10 Fast-Food Fries Fans Can’t Stop Talking About

Few fast-food sides inspire as much debate as a basket of French fries. Some people want them thin and extra crispy, while others prefer thick-cut, curly, waffle, or crinkle-cut fries with plenty of seasoning. Recent surveys show just how divided those preferences can be, with several familiar chains consistently getting attention from fry fans. Here are 10 fast-food fries that keep showing up in the conversation.

McDonald’s World Famous Fries

McDonald’s fries remain one of the most recognizable fast-food sides around, and recent survey results show they still have plenty of fans. A 2026 survey of more than 2,500 Americans gave McDonald’s fries the highest average rating among 20 chains, at 7.3 out of 10. Their thin, shoestring-style cut also lines up with the fry style most preferred by respondents.

Chick-fil-A Waffle Fries

Chick-fil-A’s waffle fries stand out immediately thanks to their distinctive shape. The larger surface area gives each fry plenty of crispy edges while leaving room for a softer potato center. They have remained a strong contender in recent fry surveys, landing near the top alongside McDonald’s and Five Guys.

Five Guys Fries

Five Guys takes a very different approach with fresh-cut, skin-on fries cooked in peanut oil. You can choose between regular and Cajun-style fries, giving fans a little more variety with their order. The fries also have a reputation for generous portions, making them a popular choice for people who prefer a more substantial, potato-forward fry.

Wendy’s Fries

Wendy’s fries have long been part of the fast-food fry debate, particularly for people who like a natural-cut style. The fries are made with the skin left on, giving them a slightly different look and texture from classic shoestring fries. Wendy’s also placed in the top five of a 2026 survey of fast-food fries.

Burger King Fries

Burger King’s fries are thicker and softer compared to many competitors. Some enjoy their mild flavor and less aggressive salt profile. Others find them less memorable when compared to more heavily seasoned options. They often sit in the middle of fry rankings, depending on personal preference.

Arby’s Curly Fries

Arby’s curly fries are known for their bold seasoning and spiral shape. Fans love the strong spice blend and crispy edges that come from the curly cut. Critics sometimes find the seasoning overwhelming or too dominant. Despite that, they remain one of the most recognizable seasoned fry options.

In-N-Out Fries

In-N-Out’s fries are one of those sides that tend to inspire strong opinions. They’re made from fresh potatoes that are cut in the restaurant, giving them a very different texture from many frozen fast-food fries. The chain’s fries ranked in the top 10 in a recent national survey, although their texture remains a particularly divisive part of the fast-food fry debate.

Popeyes Fries

Popeyes’ fries offer another option for anyone who likes a well-seasoned side. They have a thicker cut and a noticeable seasoning that gives them a flavor profile that stands apart from classic fast-food fries. Popeyes also landed in the top 10 of a recent national fry survey, keeping them firmly in the conversation.

Shake Shack Crinkle-Cut Fries

Shake Shack brings the crinkle cut back into the fast-food conversation. The ridged shape gives these fries a nostalgic appearance while providing plenty of surface area for crisp edges. They also work well with the chain’s selection of burgers, chicken, and dipping sauces, making them an easy side for a full meal.

Jack in the Box Curly Fries

Jack in the Box curly fries are heavily seasoned and known for their crisp texture. Fans consider them a flavorful, underrated option that delivers consistent crunch. Critics sometimes find them overly salty or intense when eaten in large portions. They remain a popular choice, especially for late-night fast-food runs.

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