Sides
Arby's Inspired Curly Fries
Spiral-cut russet potatoes in a crisp reddish-golden seasoned coating with paprika, garlic, onion, and a gentle peppery kick.
Inspired by Arby's
Prep
30 min + 30 min soak
Cook
25 min
Serves
6 servings
Difficulty
Medium
Pantry match
Uses the current servings and temporary recipe changes.
Missing 13 ingredients
- • 3 large russet potatoes, about 2 pounds, scrubbed
- • 2 cups cold water
- • 1 tablespoon white vinegar
- • 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- • 1/4 cup cornstarch
- • 2 teaspoons paprika
- • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- • 1 teaspoon onion powder
- • 1 teaspoon fine salt, plus more for finishing
- • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- • 3/4 cup cold sparkling water
- • 6 cups neutral frying oil, or enough for 3 inches in the pot
View ingredient-by-ingredient match
- 3 large russet potatoes, about 2 pounds, scrubbedMissing
- 2 cups cold waterMissing
- 1 tablespoon white vinegarMissing
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flourMissing
- 1/4 cup cornstarchMissing
- 2 teaspoons paprikaMissing
- 1 teaspoon garlic powderMissing
- 1 teaspoon onion powderMissing
- 1 teaspoon fine salt, plus more for finishingMissing
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepperMissing
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepperMissing
- 3/4 cup cold sparkling waterMissing
- 6 cups neutral frying oil, or enough for 3 inches in the potMissing
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Method
Recipe notes
This unofficial recreation uses spiral-cut russets and a very thin seasoned batter to create the side's recognizable curls, rust-colored coating, and crisp shell. Sparkling water keeps the coating light, while trimming long spirals makes the fries easier and safer to fry evenly.
Planning, storage, and serving
Storage and reheating
Refrigerate cooled fries within 2 hours for up to 3 days. Reheat in a single layer at 425°F or in a 400°F air fryer until hot and crisp; microwave reheating makes the coating soft.
Make-ahead tips
Mix the dry seasoning blend one week ahead. Spiralize and soak potatoes up to 4 hours ahead in the refrigerator, but dry, batter, and fry only shortly before serving.
What to serve with it
- - Roast beef sandwiches
- - Classic burgers
- - Creamy pepper dipping sauce
Equipment needed
- - Countertop spiralizer
- - Heavy Dutch oven
- - Deep-fry thermometer and wire rack
Difficulty explained
The batter is easy, but uniform spiralizing and separating curls safely in hot oil require patience.
Recipe calculator
Nutrition facts
Updating nutrition…
Alternatives
Apply a reviewed substitution to this temporary working copy. The published recipe stays unchanged.
Browse reviewed options
1-to-1 gluten-free baking flour
Use a commercial cup-for-cup blend that includes xanthan gum.
Yukon Gold potatoes
Use an equal weight of Yukon Gold potatoes.
Arrowroot starch
Use an equal amount of arrowroot starch for thickening or crisp coatings.
Type the ingredient you're missing — we'll find what you can use instead.
Pitfalls to Watch Out For
- Wet potato curls spit in hot oil and dilute the batter, so dry them thoroughly after soaking.
- A thick batter fills the curves and becomes bready; it should run from a spoon in a thin ribbon.
- Large tangled handfuls cook unevenly and can trap oil, so separate curls and fry in small batches.
Nutrition Context
- Potatoes supply carbohydrate and potassium, while deep frying and the seasoned coating add most of the fat and sodium.
- A wire rack drains the fries without trapping steam, helping a modest serving feel crisp and satisfying.
FAQ
Do I need a spiralizer?
It gives the most recognizable curls, but a ribbon cutter can make broad coils that you trim into manageable lengths.
Why soak the potatoes?
Soaking removes loose surface starch, helping the curls stay separate and crisp under the thin batter.
Why use sparkling water?
Cold bubbles limit gluten development and make the seasoned shell lighter and crisper.
Can I leave the skins on?
Yes. Scrub them well; the thin skin adds texture and helps fragile spirals hold together.
How do I reheat curly fries?
Spread them in one layer and heat at 425°F until crisp, or use a 400°F air fryer for a few minutes.
What sides pair best with this dish?
Good pairings include Roast beef sandwiches; Classic burgers; Creamy pepper dipping sauce. Choose one or two based on how substantial you want the meal to be.