Let me take you on a journey. Picture this: It’s late afternoon. You’re winding down from a long day, and you suddenly crave those crispy, spicy, curly fries from Arby’s. The crunch, the flavor, that perfect spice blend — it’s heaven in a fry shape.
But what if I told you that you could recreate these delightful treats right in your own kitchen? Grab your apron because we are diving into a mouth-watering homemade Arby’s curly fries recipe!

What is Arby’s Curly Fries?
If you’ve ever had Arby’s curly fries, you know all about their iconic spiral shape and crunchy texture. They are seasoned to perfection, combining flavors that dance delightfully on your palate. Made from russet potatoes, the true secret lies in the spice blend that coats each piece. It’s the kind of addition that makes every bite addictive. We’re here to break down this recipe so you can have these crispy friends accompany your next meal.
Why You’ll Love This Arby’s Curly Fries Recipe
Let’s agree on one thing: homemade tastes better. You control the ingredients, tweak the seasonings, and adjust to your preference. Plus, it’s always a winner to share a fun recipe with friends or family. Imagine their excitement as they bite into these curly wonders, with flavors that rival the originals. Also, it’s a fun cooking project. Who doesn’t enjoy making a messy situation out of potatoes and flour?
The Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients is the first step. Here’s what you’ll need for your curly fries adventure:

For the Potatoes:
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 6-10 cups vegetable or canola oil
For the Batter:
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic granules
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion granules
- 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme

Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s roll up those sleeves and dive into the cooking process. Each step is crucial, so follow along closely!
Step1: Prepare the Potatoes
The key to good curly fries starts with the potatoes.
- Peel and Rinse: Peel the russet potatoes and rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Slice into Spirals: Using a spiralizer (or a knife if you’re feeling brave), cut the potatoes into curly shapes. Not everyone has a spiralizer lying around, so if it’s not available, regular fry shapes work too!
Step 2: Soak the Potatoes
Next up, we want to make sure our potatoes are ready for frying.
- Soak: Place the curly potatoes in a bowl of cold water. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove extra starch and makes for a crispier fry.
Step 3: Prepare the Batter
Let’s whip up that delightful batter!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic granules, onion granules, cayenne pepper, sea salt, baking powder, and dried thyme.
- Add Water: Gradually pour in the cold water, whisking until smooth. Aim for a batter that coats but isn’t too thick.

Step 4: Heat the Oil
Time to get that oil sizzling!
- Heat Oil: In a deep-fryer or a large, heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a small drop of batter should sizzle when it hits the oil.
Step 5: Fry the Curly Fries
Now for the moment we’ve been waiting for: frying!
- Coat the Potatoes: Remove the curly potatoes from their water bath and pat them dry with paper towels. Dip them into the batter, making sure they are completely coated.
- Fry: Carefully drop the coated curly fries into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot; fry them in batches if needed. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
- Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fries. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
The best part is here!
- Season: While the fries are still hot, sprinkle a pinch of salt over them.
- Serve: Plate your delicious curly fries. You can pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or simply enjoy them as they are!

Tips & Tricks
Here are some handy tips to ensure your curly fries come out perfect every time:
- Keep Potatoes Cold: Cold water before frying helps maintain crispiness.
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: This step is vital for removing excess starch!
- Use High-Quality Oil: Good oil can make a huge difference in flavor and cooking.
- Batter Consistency: Avoid a thick batter. A thinner batter will result in airy fries.
- Let the Oil Heat Properly: A good temperature ensures perfect frying. If it’s too low, the fries will absorb too much oil; too high, and they might burn.

