Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries Recipe

Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries is well known in many state of the U.S., especially near Philadelphia.

People talk about these fries because they are warm, salty, and packed with a strong crab-style seasoning that feels bold but easy to enjoy. I like how fast the flavor pulls me in, and it always makes me want one more fry.

Chickie’s and Pete’s became famous for these fries years ago, and their name spread fast.

The fries have a simple look, yet the seasoning makes them hard to forget. The creamy cheese sauce adds a smooth finish that many people love. The mix of warm fries, bold spice, and mild sauce makes each bite taste rich and inviting.

In this copycat Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries Recipe, I share a way to bring that same taste right to your table.

The steps are simple, the flavors stay close to the original, and you can adjust each part to your liking. It feels great to make a plate that reminds me of what people enjoy at the popular spots.

What are Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries?

Chickie’s and Pete’s is a famous sports bar chain from Philadelphia. Their signature dish is Crabfries.

The founder, Pete Ciarrocchi, created them around 1979. He spent two years testing ideas with leftover crab seasoning until it was just right.

Even though the name says “crab,” there’s no crab meat on them – just that amazing crab-boil seasoning that makes them taste like the boardwalk in every bite.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Recipe

1. Quick and Easy: You can make these fries in less than 30 minutes and enjoy them fresh anytime you want.

2. Flavor Your Way: You get to choose how much seasoning and sauce to use, making them mild or very bold.

3. Budget-Friendly: Making a big batch at home costs much less than buying the same fries at a restaurant.

4. Custom Style: You can add more sauce, extra seasoning, or your own toppings to build the flavor you enjoy most.

Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries Ingredients

• Frozen Fries (1 large bag) – These form the base of the dish. Look for thick-cut fries or steak fries for the best texture. They crisp up well in the air fryer and hold the seasoning. You can use fresh-cut potatoes, but frozen ones save time and cook more evenly. Any brand works fine.
• Old Bay Seasoning (1 to 2 teaspoons) – This gives the fries their signature flavor. The blend includes celery salt, paprika, and other spices. You can use more or less based on how spicy you like your food. Some people use Cajun seasoning as a substitute, but the taste will be different.
• Oyster Mushrooms (¼ cup shredded) – These add a seafood-like texture to the dish. Shred them into thin pieces so they brown nicely. The edges get crispy and add interest to each bite. You can skip these for a simpler version or use regular button mushrooms instead.
• Butter (½ tablespoon) – This helps the mushrooms brown and adds rich flavor. Use salted or unsalted butter based on what you have. Vegan butter works just as well for those who avoid dairy. You can also use olive oil in place of butter.
• Chao Creamy Original Slices (4 slices, diced) – These melt into a smooth cheese sauce. Chao is a vegan cheese that melts really well. Cut them into small pieces so they melt faster. You can use American cheese slices, white cheddar, or any cheese that melts smoothly.
• Oat Creamer or Milk (3 teaspoons) – This makes the cheese sauce creamy and smooth. Oat creamer adds a slight sweetness. Regular milk, almond milk, or soy milk all work fine. Use what you prefer or what you have in your fridge.
• Water (16 teaspoons) – Water thins the cheese sauce to the right thickness. Add it slowly so you can control how thick or thin the sauce becomes. Too much makes it watery, too little keeps it too thick.
• Vegenaise (2.5 teaspoons) – This adds tang and helps the sauce stay smooth. Vegenaise is like mayo but made without eggs. Regular mayonnaise works just as well.

Equipment Needed for This Recipe

1. Air fryer – cooks fries fast
2. Small pan – browns mushrooms
3. Microwave-safe bowl – melts cheese
4. Spoon – stirs sauce
5. Knife – cuts cheese slices
6. Tongs – tosses fries
7. Measuring spoons – accurate amounts
8. Small plate – holds cooked mushrooms

How to Make Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries at Home

Step 1 | Prepare the Mushrooms

Place a small pan on medium heat. Add a small amount of butter and let it melt. Add the shredded oyster mushrooms to the warm pan. Spread them out so they can brown well.

Let them cook until the edges turn golden and crisp. Move them to a small plate when they reach that soft, golden look.

Step 2 | Cook the Fries

Place frozen fries in the air fryer basket. Leave space so they cook evenly. Set the temperature to 400 degrees. Let the fries cook for about ten to fifteen minutes.

Shake the basket during cooking so the fries crisp all around. When they reach a warm golden color, set them aside in a bowl.

