Types Of Fries

There are many different types of fries, fries can be made from different types of vegetables or even fruit, prepared in different ways, have different toppings added to them, and they can also be cut in different ways. Each of these may change how we refer to the fries, so let’s take a dive into these different types of fries.

Are you ready for a fry adventure? Let’s go!

Different Types of Fries

There are many different types of French fries. The types of French fries can vary depending on how the potatoes are cut, if they are made out of other vegetables besides potatoes, and adding different toppings to your French fries will make them a completely different type of fry.

Below we have three different categories for you to look at for different types of fries.

The first will cover the type of fries with different names based on how the potatoes are cut and prepared.

The second section is about different types of fries you can make using various fruits and vegetables.

And finally, the last section covering different types of fries will go over different fry dishes you can prepare using many types of ingredients in addition to your French fries.

Types of Fries

Types of French Fries

Classic Cut Fries

Classic cut fries are your traditional French fries served at most fast food restaurants. These are the fries that are cut from a potato in a straight cut.

They may or may not have the skin of the potato on them still. Classic cut fries are deep-fried and served with salt.

Chips

Chip is another name for your classic or regular French fry in many parts of Europe. Although in the United States we might think of potato chips, chips in Europe refer to your straight-cut French fry.

Cottage Fries

An easy yet delicious way to enjoy fries is to make cottage style fries. These are when you take a potato and cut it into slices, then fry the slices. These are so easy to make, you just can’t go wrong with them!

Crinkle Cut

Crinkle cut fries are when French fries are cut in a straight line but the outside of the fry has a wavy texture to it also known as crinkle fries.

Some fast food restaurants sell these fries, and you can also usually buy them in the frozen section at your local grocery store. Crinkle cut fries can be deep fried or baked in the oven.

Curly Fries

Curly fries are a classic favorite. They are just as they sound. Curly fries are made from potatoes that are cut into a curly shape, sometimes you can find one that is curled so tight it looks like a spring. If you think of classic drive-ins or root beer stands, curly fries are likely one of the foods that come to mind that might be served there.

Curly fries can still be found at some fast food restaurants, and they can also be found in the frozen section of your local grocery store.

Curly fries can be prepared in a variety of ways, from deep frying them to baking them in your oven. Some fries may have a lot of seasoning on them and others could just be curly fries.

German Fries (Bratkartoffeln)

German fries also known as Bratkartoffeln in German are potatoes they have been cut into bite-size pieces and pan fried with onions and other vegetables. Sometimes they are even fried with bacon and herbs.

Home Fries

Home fries are a traditional type of American breakfast food. Home fries are made from potatoes cut into cubes or bite-size pieces, then they are pan fried in oil.

These types of potatoes make a delicious dish for breakfast, or a good fry when you are looking for a type of fry that is not necessarily deep-fried.

Julienne Fries

Julienne fries is a name for a type of French fry that is cut into a long thin strip. The term Julienne actually refers to how the fry is cut.

You can use a sharp knife to cut many different types of foods into what is known as a Julienne cut, which simply means a long, thin, narrow cut.

Matchstick Fries

Matchstick French fries are potatoes that have been cut using a Julienne type of cut. These French fries are long and very narrow resembling a matchstick, hence the name.

Matchstick French fries are delicious because they are super crispy, but there is a little other texture to them. There are a few restaurants where you might find matchstick French fries served.

Potato Chips

Potato chips are also sometimes classified as a fry. Potato chips can be baked or deep-fried, and they are typically made using a very thin slice of potato.

Potato Skins

Although less common, you might sometimes find potato skins referred to as fries. Potato skins, unlike other types of fries, are made using a baked potato with the skin remaining.

You can then tap a potato skin with shredded cheese bacon bits and any other toppings you desire. Potato skins are then typically baked once more before serving.

You can find potato skins in the freezer section of your grocery store, and sometimes available at select restaurants.

Potato Smiles

Smiley potato fries are a kid’s favorite type of French fry. Potato Smileys are newer to the market, but nevertheless very popular.

These types of fries are made from mashed potatoes shaped like a smiley face and are deep fried so that you can enjoy the crispy texture on the outside and soft inside.

Potato Tornado

Potato tornadoes have many different names, ranging anywhere from a tornado, twist, to Mexican potato chip.

No matter what the name, these are potatoes that are cut in a twist shape so that it resembles a tornado or a twisted potato. They can be baked or fried, and served on a skewer.

Potato Wedges

Potato wedges are another common type of potato fry. Wedges are made from potatoes that are cut into wedge shapes. You can make your own easily, or you can pick up a bag of frozen potato wedges from your grocery store.

