Frozen French fries are a must-have in any kitchen, delivering crispy, golden perfection without the hassle of peeling and frying from scratch. But with endless options in the freezer aisle, how do you know which ones are worth your money and which will leave you disappointed and craving the real deal? We’ve taste-tested and ranked the 10 best frozen fries to help you skip the guesswork and go straight to the crispiest, most flavorful picks. Whether you love classic, crinkle-cut, or seasoned fries, this list will upgrade your fry game and ensure every bite is worth it!
10. McCain Waffle Cut French Fried Potatoes
A fun shape doesn’t always mean great fries. McCain’s waffle fries have the signature grid pattern that makes them ideal for dipping, but their texture is a letdown. Even when baked or air-fried, they struggle to crisp up properly, often turning out soft and limp.
Their flavor is mild, lacking the seasoning punch that makes a great frozen fry stand out. While they might work as a novelty, they simply don’t deliver the crispy, golden bite most people expect. They might work as a vehicle for dips, but if you’re looking for restaurant-quality waffle fries, you’re better off trying another brand.
9. Ore-Ida Golden Crinkles French Fried Potatoes
A household name, Ore-Ida is a go-to for frozen potatoes, but their golden crinkle-cut fries don’t always impress. The biggest complaint? Inconsistent crispiness. While they have good potato flavor, they don’t crisp up well, even after baking extra-long. The thick cut results in a mushy interior, and the fries feel heavier than they should.
They also lack seasoning, so you’ll need extra salt or dipping sauce. They aren’t terrible, but they don’t compete with better, crispier crinkle-cut fries on the market. If you love crinkle fries, you might want to keep searching for a crunchier option.
8. Trader Joe’s Handsome Cut Potato Fries
Trader Joe’s Handsome Cut Potato Fries look homemade, with skin-on edges that give them a rustic feel. They taste fresh and real, which is a plus, but they don’t get quite crispy enough, even in the air fryer. The potato flavor is strong, but they’re under-seasoned, so they need extra salt or seasoning to really shine. They’re a great option if you like a simple, no-frills fry, but if you’re craving something crispy and indulgent, these might not hit the spot. Not bad—but not our first pick for the best frozen fries.
7. Red Robin Seasoned Steak Fries
If you love thick steak fries, Red Robin Seasoned Steak Fries might be for you. The seasoning is bold and savory, giving them good flavor even without dip. However, the problem is the texture—they don’t crisp up well, even when baked extra-long. The inside stays too soft and starchy, making them feel more like potato wedges than fries.
If you prefer a fluffy, potato-heavy fry, these could be a winner. But if you want a crispy, restaurant-quality fry, they’re just okay. Decent flavor, but texture issues keep them from ranking higher.
6. Steak ‘n Shake Thin ‘n Crispy Seasoned Potato Fries
For those who love thin fires, Steak ‘n Shake Thin ‘n Crispy Seasoned Potato Fries are a good option. Steak ‘n Shake’s fries are as thin as they come, making them extra crispy—sometimes too crispy. They almost border on crunchy potato sticks rather than actual fries.
The beef tallow frying method gives them a richer, fast-food-like flavor, but they cool down too quickly, and their thin size means they don’t have much potato inside. They’re fun to snack on, but if you want something more substantial, they might leave you unsatisfied. A solid choice for crispy fry lovers, but those who want thicker, fluffier fries may want to skip these.
5. Checkers/Rally’s Famous Seasoned Fries
These fries taste exactly like they do at Checkers/Rally’s, which is a huge plus. The seasoning is bold, peppery, and slightly spicy, making them stand out. The coating is crispy, but they can be a bit salty, so if you’re sensitive to salt, you might find them too intense. When cooked in an air fryer, they crisp up beautifully, but in a regular oven, they can be a little inconsistent.
Overall, if you love strongly seasoned, crunchy fries, these are a great option. Whether served as a side dish or a snack, they’re sure to impress. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce, or enjoy them on their own. Their bold flavor profile makes them a standout choice in the frozen fry aisle.
4. Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries
Arby’s Seasoned Curly Fries are famous for their fun shape and delightful seasoning. Arby’s curly fries are generally a fan favorite, and the frozen version doesn’t disappoint. They have the same zesty seasoning, and their crispiness holds up well—but only if cooked properly. Air frying is the best method since some pieces can stay too soft in the oven. The seasoning is spicy and flavorful, though they might be too salty for some. Their biggest issue? Uneven cooking due to their curly shape—some pieces get crunchy, while others remain soft. If you love Arby’s fries, you’ll love these, but they require a little patience to cook evenly.
3. Ore-Ida Golden Fries French Fried Frozen Potatoes
Another Ore-Ida option on our list are Ore-Ida Golden Fries. Ore-Ida gets it right with these fries. They’re not fancy, not overly seasoned, just classic fries done well. They crisp up nicely, whether in the oven or air fryer, and have a good balance of fluffy inside and crispy outside. The flavor is mild, making them versatile—they go great with any dip or seasoning.
Their simplicity allows them to pair well with a variety of dishes, from burgers to fish. While they don’t have the gourmet feel of higher-ranked options, they’re dependable, easy to cook, and great for any occasion. If you want a classic fry that never disappoints, these are a top choice.
2. Alexia House Cut Fries with Sea Salt
Alexia House Cut Fries with Sea Salt offer a natural taste with restaurant-level crisp. Alexia’s fries taste like they came from a high-end restaurant. They’re less processed, lightly seasoned with sea salt, and crisp up beautifully. The potato flavor is rich, and they don’t feel artificial like some frozen fries.
The texture is perfectly balanced—crispy outside, soft inside. They aren’t overloaded with seasoning, so they let the natural potato taste shine. If you want a gourmet-style frozen fry, these are nearly unbeatable. They only miss the top spot because some people might prefer a more heavily seasoned or coated fry.
1. Grown in Idaho Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries
Hands down the best frozen fries you can buy are Grown in Idaho Super Crispy Crinkle Cut Fries. They cook up extra crispy on the outside, super fluffy on the inside, and stay crunchy longer than other brands. The crinkle-cut shape holds onto dips beautifully, and they have the perfect balance of texture and flavor. Unlike other crinkle fries, these actually crisp up well in the oven, making them a foolproof option for anyone craving restaurant-quality fries at home. Whether you bake or air-fry them, they always deliver. If you’re only buying one frozen fry brand, this is it.
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