Life is too short for sad, limp fries that fold over like a tiny potato hammock. If I’m paying drive thru prices in the year of our Lord 2025, I want my fries to crunch like they have health insurance.

Here’s the whole “secret” that somehow isn’t printed on the menu: you can literally just… ask for them crispier.

And yes, it works. Not always. Not everywhere. But often enough that it’s worth the extra seven seconds of bravery at the speaker box.

The magic words (aka the fry secret handshake)

When you order, say one of these:

• In-N-Out: “Fries well done, please.”
• Most other chains: “Extra crispy” or “well done.”

That’s it. That’s the spell.

You might wait 1-3 extra minutes, because they typically have to drop a fresh batch and let it ride a little longer in the fryer. But those minutes are doing important work. Like therapy. For the fries.

Also: some places hear “extra crispy” and respond with… vibes. So let’s talk about where this actually lands.

The spots that usually understand the assignment

In-N-Out

They’re the gold standard for this because “well done” is basically part of their language.

• Want a little extra crisp without going full crunch goblin? Ask for “light well.”

It’s that perfect middle zone where the outside has some bite but the inside still has a little softness.

Five Guys

If you like fries that could double as a side hustle, Five Guys is great for this. They’re already making fries to order, so asking for extra crispy/well done is usually an easy yes.

(And if you’ve ever gotten that bag of fries that could feed a family of six… you know why I’m loyal.)

Chick-fil-A

Their waffle fries have all those ridges and edges just begging to crisp up. Ask for extra crispy and a lot of locations will do it without acting like you requested a handcrafted soufflé.

Hit or miss places (a.k.a. “sure, maybe, who knows”)

McDonald’s

This one depends on the location and the mood of the universe. You can try:

• “Extra crispy“
• “Fresh fries, please“

“Fresh” doesn’t always mean crispier, but it usually means hot, and hot fries are rarely tragic. Heat beats heat lamp limbo every time.

If they say they can’t do it, don’t take it personally. Some kitchens are built for speed, not your personal crunchy fry journey.

What “well done” actually changes (besides your whole personality)

Well done fries aren’t a different product. They’re the same fries, just left in the fryer longer like the same outfit, but tailored, steamed, and suddenly ready for a red carpet.

Here’s what you’ll notice:

• Darker golden color (more amber, less pale yellow)
• More crunch (the kind you can hear my favorite soundtrack)
• Less fluffy center (tiny trade off, but worth it if you’re Team Crunch)

If you’re doing toppings cheese, sauce, off menu In-N-Out favorites situation well done is especially worth it. A crispier fry holds the line longer before it turns into a soggy potato raft.

Don’t accidentally murder the crunch: my quick fry rules

I have made all of these mistakes so you don’t have to.

1) Don’t confuse “well done” with “burnt.”

Well done should be deep golden and crunchy, not dark brown and bitter. If your fries look like they’ve been through something, they’ve gone too far.

2) Consider asking for light salt

Crispier fries can taste saltier because the drier surface grabs seasoning like it’s clinging to its last hope. If you’re salt sensitive, try “light salt” when you go extra crispy.

3) Eat them fast (I don’t make the laws)

Your crunch has a lifespan. Fries start losing that magic pretty quickly especially once the bag gets steamy. Ideally, you’re eating within 5 minutes.

If you’re driving longer, crack the bag a little once you’re parked so they don’t hotbox themselves into softness. (Yes, I’m asking you to ventilate your fries.)

Make every fry worth it

The difference between “meh” fries and fries you’d actually defend in public is usually one tiny request: well done or extra crispy.

So next time you roll up to the drive thru, speak up. Accept the extra couple minutes. Receive your crunchy little treasures.

Go get your fries well done and let mediocrity know you’re not available.