Although not typically served at fast food restaurants, some sit down restaurants serve potato wedges as their kind of fry.

Round Cut

Round cut fry is another name for cottage fries. This is when you take a potato and cut it into thin slices. The slices are then baked or fried to make delicious round cut fries.

These can be seasoned any way you desire, and served as just French fries, or alongside other ingredients as desired.

Shoestring Fries

Shoestring fries, like matchstick fries, or Julienne fries are French fries that are cut extremely thin and can resemble a shoestring because of their long and narrow shape.

These delicious fries are crunchy, and fabulous. Some fast food restaurants may serve shoestring fries or you can easily make them at home as well.

Side Winding Fries

Sidewinding fries are a very unique type of French fry. Sidewinders are a type of fry that slightly resembles a wavy potato chip, and are thicker than your normal chip.

You could also say that they resemble a curly fry but they are not nearly as curly as a normal curly fry is.

Because sidewinder fries are so unique, you may not be able to find them in any store. Instead you may have to order them online, or try making them yourself.

Steak Fries

Fries are a type of French fry that is thick cut. You are likely to find steak fries at your local steak restaurant, or other sit down restaurant.

You can also find frozen steak fries at your local grocery store in the freezer section. Steak fries can be baked or deep-fried.

Tater Tots

Although not technically a French fry, tater tots are a part of the fried potato family. Tater tots are made from grated potatoes formed into a cylinder shape.

Tater tots can sometimes be purchased at restaurants, or they can be purchased in the freezer section at your grocery store.

Waffle Fries

Waffle fries are another delicious type of fry. They get their name because they look somewhat like a waffle. Instead, they are simply a potato that has been cut into a waffle-like shape and deep fried or baked to make a delicious tasting fry.

Some waffle fries are seasoned while others are simply salted. Waffle fries are so delicious, that it’s hard to go wrong with them.

Wedge Fries

Wedge fries are when a potato is cut the longest way into wedge shapes.

Wedge fries are often served alongside steak at restaurants, or can be purchased in the freezer section of your grocery store. Wedge fries can also be made from scratch and taste delicious.

Hashbrowns

Hashbrowns are another type of fries, that are served for breakfast.

Hashbrowns are made from shredded potatoes and then deep-fried or pan-fried making the shredded potatoes crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Mashed Potato Fries

Mashed potato fries are made fresh by making mashed potatoes and then piping your mashed potatoes into oil. This makes a delicious fry that is crispy on the outside and creamy on the inside.

Mashed potato fries can be made from scratch and taste fabulous, or they can sometimes be purchased in the freezer section of your grocery store.

Non-Potato Types Of Fries

Apple Fries

Apple fries are a delicious, sweet treat, dessert, or side that you can easily make from scratch. Simply take an apple and cut it into thin strips. Then if desired, dip your apple in a mixture of granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

You can then eat them with the fresh apple, bake them in the oven until the apples are soft, or you can deep fry them to turn your cinnamon and sugar-coated apples into apple fries!

Asparagus Fries

Believe it or not, asparagus can also be transformed into a delicious fry as well. To make asparagus fries trim each one, then dip into a bowl of whisked eggs.

Then in another bowl combine breadcrumbs or panko, and parmesan cheese. After dipping your asparagus in the eggs, dip it directly into the panko mixture.

Place your breaded asparagus fries onto a lightly greased baking sheet and bake until soft. This lets you enjoy somewhat healthy version of asparagus fries.

Banana Fries

Believe it or not bananas too can be made into fries. Typically, banana fries are made using green bananas so that they don’t have that sweet taste to them.

Most of the time, banana fries are deep fried so that they get a crispy texture on the outside but they’re still soft on the inside.

Carrot Fries

Carrot fries are another healthy cry and option. To make these simply take large carrots and cut them into thin strips.

Coat your carrot strips in olive oil and season as desired. You can then bake these carrot fries in your oven, deep fry them, or cook them in your air fryer. Carrot fries are a delicious side dish, snack, or healthy alternative to French fries.

Chicken Fries

Chicken fries are pieces of chicken that are shaped like fries. They are very similar to chicken nuggets or chicken strips. Tyson sells chicken fries that you are likely to find in your grocery store’s freezer section.

Eggplant Fries

Eggplant fries are another alternative to your traditional fry option. Eggplants are taken and cut into strips then dipped into an egg mixture and finally dipped into Panko or breadcrumbs to get a breading mixture.

You can season eggplant fries any way you want then bake them, air fry, or deep fry them.

