Curly Fries from Jack in the Box feature golden, spiral-cut potatoes seasoned with a blend of savory spices, delivering a crispy exterior and fluffy interior that makes for a flavorful and satisfying snack.
Equipments
- Spiral potato cutter (curly fry cutter)
- Deep fryer
- Mixing bowls
- Slotted spoon or fry basket
- Paper towels or wire rack
- Tongs
Ingredients
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 4 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup water
Russet potatoes are essential for achieving the perfect texture in your curly fries, ensuring a crispy outside and fluffy inside. Using a mix of all-purpose flour and cornstarch in the batter helps create a light, crunchy coating that holds the seasoning well. Measuring spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, and dried herbs precisely is key to replicating the signature savory and slightly spicy flavor. Cooking in 4 cups of vegetable oil at the right temperature prevents sogginess and promotes even browning. Your homemade Curly Fries from Jack in the Box copycat menu will be incredibly satisfying and flavorful when you follow these ingredient tips carefully.
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes.
- Use a spiral potato cutter to cut potatoes into curly fries.
- Soak the cut fries in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Drain and pat the fries dry with paper towels.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Add water to the dry mixture and whisk until a smooth batter forms.
- Toss the dry curly fries in the seasoned batter until evenly coated.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the coated curly fries in batches for 3–4 minutes or until golden and crispy.
- Remove fries using a slotted spoon or fry basket and drain on paper towels or a wire rack.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Curly Fries from Jack in the Box copycat recipes aim to replicate the iconic crispy and seasoned spiral-cut potatoes using homemade ingredients and equipment. If you don't have a spiral potato cutter, you can carefully use a knife to create spiral shapes or experiment with regular French fry cuts, although the texture and appearance will differ. Vegetable oil is preferred for deep frying due to its high smoke point, but canola or peanut oil can serve as substitutes without affecting flavor significantly. When seasoning, you can adjust spice levels according to your taste by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper for more or less heat. Your fried fries should be drained thoroughly on paper towels or a wire rack to maintain crispiness and reduce excess oil.
Tips
You must soak the spiral-cut russet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which ensures crispier curly fries. Thoroughly pat the fries dry before coating them in the seasoned flour and cornstarch batter to help it adhere properly and prevent sogginess. Heat the vegetable oil to exactly 375degF (190degC) to achieve that perfect golden exterior without absorbing excess oil. Use a slotted spoon or fry basket to remove the fries and drain them on paper towels or a wire rack to maintain crispness.
Nutritions
Curly Fries from Jack in the Box are made from russet potatoes, which provide a good source of carbohydrates and dietary fiber for energy and digestion. The frying process adds calories primarily from the vegetable oil, contributing fats, including some saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. The seasoning blend, including paprika, garlic powder, and herbs, adds minimal calories but enhances flavor with antioxidants and trace nutrients. When you prepare these fries yourself, controlling the amount of oil and seasoning can help tailor the nutritional profile to your dietary preferences.
Storage
Store leftover curly fries in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture and maintain crispiness. Keep them refrigerated at a temperature below 40degF (4degC) and consume within 2 to 3 days for optimal flavor and texture. Before enjoying again, reheat your fries in an oven or air fryer at 400degF (204degC) for 5-7 minutes to restore their crispy exterior.
Variation or Alternatives
You can try swapping russet potatoes for sweet potatoes to add a natural sweetness and boost nutritional value. For a gluten-free version, replace the all-purpose flour with rice flour or chickpea flour without compromising crispiness. Consider seasoning your batter with smoked paprika or chili powder for a smokier, spicier flavor profile. Baking the coated fries at 425degF (220degC) for 25-30 minutes can yield a lighter, less oily alternative to deep frying while retaining crunchiness.
Allergies
Curly Fries from Jack in the Box contain all-purpose flour, which includes gluten and may trigger allergic reactions in individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease. The seasoning blend contains spices such as garlic powder and onion powder, which can cause sensitivities or allergic responses in some people. If you have known allergies to any of these ingredients, it is important to verify the product's preparation environment to avoid cross-contamination risks.
Why this recipe?
Curly Fries from Jack in the Box are favored for their unique spiral shape, crispy texture, and bold seasoning that delivers a flavorful bite every time. The combination of seasoned salt, paprika, and garlic powder creates a distinctive taste that sets them apart from regular fries. Making a copycat recipe allows you to enjoy this crowd-pleasing snack at home, controlling ingredients for a perfect balance of crispiness and flavor. Your homemade version can match the restaurant-quality experience while satisfying cravings any time.