The Most Popular Fry, Ranked

Choose the fry you think is the most popular!

Author: Gregor Krambs
Updated on Apr 29, 2024 06:38
Choosing the perfect fry can often be a subject of lively debate among enthusiasts. Everyone has their preference, be it crinkle-cut, shoestring, or another variety, each offering a unique texture and taste that can turn a simple meal into a memorable one. By ranking these beloved side dishes, we gain insight into popular opinion and culinary trends that might not be apparent at first glance. This ranking system allows fans to cast their votes and see how their favorites stack up against the competition. Through your participation, fresh favorites can rise to prominence and perhaps even influence the offerings at local eateries. It’s a dynamic way to engage with food culture and see the collective preferences unfold in real-time.

What Is the Most Popular Fry?

  1. 1
    62
    votes
    French fries are the most popular type of fry, made from potatoes that have been cut into thin strips and fried until crispy. They are usually salted and served hot, either on their own or as a side dish with burgers, sandwiches, or other fast food items.
    French Fries in other rankings
  2. 2
    54
    votes
    Sweet potato fries are similar to French fries, but made from sweet potatoes instead of regular potatoes. They are a healthier alternative to traditional fries, with more vitamins and minerals, and a slightly sweeter taste. They can be seasoned with salt, cinnamon, or other spices.
    Sweet potato fries are a type of French fry made from sweet potatoes instead of the more common white potatoes. They are typically cut into long, thin strips and fried until crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Sweet potato fries have a naturally sweet flavor and a slightly softer texture compared to regular fries.
    • Shape: Long, thin strips
    • Texture: Crispy on the outside, tender on the inside
    • Flavor: Naturally sweet
    • Color: Orange or yellow
    • Preparation: Typically fried, but can also be baked or air-fried
    Sweet Potato Fries in other rankings
  3. 3
    21
    votes
    Tater Tots
    Major Small · CC BY 3.0
    Tater tots are small, cylindrical potato bites that are deep-fried until crispy. They are a popular side dish at fast food restaurants and are often served with burgers or sandwiches.
    Tater Tots are bite-sized cylindrical potato snacks that are deep-fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, while remaining soft and tender on the inside. They are a popular form of potato-based fried food.
    • Shape: Cylindrical
    • Texture: Crispy outside, soft inside
    • Cooking method: Deep-fried
    • Size: Bite-sized
    • Potato type: Russet potatoes
    Tater Tots in other rankings
  4. 4
    16
    votes

    Curly Fries

    Arby's
    Curly fries are made from potatoes that have been cut into thin spirals and then fried until crispy. They are a popular side dish at fast food restaurants and are often seasoned with spices like garlic or paprika.
    Curly Fries are a type of french fries characterized by their spiral shape. They have a crispy exterior and a soft interior, making them a crunchy and delicious snack. The unique shape and texture of Curly Fries set them apart from traditional straight-cut fries.
    • Shape: Spiral
    • Texture: Crispy exterior, soft interior
    • Flavor: Savory and seasoned
    • Size: Varies, typically medium to long in length
    • Ingredients: Potatoes, oil, salt, and seasonings
  5. 5
    13
    votes
    Shoestring Fries
    Fabio azevedo · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Shoestring fries are similar to French fries, but much thinner and crispier. They are often served as a side dish with sandwiches or burgers and are popular at fast food restaurants.
    Shoestring Fries are thin and crispy French fries that are typically made from potatoes cut into long, thin strips. They are characterized by their slender shape, which is similar to shoelaces or strings, hence the name. Shoestring Fries are popular for their delicate and crispy texture, making them a favorite choice for many fry lovers.
    • Thickness: Thin
    • Shape: Long and slender, similar to shoelaces
    • Crispiness: Very crispy
    • Texture: Delicate
    • Potato Variety: Various potato varieties can be used
  6. 6
    10
    votes
    Crinkle cut fries are made from potatoes that have been cut into a wavy, crinkle shape and then fried until crispy. They are popular at fast food restaurants and are often served with burgers or sandwiches.
    Crinkle Cut Fries are a type of french fry that has a distinctive crinkle shape cut into each fry. They have a crispy, golden exterior and a fluffy interior, making them a delicious and satisfying snack or side dish. The crinkle cut shape helps to increase the surface area of the fry, allowing for extra crispiness and providing a great texture. These fries are popular in many countries and are often served with ketchup or other dipping sauces.
    • Shape: Crinkle cut
    • Texture: Crispy exterior, fluffy interior
    • Color: Golden
    • Origin: United States
    • Year of creation: Early 1940s
  7. 7
    8
    votes
    Steak fries are thick-cut potato wedges that are fried until crispy. They are often served as a side dish with steak or other meat dishes and are popular at casual dining restaurants.
    Steak Fries are thick-cut potato fries that have a golden brown exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. They are larger in size compared to regular fries, providing a hearty and satisfying texture. The steak fries are versatile and can be seasoned with a variety of flavors such as salt, pepper, garlic, or herbs, enhancing their taste. They are commonly served as a side dish or snack, suitable for pairing with burgers, sandwiches, or enjoying on their own.
    • Size: Thick-cut
    • Texture: Golden brown exterior, soft and fluffy interior
    • Flavor: Versatile, can be seasoned with various spices (salt, pepper, garlic, herbs)
    • Serving: Commonly served as a side dish or snack
    • Pairs well with: Burgers, sandwiches, or enjoyed as a standalone snack
  8. 8
    12
    votes
    Poutine is a Canadian dish made from French fries that are topped with cheese curds and gravy. It is a popular fast food item in Canada and has gained popularity in the United States in recent years.
    Poutine is a popular Canadian dish made with French fries, cheese curds, and gravy. It is known for its savory and indulgent flavors, making it a comforting and satisfying meal. The dish originated in the province of Quebec, Canada.
    • French Fries: Made from fresh potatoes, cut into sticks, and deep-fried until crispy.
    • Cheese Curds: Chunks of fresh cheese, typically made from curdled milk, with a mild and slightly salty flavor.
    • Gravy: A hot sauce made from meat drippings or stock, thickened with flour or cornstarch, and seasoned with spices.
    • Cheese Melting: The cheese curds are placed on top of the hot fries, allowing them to partially melt and form gooey, stringy cheese.
    • Gravy Pouring: Hot gravy is poured over the fries and cheese curds, creating a rich and savory combination.
  9. 9
    9
    votes