Green Bean Fries

Green bean fries are another alternative to your classic fries. Green beans are taken and dipped in egg mixture and then dipped breading to get that crispy exterior.

Typically, green bean fries are baked, broiled, air fried, or deep-fried to cook them.

Parsnip Fries

Surprisingly parsnips can also be made into fries. Parsnip fries are created by taking parsnips and cutting them into long sticks. They are then tossed in olive oil and seasoned before baking or air fried to cook them.

Plantain Fries

Plantains can also be turned into a delicious fry option. To make them cut the plantains into long sticks so they resemble a French fry shape. And fries are usually deep-fried to cook them, and then seasoned as desired.

Polenta Fries

Polenta is a type of corn meal that can be deep fried and made into a fry-like food, that is surprisingly delicious. Usually, the corn meal is prepared, then chilled in the fridge.

Once you are ready to deep fry it, the oil is heated, and the polenta is cut into sticks. It is then deep fried to perfection and enjoyed fresh.

Root Vegetable Fries

Root vegetable fries can be made from a variety of vegetables including sweet potatoes, potatoes, parsnips, rutabaga, carrots, and beets. Just to name a few.

You can make this from scratch by slicing these various root vegetables into thin slices and baking or deep frying them. Or you can buy a bag of root vegetable fries in your grocery store’s freezer section.

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries are a fabulous alternative to regular French fries. Sweet potato fries can be found in a variety of shapes and sizes, either baked or fried, or deep-fried to prepare them.

You can make sweet potato fries from scratch or pick up a bag from your grocery store’s freezer aisle.

Taro Fries

Taro fries are made using Taro root and cut into steak shapes or wedge shapes. The root is dipped in olive oil and seasoned as desired before baking until soft. You can also prepare these fries in your air fryer if desired.

Yucca fries

Yucca fries are made using fresh yucca, that is cut into stick or plank shapes. You can then dip them in olive oil, or lime juice before adding seasonings to these fries.

Cook them they can be boiled and fried, baked, air fried, or broiled.

Zucchini Fries

Breaded zucchini fries are another delicious alternative to your average French fries. To make zucchini fries, first cut your zucchini into wedges, stick shapes, or finger shapes.

Then dip your zucchini sticks into a whisked egg before adding your bread. crumbs and seasoning. Zucchini fries are typically baked in the oven, broiled, or air fried, although they could be deep-fried as well.

Types Of Fries With Different Toppings For French Fries

Animal-Style Fries

Animal-style French fries are iconic because of In and Out burger. These fries are regular fries topped with cheese, onions, and a sauce mixture made up of mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, vinegar, relish, and other ingredients.

Aussie Fries

Aussie fries are another restaurant favorite, usually found at Outback Steakhouse. This dish is made of regular French fries topped with melted Monterey Jack cheese, bacon bits, cheddar cheese, and ranch dressing.

One of the things that makes these fries so delicious is that they are served fresh from the oven, so everything is tender and the cheese is delightfully melted.

Baked Garlic Parmesan Fries

Garlic Parmesan fries are so delicious, that you can make them at home, or find them on some restaurant menus.

Typically, these fries are made using different types of French fries, and topped with a drizzle of olive oil, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and a little bit of parsley for decoration.

Baked Oven Fries

Oven baked fries simply refers to a way that French fries can be prepared in the oven. Baking fries in the oven works great no matter if you are making homemade fries, heating up frozen fries, or reheating leftover restaurant fries.

Belgian Fries

Belgian fries is a term used to refer to a specific type of fry. Although opinions vary as to how these fries should be prepared, some of the common ways include using Yukon Gold potatoes and frying them in vegetable oil then adding salt to season them.

One of the secrets to Belgian fries is that they are typically fried twice which makes them unique.

Bistro Fries

Bistro style fries are known for having a unique and crunchy texture to them. Part of what makes these fries are so special is that they are cooked twice. Usually, they are deep-fried once, and then baked in the oven which makes them one of a kind.

Blue Cheese Fries

Blue cheese French fries are usually made when you take your classic French fry, either deep fry them or bake them in the oven, then serve with blue cheese, and a hint of garlic on top.

The blue cheese on these French fries makes them taste quite unique and delicious.

Blue Potato Fries

Blue potato fries are actually made with Blue potatoes. These potatoes are then however you choose, deep fried, and seasoned with salt and pepper.

Blue potatoes are quite unique and rare so if you happen to find them, give these French fries a try.

Boardwalk Fries

Boardwalk fries are unique because of how they are prepared. Boardwalk fries are first soaked in salt water then they are fried twice to get their extra crispy texture.

