Did you know that Americans consume over 16 pounds of french fries per person annually, yet fewer than 5% ever attempt making curly fries at home? This surprising statistic reveals a major gap between our love for these spiralized potato delights and our confidence in creating them ourselves. The truth is, making restaurant-quality crispy curly fries at home isn't just possible—it's surprisingly straightforward with the right technique. This crispy curly fries recipe delivers that perfect Arby's-style crunch and flavor without requiring professional equipment or culinary expertise. Whether you're looking to save money on takeout or impress guests at your next gathering, these homemade curly fries will transform how you think about this beloved side dish.
Transform this classic indulgence into a more nutritious option without sacrificing flavor:
Elevate your homemade curly fries experience with these creative pairings:
Sidestep these pitfalls to ensure perfect homemade curly fries every time:
Maximize freshness and minimize waste with these storage strategies:
This homemade curly fries recipe transforms simple potatoes into crispy, seasoned spirals that rival any restaurant version. The double-frying technique and special seasoning blend create the perfect balance of crunch and flavor. With healthier cooking alternatives and creative serving suggestions, these versatile fries can complement countless meals or stand alone as a crowd-pleasing snack.
Ready to impress your family with restaurant-quality curly fries? Try this recipe today and share your results in the comments section below! Subscribe to our blog for more copycat recipes that save money while delivering authentic flavors right in your own kitchen.
Love Arby’s curly fries? Now you can make them at home! This easy homemade recipe gives you crispy, seasoned curly fries using just a few ingredients—and all in under 30 minutes!
Wash the russet potatoes thoroughly and pat them dry. For the best results, don't peel them—the skin adds extra crispiness and flavor. If you have a spiralizer, use the blade with medium-sized holes to create those classic curly shapes. No spiralizer? A julienne peeler can work in a pinch, though the results will be straighter rather than curly.
Pro Tip: Chilling your potatoes for 30 minutes before spiralizing makes them firmer and easier to cut into perfect spirals.
Once spiralized, place your potato curls in a large bowl of cold water with 2 tablespoons of salt. Let them soak for at least 30 minutes—this crucial step removes excess starch, preventing the fries from sticking together and ensuring maximum crispiness. While many cooks skip this step, it's what separates good homemade fries from great ones.
While the potatoes are soaking, combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, dried oregano, cumin, salt, black pepper, and flour in a bowl. Mix thoroughly to create that signature Arby's-inspired seasoning blend. The flour in this mix serves a dual purpose—it helps the seasoning adhere to the potatoes and creates an extra-crispy exterior.
Drain your soaked potato spirals and pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Any remaining moisture will prevent proper crisping. Place the dried spirals in a large bowl, drizzle with oil, and toss until evenly coated. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture over the oiled potatoes and use your hands to ensure each curl is thoroughly coated.
Technique Tip: Working in batches ensures even coating—don't overcrowd your mixing bowl.
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Spread the seasoned curly fries across two large baking sheets lined with parchment paper. The key here is ensuring they're arranged in a single layer with some space between each curl—crowding leads to steaming rather than crisping.
Bake your curly fries for 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through cooking time. Look for a golden-brown color with visibly crisp edges. The exact timing may vary depending on the thickness of your spirals and your oven's specific heating patterns, so start checking at the 15-minute mark.
For that restaurant-level crispiness, increase the oven temperature to 450°F (230°C) for the final 3-5 minutes of cooking. This high-heat finish creates that satisfying crunch without burning the seasoning. Keep a close eye on them during this final stage.
Hello, wonderful food lovers! I’m Chef Andrew—a passionate foodie, traveler, and recipe creator. I love crafting delicious dishes, exploring new flavors, and sharing my culinary adventures. My greatest passion in life is helping others live healthier and happier lives through the joy of cooking. Let’s create, taste, and inspire together!