    Waffle Fries

    Chick-fil-A
    Waffle fries are made from potatoes that have been cut into a waffle shape and then fried until crispy. They are a popular side dish at fast food restaurants and are often seasoned with spices like garlic or paprika.
    Waffle Fries are a signature side dish offered by Chick-fil-A. They are made from freshly sliced potatoes that are waffle-cut for a unique texture and flavor. The waffle-cut shape allows for a crispy exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. These fries are seasoned with a blend of salt and spices, enhancing their taste even further.
    • Size: Medium-sized fries
    • Texture: Crispy exterior, soft interior
    • Seasoning: Blend of salt and spices
    • Shape: Waffle-cut
    • Ingredients: Potatoes, salt, spices
    Waffle Fries in other rankings
  10. 10
    3
    votes
    Potato Wedges
    Qwerty Binary · CC BY-SA 3.0
    Potato wedges are thick-cut potato slices that are seasoned with spices like garlic, paprika, or cumin, and then baked or fried until crispy. They are a popular side dish at casual dining restaurants and are often served with burgers or sandwiches.
    Potato Wedges are a type of deep-fried potato snack that are cut into thick wedge-shaped slices. They are crispy on the outside, with a soft and fluffy interior. Potato Wedges are usually seasoned with various herbs and spices, and can be served as a standalone appetizer or as a side dish.
    • Shape: Wedge-shaped
    • Texture: Crispy outside, soft inside
    • Size: Thick slices
    • Seasoning: Various herbs and spices
    • Cooking Method: Deep-fried

Missing your favorite fry?

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Ranking factors for popular fry

  1. Cut and size
    The cut and size of the fry will determine the overall texture and cooking time. Common cuts include shoestring, steak, crinkle-cut, curly, and waffle-cut fries.
  2. Cooking method
    The cooking method used can also impact the flavor and texture. Methods include deep-frying, air-frying, baking, and pan-frying.
  3. Seasonings and flavors
    The seasoning applied to the fry influences its overall taste. Basic seasonings include salt and pepper, while more flavorful options include garlic, onion powder, paprika, cajun or seasoned salts, and other herbs and spices.
  4. Dipping sauces
    Popular dipping sauces for fries include ketchup, mayonnaise, aioli, honey mustard, and various specialty sauces. The choice of dipping sauce can greatly enhance the overall experience.
  5. Consistency
    A key factor in determining a great fry is its consistency. Ideally, a fry should be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
  6. Nutritional value
    Though not the primary factor for many people in determining the best fry, consideration of nutritional value, such as calorie count and trans fat content, could be an important factor for some consumers.
  7. Availability and accessibility
    The ease of obtaining or making a particular type of fry may also be a factor in determining its popularity.
  8. Presentation
    A well-presented fry, whether it be in a restaurant or at home, can enhance its appeal and make it more enjoyable to eat.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most popular fry. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or fry is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

  • 1980 views
  • 207 votes
  • 10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each fry once every 24 hours. The rank of each fry is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Categories

More information on most popular fry

French fries are a beloved side dish that many people enjoy with their favorite meals. They are made by slicing potatoes into thin strips, frying them in oil until they are crispy and golden brown. French fries can be seasoned with a variety of spices, sauces, and toppings to enhance their flavor. There are many different types of fries available, each with their unique taste and texture. Some of the most popular varieties include curly fries, waffle fries, steak fries, and crinkle-cut fries. People have their preferences when it comes to the type of fry they enjoy the most, and this leads to an ongoing debate about which fry is the best. At StrawPoll, we host thousands of polls and rankings on various topics, including the most popular fry. By gathering opinions from our users, we aim to find out which type of fry reigns supreme. Whether you prefer your fries crispy or soft, thick or thin, seasoned or plain, we want to know where your loyalties lie.

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