispy.
- The fully cooked fries are seasoned once more right before serving for maximum flavor.
Chick-fil-A’s two-fry method and double seasoning results in waffle fries with a crispy exterior and a super flavorful, salty, savory taste.
Nutrition
Here is the nutrition information for Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries:
| Serving Size | 4.4 oz (about 12 fries) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 360 |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Protein | 3 g |
| Sodium | 380 mg |
As you can see, waffle fries are fairly high in fat and sodium compared to other fried potato sides. But that’s the price we pay for their delectably crispy and salty taste.
Copycat Recipes
To recreate the signature taste of Chick-fil-A waffle fries at home, try some of these copycat seasoning recipes:
Basic Copycat
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1⁄2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
sweetened Copycat
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1⁄2 teaspoon paprika
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon sugar or brown sugar
Spiced Up Copycat
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1⁄4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1⁄4 teaspoon dried oregano
- Pinch of dried thyme
Make one of these seasoning blends, toss the cooked waffle fries in it, and you’ll have your very own version of Chick-fil-A fries at home.
Conclusion
With a sea salt base along with garlic, onion, paprika, sugar and secret spices, Chick-fil-A has perfected a waffle fry seasoning blend that keeps their customers craving more. Paired with their unique waffle shape, two-fry cooking method and double seasoning, the result is a crispy, salty and savory French fry with signature flavor and texture. While the exact spices remain a mystery, anyone can come close to the iconic taste by using a simple copycat recipe.