Fries come in far more varieties than the standard fast-food version, and this list proves it. From earthy sweet potatoes to bold masala spices, creamy polenta, and even grilled chicken toppings, there’s a fry style here for every kind of craving. Some are baked, some are air-fried, and some lean into rich toppings like parmesan, truffle oil, or Alfredo sauce. Whether you’re working with root vegetables, cheese, or clever low-carb swaps, these fries bring serious flavor and satisfying crunch.

Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

Homemade Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

These fries bake up with crisp edges and a soft center, thanks to a light coating of oil and a hot oven. A sprinkle of salt and paprika adds just enough flavor. They’re a great balance of sweet and savory. Serve with a tangy dip like chipotle mayo.
Get the Recipe: Homemade Sweet Potato Fries

Oven-Roasted French Fries

A white dish filled with seasoned, baked potato wedges, showing a crispy texture and golden-brown color—perfect for those who love creative fries.
Oven-Roasted French Fries. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

Cut from russet potatoes and baked until golden, these fries are simple but satisfying. Tossed in oil and seasoned before roasting, they come out crisp without a deep fryer. Thicker cuts stay fluffy inside. Serve hot with ketchup or aioli.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Roasted French Fries

Portobello Fries

A plate of battered and fried mushroom slices, a creative fries twist, garnished with chopped parsley, sits next to whole portobello mushrooms and a small bowl of dipping sauce.
Portobello Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Sliced mushrooms are breaded and baked or fried until golden and tender. The meaty texture of portobellos makes them a satisfying, savory option. A dusting of herbs or parmesan works well on top. Dip in ranch or garlic sauce for extra punch.
Get the Recipe: Portobello Fries

Parmesan Truffle Polenta Fries

A tray with fries make with sliced polenta.
Parmesan Truffle Polenta Fries. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

Polenta is cooled, sliced into sticks and baked until crisp, then topped with grated parmesan and a drizzle of truffle oil. The inside stays creamy while the outside gets a golden crunch. These fries feel upscale without being fussy. Best served hot with a dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Truffle Polenta Fries

Louisiana Voodoo Fries

Louisiana Voodoo Fries. Photo credit: xoxo Bella.

These fries are topped with a creamy Cajun sauce, chopped green onions and crumbled bacon. The seasoning blend adds heat and depth, while the toppings bring texture and richness. Great as a snack or sharable plate. Messy, flavorful and worth every bite.
Get the Recipe: Louisiana Voodoo Fries

Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Purple sweet potato fries on a plate with dipping sauce.
Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Made from vibrant purple sweet potatoes, these fries add color and a slightly nutty flavor to the plate. They bake or fry up just like the orange variety, with a denser texture. A sprinkle of sea salt enhances their natural sweetness. Great for dipping or serving alongside grilled dishes.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Purple Sweet Potato Fries

Jicama Fries

Jicama Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Jicama sticks are seasoned and baked or air-fried for a low-starch, crunchy fry. They hold their shape well and have a mild, slightly sweet taste. Best when tossed with bold spices like chili or cumin. Serve with guacamole or lime crema.
Get the Recipe: Jicama Fries

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.

These fries use an air fryer to get crunchy edges without the oil. Lightly seasoned with garlic or paprika, they cook fast and evenly. The air fryer keeps the texture right where it should be—crispy outside and tender inside. Serve immediately for best crunch.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries

Parmesan Truffle Fries

Parmesan Truffle Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Classic fries get a gourmet upgrade with a drizzle of truffle oil and a shower of parmesan. The combination is rich, salty and aromatic. A sprinkle of chopped parsley adds color and freshness. Serve with garlic aioli or truffle mayo for extra richness.
Get the Recipe: Parmesan Truffle Fries

Masala Fries

Masala Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Tossed in bold Indian spices, these fries bring heat and flavor in every bite. The mix often includes cumin, coriander, turmeric and chili powder. They’re crisp on the outside and great with cooling sauces like raita or yogurt dip. A street food favorite with a global twist.
Get the Recipe: Masala Fries

Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries. Photo credit: MOON and spoon and yum.

These fries have a soft, creamy base and a peppery, garlicky crust. Baking them gives a crispy edge without needing to fry. Serve them stacked with dipping sauces like marinara or creamy pesto. They make a great side or snack with a little kick.
Get the Recipe: Baked Garlic Pepper Polenta Fries

Halloumi Fries

Halloumi fries with dill dip on a plate.
Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Real Balanced.

Thick sticks of halloumi cheese are pan-fried or air-fried until golden and crispy. The inside stays soft and chewy, while the outside forms a savory crust. Best served hot with lemon wedges or spicy dip. They’re rich, salty and hard to stop eating.
Get the Recipe: Halloumi Fries

Rutabaga Fries

Rutabaga Fries serves in a glass.
Rutabaga Fries. Photo credit: Best Clean Eating.

Rutabaga brings an earthy, slightly sweet flavor and holds up well when roasted. Cut into thin strips, they crisp nicely and take well to seasoning. Toss with herbs, garlic powder or smoked paprika. Serve with ketchup or mustard-based dips.
Get the Recipe: Rutabaga Fries

Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Keto French Fries on the table with ketchup and mayo.
Crispy Low Carb French Fries. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

Made from ingredients like turnips or almond flour-coated vegetables, these fries aim for crunch without the carbs. Air frying or baking helps keep them crisp. Seasoning is key—think garlic, paprika or parmesan. Serve with sugar-free ketchup or dipping sauces.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Low Carb French Fries

Air Fryer Halloumi Fries

Air Fryer Halloumi Fries. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting..

Similar to the pan-fried version, these use the air fryer to get golden edges with less oil. The texture stays chewy in the middle with a salty bite. They cook quickly and are easy to serve as an appetizer. Pair with chili jam or tzatziki.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Halloumi Fries

Zucchini Fries

Vegan breaded zucchini fries with dipping sauce on a white plate.
Zucchini Fries. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Zucchini spears are breaded and baked or air-fried for a crisp coating and soft interior. They’re great with Italian-style herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan. The moisture content makes them delicate but tasty. Best served with marinara or ranch dressing.
Get the Recipe: Zucchini Fries

Sweet Potato Fries

Sweet potato fries with a dipping sauce.
Sweet Potato Fries. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

These fries bring out the natural sweetness of the potato, especially when paired with a dash of salt and cinnamon or chili. They bake up well and pair with almost any dip. Slightly softer than regular fries but just as addictive. Good for sides or snacking.
Get the Recipe: 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.

This dish starts with a base of crispy fries topped with grilled chicken and a creamy Alfredo sauce. The sauce seeps into the fries, making every bite rich and layered. A sprinkle of herbs or parmesan on top adds extra flavor. It’s hearty enough to count as a full meal.
Get the Recipe: Grilled Chicken Alfredo Fries

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About the author

Hi, Iโ€™m Lucy! Iโ€™m a home cook, writer, food and wine fanatic, and recipe developer. Iโ€™ve created and tested hundreds of recipes so that I can bring you the best tried and true favorites.

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