Nutrition Information
Can I Store Arby’s Curly Fries?
Yes, you can store these curly fries!
- Short-term: Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should be good for 2-3 days.
- Reheating: To maintain their crunch, reheat them in an oven or an air fryer rather than a microwave.
What Can I Serve with Arby’s Curly Fries?
Curly fries are versatile! Here’s what you can pair them with:
- Burgers: They’re the perfect sidekick to any juicy burger.
- Sandwiches: Whether it’s cold cuts or grilled chicken, curly fries add crunch.
- Hot Dogs: A classic combo that never disappoints.
- Dips: Try them with ranch, aioli, or your favorite barbecue sauce for extra flavor.
- Salads: Add them as a crispy topping on garden salad; it’s a fun twist!
Variations
Feel free to mix it up a bit. Here are some creative twists:
- Cheesy Curly Fries: Drizzle warm cheese sauce over the fries for an extra decadent treat.
- Spicy Buffalo Curly Fries: Toss fried curly fries in buffalo sauce for a zesty kick.
- Loaded Curly Fries: Pile on toppings like bacon bits and sour cream for a hearty snack.
- Vegan Loaded Fries: Use plant-based cheese and almond sour cream to make a vegan version of loaded fries.
- Sweet Potato Curly Fries: Swap out russet potatoes for sweet potatoes. They’re sweet and nutritious!

Arby’s Curly Fries Recipe
Equipment
- Spiralizer
- Large bowl
Ingredients
- 2 medium russet potatoes
- 6-10 cups vegetable or canola oil
- For the Batter:
- 2 cups cold water
- 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
- 5 tablespoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 ½ teaspoons garlic granules
- 1 ½ teaspoons onion granules
- 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper
- 2 ½ teaspoons sea salt
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- The key to good curly fries starts with the potatoes.
- Peel and Rinse: Peel the russet potatoes and rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch.
- Slice into Spirals: Using a spiralizer (or a knife if you’re feeling brave), cut the potatoes into curly shapes. Not everyone has a spiralizer lying around, so if it’s not available, regular fry shapes work too!
- Next up, we want to make sure our potatoes are ready for frying.
- Soak: Place the curly potatoes in a bowl of cold water. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes. This helps remove extra starch and makes for a crispier fry.
- Let’s whip up that delightful batter!
- Combine Dry Ingredients: In a large bowl, mix the flour, smoked paprika, black pepper, garlic granules, onion granules, cayenne pepper, sea salt, baking powder, and dried thyme.
- Add Water: Gradually pour in the cold water, whisking until smooth. Aim for a batter that coats but isn’t too thick.
- Time to get that oil sizzling!
- Heat Oil: In a deep-fryer or a large, heavy pot, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, a small drop of batter should sizzle when it hits the oil.
- Now for the moment we’ve been waiting for: frying!
- Coat the Potatoes: Remove the curly potatoes from their water bath and pat them dry with paper towels. Dip them into the batter, making sure they are completely coated.
- Fry: Carefully drop the coated curly fries into the hot oil. Don’t overcrowd the pot; fry them in batches if needed. Fry for 3-4 minutes or until golden brown.
- Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fries. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess grease.
- The best part is here!
- Season: While the fries are still hot, sprinkle a pinch of salt over them.
- Serve: Plate your delicious curly fries. You can pair them with your favorite dipping sauce or simply enjoy them as they are!
Video
Notes
- Keep Potatoes Cold: Cold water before frying helps maintain crispiness.
- Don’t Skip the Soaking: This step is vital for removing excess starch!
- Use High-Quality Oil: Good oil can make a huge difference in flavor and cooking.
- Batter Consistency: Avoid a thick batter. A thinner batter will result in airy fries.
- Let the Oil Heat Properly: A good temperature ensures perfect frying. If it’s too low, the fries will absorb too much oil; too high, and they might burn.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion
And there you have it—a detailed guide to making your very own Arby’s curly fries. From the perfect batter to the crunchiest fry texture, this recipe will turn your kitchen into a fry hot spot.
You’ll impress friends, surprise family, and maybe even have a little fun along the way. Why not give it a try? Embrace the joy of cooking. After all, the kitchen has always been the heart of the home. Grab those potatoes, put on your favorite playlist, and let’s fry some magic!

