Description
Savory In-N-Out copycat animal style fries bring California’s iconic fast-food flavor directly to home kitchens. Melted cheese, caramelized onions, and secret sauce create a mouthwatering experience that delights hungry diners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large russet potatoes
- 30 ml (2 tbsps) vegetable oil
- 2.5 g (½ tsp) salt
- 1.25 g (¼ tsp) black pepper
- 1 large onion (finely diced)
- 15 g (1 tbsp) butter
- 15 ml (1 tsp) vegetable oil
- 2.5 g (½ tsp) salt
- 4 g (1 tsp) sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) water (to deglaze the pan)
- 120 ml (½ cup) mayonnaise
- 30 ml (2 tbsps) ketchup
- 15 ml (1 tbsp) sweet pickle relish
- 5 ml (1 tsp) mustard
- 2.5 ml (½ tsp) white vinegar
- 2 g (½ tsp) sugar (optional, for balance)
- 4 slices American cheese (or cheddar, for a sharper flavor)
Instructions
- Potato Preparation: Slice potatoes into uniform, thin matchsticks with consistent width to guarantee even cooking and ideal texture.
- Starch Removal: Submerge cut potatoes in ice water for 30 minutes, eliminating excess starch to enhance crispiness during cooking process.
- Moisture Elimination: Drain potato strips completely and thoroughly dry using clean kitchen towels, removing all surface moisture to prevent sogginess.
- Seasoning: Coat potato strips lightly with vegetable oil, distributing salt and pepper evenly across surface for balanced flavor profile.
- Cooking Technique: Select preferred method – air fryer, oven, or deep-frying – arranging potato strips in single layer without overcrowding. For air fryer, cook at high temperature and rotate basket midway; in oven, spread on baking sheet and turn halfway; for deep-frying, maintain consistent oil temperature and fry in small batches.
- Finishing: Transfer cooked fries to paper towels to absorb excess oil, allowing brief resting period to maintain crisp exterior and optimal temperature.
- Serving: Plate fries and add signature animal style toppings, such as melted cheese, caramelized onions, and special sauce, creating a delectable final presentation.
Notes
- Precision Potato Cutting: Slice potatoes into uniform, thin matchsticks to guarantee even cooking and consistent crispy texture.
- Starch Removal Technique: Soak cut potatoes in ice-cold water for 30 minutes to eliminate excess starch, ensuring crunchier and lighter fries.
- Moisture Elimination: Thoroughly dry potato strips with kitchen towels to prevent sogginess and promote maximum crispiness during cooking.
- Temperature Control: Maintain consistent high heat whether air frying, oven baking, or deep-frying to achieve golden-brown exterior and perfectly cooked interior.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Snacks, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 25 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 50 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 30 mg