Step 3 | Build the Cheese Sauce Base

Cut the Chao slices into small pieces. Place them in a microwave-safe bowl. Add a small amount of oat creamer or milk. Add a few teaspoons of water.

Place the bowl in the microwave for thirty seconds. Stir the cheese after heating. It may look thick or clumpy at first, but this changes with more water and heat.

Step 4 | Adjust the Sauce

Add more water to the bowl and stir again. Heat for another thirty seconds. Continue adding small amounts of water and stirring until the sauce becomes smooth.

Add the vegenaise and stir again. Keep heating and stirring until the sauce turns soft, pale, and easy to pour.

Step 5 | Season the Fries

Shake Old Bay over the warm fries. Toss gently with tongs to coat each fry well. Add more seasoning for stronger flavor, or less for a mild taste.

Step 6 | Combine Everything

Place the seasoned fries on a large plate or shallow bowl. Spoon the smooth cheese sauce over the top or serve it on the side.

Add the browned mushrooms over the fries when creating the best version.

Step 7 | Serve Warm

Serve the homemade Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries Recipe while they stay hot and crisp. The warm sauce and seasoned fries come together in a simple, tasty way.

Pro Tips for Restaurant-Quality Crabfries

• Choose the Right Fries: Thick-cut fries work better than thin ones. They stay crispy longer and hold up under the sauce. Look for steak fries or waffle fries for the best results. Use fine-cut fries for the closest texture.
• For Extra Crispy Fries: Spread the frozen fries on a tray and let them sit out for 5 minutes before air frying. This dries them out a little.
• Do Not Crowd the Air Fryer: When fries touch too much, they steam instead of crisp. Cook them in two batches rather than stuffing them all in at once. This small step makes a big difference in texture.
• Taste as You Go: Everyone likes different levels of spice and salt. Start with less seasoning and add more until you get the taste you want. You can always add more, but you cannot take it away.

What to Serve With These Crabfries

I like pairing these fries with simple sides so the strong seasoning stays the main flavor.

You can pair them with grilled chicken, fish, or a simple green salad with light dressing.

You can also set out cold drinks like iced tea or lemonade to balance the spicy seasoning. This makes the meal simple, enjoyable, and welcoming for everyone.

You can even add small sides like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or fresh veggies with ranch for extra variety.

How to Store and Reheat Crabfries

It is best to eat these right away. If you have leftovers, keep the fries separate from the sauce.

Store the fries in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer at 380 degrees for a few minutes to get crispy again.

The cheese sauce can be kept in a closed container in the fridge. Reheat it in the microwave, adding a splash of water to make it smooth again.

I do not suggest freezing this dish. Freezing cooked fries doesn’t work well because they lose their crispy texture when thawed.

Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries Recipe FAQs

1. Can I bake the fries instead of air frying them?

Yes, baked fries work well. Spread them on a sheet pan with space in between. Bake at a high heat so they get crisp. Turn them halfway through cooking to help both sides brown.

They may take a little longer, but the seasoning and cheese sauce still blend well. The final taste stays close to the classic version.

2. How do I keep the fries crisp after seasoning them?

Warm fries hold crisp texture longer. Add seasoning right after cooking so the heat helps it stick. Spread the fries on a wide plate so steam does not get trapped. Tongs help coat them fast.

You can also add a quick blast of heat in the air fryer if the fries soften while resting.

3. Do I have to use the mushrooms?

No – mushrooms are completely optional. They’re just there for extra texture and a mild seafood-like flavor.

You can swap them for real crab, imitation crab, or shrimp, or skip all seafood entirely and stick to fries, seasoning, and cheese sauce.

4. How long do Crabfries stay crispy?

They’re best eaten right away. At room temperature they stay crisp for about 15–20 minutes.

You can keep them in a warm oven a bit longer, but for the best texture, serve immediately. The cheese sauce is also best fresh, since it thickens as it cools.

5. What other dips go well with Crabfries?

Ranch, ketchup, mustard, marinara, and garlic aioli all work great. Cool, creamy dips balance the spicy seasoning. You can also try barbecue sauce or spicy mayo for extra flavor.

This copycat recipe for Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries recreates the famous Philadelphia snack with simple steps and everyday ingredients.

The seasoned fries and creamy cheese sauce come together perfectly, giving a close taste to the original.

I hope you enjoy this Chickie’s and Pete’s Crabfries Recipe version and love the results.