Four chefs name the best fast food French fries - and it wasn't McDonald's

It's safe to say that America is a nation of French fry lovers, with over 4.5 billion pounds said to be eaten across the US each year. For many, fast food chains are the go-to spots for indulging in this potato delight. McDonald's, with its impressive global presence of over 41,000 outlets, is among the top choices.

The Golden Arches is renowned not only for its signature meals like the Big Mac and quarter pounders but also for its fries. However, in a surprising twist, a team of four chefs ranked the chain's fries as the second-best during a taste test.

The panel included Matt Ayala, executive chef at Francois Frankie in Chicago, Illinois; Elliot Bell, chef-owner of Charlie's in St. Helena, California; Dominic Iannarelli, chef-owner of Prime and Providence in West Des Moines, Iowa; and Vivek Surti, founder and owner of Tailor in Nashville, Tennessee. They sampled a variety of fries to determine the best.

While they agreed that personal preference plays a role in defining the perfect fry, they identified some key characteristics that contribute to fry perfection. According to the chefs, an ideal fry should be crispy on the outside, soft on the inside, perfectly seasoned, and served hot, reports the Mirror US.

They did acknowledge, however, that the style of French fry can vary significantly among fast food vendors. Factors such as the thickness of each slice, the cut - whether crinkle, waffle, steak, or curly - and whether they are pure potato or a mix of potato and seasonings, can all differ.

The culinary experts have spoken, and the verdict is in: Arby's takes the throne as the sovereign of the fry world. Sharing the runner-up spot are McDonald's and Rally's/Checkers.

Speaking to AllRecipes, Vivek said: "Arby's is the best. First, they're curly, so they're automatically more fun. The seasoning they add to the curly fries is more than just salt, so there's more flavor. Arby's also puts their curly fries through a batter, which results in more texture and bits that get crispy."

Curly fries aren't just a whimsical twist; their increased surface area means more space for seasoning and extra crispiness. Dominic chimed in: "Arby's seasoned curly fries are my favorite because so few places have them."

The chefs gave a standing ovation to Arby's fries for their seasoning, heat, and crunch. Matt declared they nail the "fast food French fry trifecta" by "always coming out hot and crispy".

Despite McDonald's ubiquitous presence across the nation, Arby's boasts locations in 48 states, along with international spots in Canada, Costa Rica, Egypt, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Korea, and Turkey, though it has yet to plant its flag in Rhode Island and Vermont.

Wrapping up their taste test, the chefs endorsed Horsey Sauce - that's horseradish for the uninitiated - as the ultimate fry-dipping delight, edging out the timeless ketchup.

Other fan-favorite sides included ranch dressing, cheddar cheese sauce, and Arby's Sauce, the latter being a tangy blend of ketchup and barbecue flavors.