16 Fries That Deserve the Spotlight

These fries bring the crunch, flavor, and creativity all in one list, with options that cover way more ground than the standard side of spuds. From golden halloumi slices that fry up like cheese sticks to masala-dusted potatoes that hit with spice, each one brings something different to the table. Some are layered with toppings like grilled chicken Alfredo or carne asada, while others go for bold seasoning and crisp textures on their own. Vegetables like eggplant, green beans, and okra turn into snacks that hold up in any sauce, while low carb swaps and air fryer methods keep things quick. If you’re looking for something hot, crisp, and a little unexpected, this list has your next batch already picked out.

Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

A plate of air-fried sweet potato fries sprinkled with salt. — Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Little House Big Alaska.

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Quick to make and golden on the outside, these fries get crisp without needing much oil. The sweet potato flavor stays strong with just a pinch of salt. Great with chipotle mayo or a dusting of chili powder. A fast favorite for anytime cravings.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Grilled Chicken Alfredo Fries

Waffle fries on a red plate topped with grilled chicken, alfredo sauce, and white cheese. — Grilled Chicken Alfredo Fries. Photo credit: Ginger Casa.

Topped with grilled chicken and rich Alfredo sauce, these are built to fill you up. Creamy, savory, and layered with flavor, every bite hits hard. Add a sprinkle of parsley and extra cheese for contrast. This is a full plate, not just a side.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Alfredo Fries

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi cheese gets golden and crisp outside while staying chewy in the center. These fry up fast and hold their shape perfectly. Serve with sweet chili or a citrusy dip for balance. Ideal when you want something salty and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

Cut thick or thin, these roast up with crispy tips and soft centers. The natural sweetness pairs well with smoky or spicy dips. A light toss of oil and seasoning is all they need. Great when you want a fry with more depth.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

Baked or fried, these deliver a balance of sweet and salty in every bite. Thin slices get crisp fast while staying soft inside. Pair them with garlic aioli or a hit of hot sauce. Easy to make and easy to finish.
Get the Recipe: Sweet Potato Fries

Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

A bowl of seasoned fries arranged around a small glass container of tomato dipping sauce sprinkled with herbs. — Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

Polenta firms up into slices that bake crisp and hold their shape well. Garlic and black pepper bring bold seasoning to every piece. Serve with marinara or a creamy sauce for contrast. A strong option when you’re skipping potatoes.
Get the Recipe: Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

Cottage Fries

A white plate with roasted, seasoned potato slices arranged in a circle, garnished with fresh rosemary sprigs, on a piece of burlap fabric. — Cottage Fries. Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

Round potato slices baked until crisp and golden. These are sturdy enough for toppings or dipping. The wide surface lets seasoning stick well. Great on the side or as a base for loaded fry ideas.
Get the Recipe: Cottage Fries

Rutabaga Fries

A paper cone filled with golden, seasoned vegetable fries garnished with chopped herbs, set against a black background. — xr:d:DAFbZunPAsE:52,j:8642806330983166276,t:23080409

These bake into fries with a firm bite and earthy sweetness. The texture stays solid without going mushy. Toss with rosemary or cumin for extra punch. An underrated pick for a colder-weather vibe.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

Air Fryer Okra Fries

A plate of crispy baked okra fries with chopped herbs, served with a small bowl of dipping sauce on the side. — Air Fryer Okra Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Okra gets a full crunch makeover in the air fryer. A quick coat of seasoning makes each piece pop. Serve with spicy ranch or remoulade for extra flavor. Great for anyone who’s not sure about okra, this version changes minds.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Okra Fries

Eggplant Fries

A close-up of breaded and baked zucchini fries stacked on a white plate, with vegetables and a dip container in the background. — Eggplant Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sliced thin, coated, and baked until crisp. The mild flavor of eggplant takes on whatever spices or dips you pair with it. Best served with marinara or something herby. A fresh way to use a common vegetable.
Get the Recipe: Eggplant Fries

Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

A plate of breaded green bean fries next to a bowl of creamy pink dipping sauce. — Air Fryer Green Bean Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Crisped in the air fryer and great for dipping, these turn green beans into a snack-worthy fry. Light breading adds crunch without overpowering the vegetable. Pair them with spicy mayo or a tangy yogurt sauce. Quick to cook and quick to vanish.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Green Bean Fries

Jicama Fries

A plate of baked fries garnished with herbs, served with a small glass jar of ketchup on the side. — Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

These bake with a crunch that’s different from potatoes, firmer and fresh. A hit of chili and lime brings out their natural flavor. Not too soft, not too dry. A strong alternative when you’re looking for something new.
Get the Recipe: Jicama Fries

Portobello Fries

A plate of golden-brown fried mushroom slices garnished with chopped herbs, next to whole portobello mushrooms and a small bowl of white dipping sauce. — Portobello Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Thick mushroom slices coated and crisped until golden. The deep, savory flavor stands up to bold seasonings. Serve with balsamic glaze or garlic dip. These feel hearty without being heavy.
Get the Recipe: Portobello Fries

Masala Fries

A bowl lined with parchment paper filled with seasoned potato fries, garnished with chopped green onions. — Masala Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Spiced with cumin, chili, turmeric, and coriander, these fries bring serious heat. The flavor is strong enough to eat plain, but they’re even better with chutneys. Best served hot and crisp. A standout next to grilled meat or on their own.
Get the Recipe: Masala Fries

Parmesan Truffle Fries

A pile of golden-brown French fries garnished with parsley and grated cheese, served with lemon wedges and a bowl of dipping sauce. — Parmesan Truffle Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Hot fries tossed with truffle oil and a heavy shake of parmesan. Rich, salty, and loaded with flavor. Add parsley for a little color and bite. Not your everyday fry, and that’s the point.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Truffle Fries

Louisiana Voodoo Fries

A tray of seasoned French fries topped with cheese sauce and white drizzle, served with a side of ketchup. — Louisiana Voodoo Fries. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

Crispy fries topped with spicy cheese sauce, bacon, and Cajun seasoning. Bold and messy in the best way. These work well as a party dish or a late-night fix. Bring extra napkins.
Get the Recipe: Louisiana Voodoo Fries