Because of the unique way these fries are prepared, they are not found just anywhere, but specifically in Maryland.

Carne Asada Fries

Carne Asada fries are specifically found on the West Coast. These are fries that are topped with all kinds of Mexican goodies to make the ultimate dish.

You can find Carne Asada fries loaded down with many ingredients including guacamole. jalapeños, sour cream, steak, Pico de gallo, shredded cheese, and much more.

If you happen to be visiting the West Coast look for these fries on the menu or try making them yourself.

Cheese Fries

Cheese fries are a delicious way to serve fries that are simple yet tasty. Cheese fries are simply French fries covered in melted cheese.

You may find other toppings such as bacon bits, chives, green onions, ranch dressing, or other ingredients as well. Some restaurants serve cheese fries, or you can easily make them on your own.

Chili Cheese Fries

Chili cheese fries are similar to cheese fries only they also have chili on top of them. Chili cheese fries make a delicious appetizer, or even an easy main dish if you are looking for one.

Chimichurri Fries

Chimichurri fries receive their name because of the sauce they are made with. Chimichurri sauce is usually made with fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, vinegar, and chili pepper.

Your recipe may or may not include red wine or paprika, or other seasonings depending upon your specific recipe variation. These fries are made by first preparing your sauce, and baking or frying the fries as desired.

Your fries are then topped with your prepared chimichurri sauce, to make tasty chimichurri fries.

Disco Fries

Who else is thinking of the 80s with this name? Disco fries are a type of cheese fry, that is usually made with a cheddar cheese sauce or melted cheddar cheese, Greer cheese, then with either beef gravy or chicken gravy all added together to make one tasty dish of fries.

Garlic Fries

Garlic fries are fries that are either prepared with garlic, topped with garlic, or both. This type of fry turns out delicious when prepared, either by baking, air frying, or deep frying.

Then mix together garlic, garlic salt, a bit of butter, and even Parmesan cheese if desired. Then pour this garlic mixture over the top of your prepared fries tossing a few times then serve and enjoy the delicious garlic flavor.

Red Robin Garlic Parmesan Fries Recipe close with napkin

Honey Butter Fries (Korea)

Honey butter fries are said to have originated from Korea, and are quite tasty. Typically, these fries are made by combining butter, honey, soy sauce, and brown sugar to coat your prepared French fries.

Loaded Fries

Loaded fries can be topped with your favorite toppings. Usually loaded fries are your traditional French fries that are prepared, then topped with ingredients such as cheese, bacon bits, chives, sour cream, ranch dressing, and so much more.

Really loaded fries are hard to go wrong with as they include all of your favorite ingredients.

Nacho Fries

The fries are typically thought of as being French fries served with nacho cheese sauce thanks to Taco Bell.

However, you could also treat nacho fries just like you do loaded nachos, and add whatever toppings you wish on top of your prepared French fries.

Newfie Fries

Newfie Fries are a native of Newfoundland. This dish is made with crispy fries that are covered in stuffing and topped with gravy. Think Thanksgiving dinner only with French fries.

Some versions of these fries also have meat crumbled on top as well.

Parmesan Fries

Parmesan fries are when you take some basic French fries, prepare them, then melt Parmesan cheese and a little bit of garlic on top of your fries to make absolute deliciousness.

Parmesan fries are easy, and they taste great.

Patatas Bravas

Patatas Bravas a type of Spanish fried potato. It is made with potatoes olive oil, salt, and Bravas sauce. These are made by pan frying potatoes in a skillet twice, then topping with salt and sauce before serving.

Patatje Oorlog

Patatje Oorlog is a type of Dutch street food. It is made by taking French fries and topping them with sauce, mayonnaise, soy sauce, and finally diced onions.

Some recipes also include chili, olek sambal, and brown sugar. There are many variations for this recipe, but these are some of the main ingredients.

One of the interesting things about these Dutch fries, is that the name is literally translated Dutch war fries. The theory is that they are called war fries because it looks like there is a battle of toppings going on.

Pizza Fries

The fries can be made in a few different ways. The first way is by taking your normal potato French fries and topping them with mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, tomato sauce or paste, pepperoni, and other beloved pizza toppings.

The other way pizza fries can be made is by literally taking a pizza and cutting it into long narrow strips so that they are shaped like fries.

Pommes Souffles

Although you might not first think of pommes souffles as fries, they are actually made by taking a potato and frying it, making it a version of a French fried potato.

The potatoes are usually fried twice and puffed significantly during the second frying which makes them a fun way to mix up your average potato.

