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Drive-Thru Style Seasoned Curly Fries

Crispy, golden, and perfectly spiced, these homemade seasoned curly fries taste just like your favorite fast-food drive-thru treat. A thin, flavorful batter gives them that signature crunch.

Drive-Thru Style Seasoned Curly Fries
Prep 20 min Cook 20 min Total 70 min Level Intermediate
Serves 4

Ingredients

Fries and Frying Oil

  • 3 large Russet potatoes — Scrubbed clean, unpeeled
  • 2 quarts Vegetable or peanut oil — For deep frying

Seasoned Batter

  • 0.75 cup All-purpose flour
  • 0.75 cup Water — Room temperature
  • 2 teaspoons Kosher salt
  • 1 tablespoon Paprika — Sweet or smoked, depending on preference
  • 1 tablespoon Garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon Onion powder
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne pepper — Adjust for heat preference
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper — Freshly ground

Instructions

  1. Using a spiralizer, cut the potatoes into long, curly strands using the thicker noodle blade.

    ~5 min
    If the strands are excessively long, cut them with kitchen shears into manageable 6 to 8-inch lengths.
  2. Place the spiralized potatoes into a large bowl and cover them with hot tap water. Let them soak for 30 minutes to remove excess starch.

    ~30 min
    Soaking is crucial for achieving a crispy interior.
  3. While the potatoes soak, prepare the batter. In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, water, salt, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, and black pepper until completely smooth. The batter should be thin like pancake batter.

    ~5 min
    If the batter is too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time.
  4. Drain the potatoes thoroughly and pat them completely dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.

    ~5 min
    Moisture is the enemy of crispy fries; ensure they are as dry as possible before battering.
  5. Pour the vegetable oil into a Dutch oven or deep fryer to a depth of at least 2 inches. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C) over medium-high heat.

    ~10 min
    Keep a deep-fry thermometer in the oil to monitor the temperature continuously.
  6. Toss a handful of the dried potatoes into the batter, tossing well to coat every strand. Lift them out, letting any excess batter drip off back into the bowl.

    ~2 min
  7. Carefully lower the battered potatoes into the hot oil. Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes until deep golden brown and crispy. Stir occasionally with a spider to prevent them from sticking together.

    ~5 min
    Do not overcrowd the pot, or the oil temperature will drop and the fries will be greasy.
  8. Use a spider or slotted spoon to remove the fries from the oil. Transfer them to a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain.

    ~1 min
    Sprinkle with an extra pinch of salt immediately after they come out of the oil, if desired.
  9. Allow the oil to return to 375°F (190°C) before repeating the battering and frying process with the remaining potatoes.

    ~10 min
Nutrition
420
Calories
6
Protein (g)
52
Carbs (g)
22
Fat (g)
3
Sat. Fat (g)
5
Fiber (g)
2
Sugar (g)
980
Sodium (mg)
0
Cholesterol (mg)
Equipment
  • Spiralizer
  • Large mixing bowls
  • Dutch oven or deep fryer
  • Deep-fry thermometer
  • Wire cooling rack
  • Spider or slotted spoon
  • Whisk
Tips & Storage
  • For the closest fast-food flavor, don't skimp on the onion and garlic powders.
  • A wire rack is much better than paper towels for draining, as it prevents the fries from steaming and getting soggy.
  • You can keep finished batches warm in an oven preheated to 200°F (95°C) while you fry the rest.
  • Storage: Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in an air fryer at 350°F or in an oven at 400°F for 5-8 minutes until crispy. Microwaving is not recommended as it will make them soggy.
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🤖 This recipe was created with AI assistance. If you spot a mistake or something that doesn't look right, please report it.