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Crispy In-N-Out Animal Style Fries Recipe Easy Homemade Copycat Guide

In-N-Out Animal Style Fries Recipe - featured image

A homemade version of the iconic In-N-Out Animal Style Fries featuring crispy double-fried russet potatoes topped with grilled onions, melted American cheese, and a tangy, creamy animal-style sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 large russet potatoes
  • Vegetable or canola oil for frying
  • Salt to taste
  • 1 large yellow onion, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 3 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons dill pickle relish
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • 4 slices American cheese

Instructions

  1. Peel the russet potatoes if desired, then cut into ¼-inch thick fries. Rinse in cold water to remove excess starch and soak for at least 30 minutes up to 2 hours. Drain and pat completely dry.
  2. Whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, dill pickle relish, yellow mustard, white vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Heat butter over medium heat in a skillet. Add thinly sliced onions, season with salt and pepper, and sauté gently for 10-15 minutes until golden brown and soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Heat oil in a pot or deep fryer to 325°F (165°C). Fry the dried potato sticks in batches for 4-5 minutes until tender but not browned. Remove and drain on paper towels. Let cool for 10-15 minutes.
  5. Increase oil temperature to 375°F (190°C). Fry the potatoes again in batches for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Drain well and season immediately with salt.
  6. Place fries on a serving plate, layer with grilled onions, then cover with slices of American cheese. Melt cheese under a broiler for 1-2 minutes or microwave for 30 seconds.
  7. Drizzle or dollop the prepared animal-style sauce generously over the cheesy, onion-laden fries. Serve hot immediately.

Notes

Double-frying the potatoes is essential for extra crispiness. Make sure fries are completely dry before frying to avoid oil splatter. Grill onions low and slow to bring out sweetness without burning. Prepare sauce a day ahead for better flavor. Serve immediately for best texture. Leftovers can be reheated in a 400°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: In-N-Out, Animal Style Fries, copycat recipe, crispy fries, homemade fries, grilled onions, animal sauce, comfort food