Poutine Fries

Poutine fries, also sometimes known as Canadian smothered fries. Like most fries, these specific ones can be made in a variety of ways. However, usually, poutine fries contain cheese curds, gravy, and prepared fries.

You can use many different types of fries to make this dish, but these are the three main ingredients.

Seasoned Fries

Fries can be made from scratch or purchased in the freezer section at your grocery store. They can also be purchased at some fast food restaurants. These are your normal potato fry that are heavily seasoned to add extra flavor.

Truffle Fries

Truffle fries are usually made with truffle oil Parmesan cheese, and sea salt. These fries get their name because they are made using truffle oil.

Vinegar Fries

Vinegar fries can be made using various types of fries, but they all have in common they are soaked in vinegar as a part of their preparation process. Vinegar fries have a unique taste to them, and if you enjoy vinegar, you will like these fries.

Now, we have concluded all of the different types of fries there are, ranging from how fries are cut, what fries are made out of, two different ways fries can be prepared, and toppings added. We are now going to turn our attention to different ways of preparing French fries.

Red Skin Potato Fries. Photo by CookThink.

Different Ways Of Preparing French Fries

Peeling the Potato

Sometimes French fries are prepared first by washing the potato and then removing the entire potato skin before cutting the fries. This removes any sign of a peeling and leaves you with a nice clean fry.

Of course, you do not have to peel a potato before it is cut into fries either. Enjoy leaving the potato skin intact, and simply washing it before cutting the potato into your desired fry shapes. When you leave the skin, you are leaving the extra nutrients that the peeling of your potato provides.

Cutting the Potato

There are so many ways you can choose to cut your potato. If you have any kitchen gadget that can help assist you to do it faster, you might consider using that otherwise, you can simply use a knife and cutting board to carefully cut your potato into your desired shape.

Really, the sky is the limit when it comes to how you choose to cut your potatoes. Keep in mind that thicker pieces of potato will take longer to cook, and thinner ones will cook faster.

Washing the Cut Fries

Even if you have washed the potatoes before they are cut into your fries, you will want to cut the fries before proceeding. In some cases, you may also want to soak your fries either in water, salt water, vinegar, etc. How you handle your fries at this stage will determine the outcome of your French fries.

Blanching

In some cases, it’s recommended to blanch your fries so that the insides of your fries are cooked, and when you fry them, the outsides will get crispy and the inside will be nicely prepared.

To blanch your fries, you will want to place them into boiling water for a few minutes, then move them immediately from the boiling water to ice water and allow them to rest for one to two minutes.

Then drain water and continue preparing your fries as desired. At this point you will choose to either bake in the oven, air fry them, or deep fry them.

Different Ways of Cooking the Fries

Oven Baked

One of the common methods you can use to prepare your fries is to bake them in the oven. Refer to your recipe for the specific oven temperature you want, then toss your fries so they are lightly coated in oil then arrange them on a cookie sheet in a single layer. Bake your fries until they are done to your liking.

Deep-Frying in Cooking Oil

The most common way that French fries are prepared at restaurants is to deep fry them. You can also deep fry French fries at home if desired, simply be aware of the smoke point of the oil you are using for frying and carefully monitor the oil temperature.

When you deep fry fries, it allows you to get the nice crunchy texture on the outside of fries that we all know and love. When deep frying your French fries, have your seasonings ready to add to your fries as soon as they are removed from your oil.

Double-Frying

Some prefer to double fry French fries to get them extra crispy. You can do this by deep frying them twice, or you can deep fry them and then bake them in the oven. Either way, this will provide you an extra crunchy texture to the outside of the fries.

Sautéed French Fries

Another way that French fries can be prepared which is less common, but easy to do is to sauté them on your stovetop in oil. To do this, you want to place a saucepan over medium heat, add your fries, then drizzle in oil.

Keep an eye on your fries as they cook in your pan. Continue pan-frying them on your stovetop until the fries are done to your liking.

Air Frying

Another way you can prepare fries is in the air fryer. This will also allow you to get a nice crispy texture, without them having to be submerged in a lot of oil. We do recommend blanching the fries before they are cooked in the air fryer. After they have been blanched, toss the fries in oil, then air fry until crispy.

The amount of time they take to cook in your air fryer will vary depending upon the temperature you cook them at, their size, and your air fryer. Keep an eye on them and check on them often so that they did not become overdone. Air frying your fries is a great way to get the crispy texture you love, without using a ton of oil.

Different Types of French Fries

There are a ton of different types of French fries. Types can vary depending upon the size and shape of the fries, what the fries are made from, and what the fries are topped with. Now that you know about the different types of fries, it’s time to go enjoy some delicious French fries!