Homemade Curly Fries
Last Updated on March 6, 2026 by Barbara
Homemade Curly Fries are a crispy treat and so easy to make at home. The secret is using a spiralizer to create those classic curls! With only a few simple ingredients you can enjoy crispy curly fries in no time. Walk with me as I share this simple recipe.
If you love curly fries then you must try my crispy waffle fries and baked potato wedges too!
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Arby’s curly fries along with Jack-in-the-Box’s curly fries are both favorites of mine. So of course, in my endless desire to copy restaurant food at home, I knew I had to come up with a recipe. I purchased the spiralizer attachment for my KitchenAid stand mixer (which, by the way, is also great for making zucchini noodle too) and I got to cooking. After several attempts I have created the perfect flavor balance for a batter that stick perfectly to the potatoes to make crispy delicious curly fries.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make at home. This fast food classic is loved by many and with the proper tool can be recreated right in your own kitchen.
- Perfect Side Dish. Curly fries go great with burgers, sandwiches and so much more.
- Elevated flavor. Curly fries are not just regular fries, they are full of rich flavor and texture.
Ingredients For Homemade Curly Fries
Curly Fries are one of the easiest recipes you will find. It’s made with only a few simple ingredients that you already have in your pantry. You will need:
- Russet potatoes are ideal for making curly fries. They can be prepare with the skin on or off for this recipe.
- All-purpose flour and Water serves as the base for your batter to give us that crispy coating we desire.
- Paprika give adds a smoky yet sweet flavor and it give the fries that rich golden color we love.
- Cayenne pepper will give your curly fries a burst of flavor and a little kick.
- Onion powder with it’s savory, onion flavor enhances the overall taste of the curly fries.
- Sea salt enhances the natural flavor of the potatoes.
- Vegetable oil or canola oil will work for this recipe. These high smoke point oils will yield the crispiest fries.
Substitutions & Variations
- For deep-frying you can replace canola oil with peanut oil, vegetable oil, or corn oil
- For the spices and seasonings, use what appeals to your palate. Add a teaspoon garlic powder for more depth of flavor.
- If you don’t want to use russet potatoes sweet potatoes seasoned with cinnamon and a hint of sugar is a good alternative.
Tools You Will Need
Watch the Video for Homemade Curly Fries
Instructions for Homemade Curly Fries
Step 1: Prepare the Batter
In a large bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and onion powder. Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined. Add the water to the dry mixture and stir until a smooth batter forms.
Step 2: Prepare the Potatoes
Using a spiralizer, prepare the potatoes into curly shapes. (If you don’t have a spiralizer attachment, a hand spiral cutter will do the trick.) Rinse the curly-cut potatoes with cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Place them on a wire rack to continue to dry.
Step 3: Coat the Fries
Dip the spiralized potatoes into the prepared batter, making sure they are evenly coated.
Step 4: Fry the Curly Fries
Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to medium-high heat 375°F (190°C). Fry the curly fries in small batches for about 4 minutes, or until they turn crispy and golden brown. Remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Step 5: Season and Serve
While still hot, sprinkle the fries with the sea salt for extra flavor. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!
Tips for the Best Curly Fries
- Use Russet potatoes for the crispiest results.
- Don’t overcrowd the fryer—frying in small batches ensures even cooking.
- For extra crunch, double-fry the curly fries: fry them for 2 minutes, remove them, let them rest for a minute, and fry again for 2 minutes.
- Want extra seasoning? Add garlic powder, black pepper, or Cajun seasoning for extra flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Curly fries goes great with an endless list of main dishes. Place them along side a burger, hot dog, corn dog, fried chicken or fried fish. They are also great when enjoyed with a dipping sauce like ketchup, barbecue sauce or ranch.
How to Store Curly Fries
Leftovers Curly fries can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 day. When reheating your curly fries, use an air fryer or place them on a baking sheet and reheat in the oven until crispy.
Arby’s and Jack in the Box are known to serve crispy curly fries. Some places like Hardee’s / Carl’s Jr., Checkers / Rally’s, Sonic Drive-In may have them at selected locations or as a part of a limited- time menu option.
If you plan to make curly fries often, a spiralizer is the easiest tool. But if you don’t have one, a knife or apple peeler can still get the job done!
Yes, curly fries can be spiralized, put in cold water and placed in the refrigerator up to 24 hours before frying.
Other Great Recipes
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Ingredients
- 2 Russet potatoes
- all-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoons sea salt (divided)
- 1 water
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Method
- In a large mixing bowl, combine flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, and onion powder.
- Whisk the dry ingredients together until well combined.
- Add ¾ cup of water to the dry mixture and stir until a smooth batter forms.
- Using a spiralizer, cut the potatoes into curly shapes. (If you don’t have a spiralizer, a hand spiral cutter will work.)
- Rinse the curly-cut potatoes with cold water, then pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Place the potatoes on a wire rack to remove excess moisture.
- Dip the spiralized potatoes into the batter, making sure they are evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the curly fries in small batches for about 4 minutes, or until they turn crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the fries from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- While still hot, sprinkle the fries with the remaining sea salt for extra flavor.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauces!
