This One Simple Request Makes Chick-Fil-A's Waffle Fries 10x Better

If you're a fan of Chick-fil-A's iconic waffle fries (which rank No. 2 on our list of the chain's best and worst sides) , you know the pain of receiving them soggy — unless, of course, you prefer them that way. But if you're among the 75% of Americans who believe crispiness is what makes French fries great, according to the Checkers and Rally's National Fry Audit (via Potato Gazette), there's a simple hack to secure crunchier fries when you buy them from the restaurant chain. When ordering at the counter, ask the kitchen staff to make your Chick-fil-A waffle fries extra crispy. However, keep in mind that not all locations can accommodate this request, although some customers have reported success. 

Previously, there was a way to request this customization through the Chick-fil-A app. A TikTok post by  user morganchompz explained how to do it: "When you're ordering your fries, you're gonna scroll down to the bottom of the screen. [The] Special Instructions box is where you are going to ask them to bake them crispy." Sadly, Chick-fil-A has disabled the feature. This means you can only request extra-crispy fries when ordering in person at the restaurant. And even then, preparation practices and the staff's ability to accommodate special requests vary by location, so it's best to ask politely and understand that they may turn you down.

If your local Chick-fil-A doesn't take requests to crisp their waffle fries, you can still bring back the crunch if you don't want to eat them soggy. If you already know how to make crispy fries at home, then you most certainly have what it takes to revive soggy French fries. The simplest method is to reheat the fries in a nonstick skillet with oil. No need to use a lot of oil here; a few tablespoons will do. Lay the fries piece by piece so you don't crowd the pan. Allow them to cook undisturbed for a few minutes until they turn golden-brown. Remove from the skillet and let the oil drain before serving.

Another way is to reheat them in a very hot oven. Preheat to 450 or 500 degrees Fahrenheit, and then place the fries on a baking sheet and slide the tray into the oven. Since waffle fries are generally thicker than regular thin-cut fries, leave them in the oven for 5 minutes. Remove immediately once the time is up, and feel free to re-season before serving. If you have an air fryer, you can also use it to re-crisp your favorite Chick-fil-A fries. Spread them evenly at the bottom of the basket, ensuring that there are gaps between each piece. Heat the air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. After 5 minutes, take them out of the air fryer, and they should be hot and nice and, most importantly, crispy.