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A serving of Air Fryer Animal Style Fries with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and secret sauce.

Irresistible Air Fryer Animal Style Fries: The Ultimate Copycat

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Craving those legendary Animal Style Fries but nowhere near an In-N-Out? Look no further! This comprehensive copycat recipe brings all the iconic flavors right to your kitchen. We’re talking perfectly crispy fries, gooey melted American cheese, deeply caramelized onions, and that irresistible, tangy-sweet secret sauce. Skip the drive-thru and whip up this beloved fast-food treat in under 40 minutes, with the added benefit of using your air fryer for a lighter, yet equally satisfying, experience. Get ready to impress your taste buds!

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb frozen extra crispy French fries (or 3 large Russet potatoes, peeled and cut into fries)
  • 4 slices American cheese
  • 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • For the Animal Style Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons sweet relish
  • 1 teaspoon white vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • Pinch of paprika

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Caramelized Onions: Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-low heat. Add diced yellow onion and a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until the onions are deeply golden brown and very soft. Remove from heat and set aside.
  2. Whip Up the Secret Sauce: In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet relish, white vinegar, granulated sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Whisk until smooth and well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
  3. Cook the Fries: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place frozen fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding). Air fry for 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until golden brown and crispy. If baking, preheat oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake according to package directions (typically 20-30 minutes).
  4. Assemble the Animal Style Magic: Once fries are cooked, immediately transfer them to an oven-safe serving dish or a cast-iron skillet. Layer the hot fries with the American cheese slices, ensuring the cheese melts slightly from the residual heat.
  5. Load It Up: Dollop the caramelized onions generously over the melted cheese and fries. Drizzle a generous amount of the prepared Animal Style Sauce over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade fast-food masterpiece!

Notes

For an even cheesier experience, pop the assembled fries under a broiler for 1-2 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and fully melted. Watch carefully to prevent burning. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can deep-fry your fries by heating vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C) and frying in batches until golden and crisp. Make the sauce ahead of time! It tastes even better after chilling in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. It can be stored for up to 3-4 days. For fresh fries: Soak peeled and cut Russet potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes, then pat completely dry before air frying or deep frying for extra crispiness.

  • Author: Cook Reel ™
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Side Dish
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American Fast Food Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 550
  • Sugar: 10g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 35g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 60g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: 40mg

Find it online: https://cookreel.com/in-n-out-animal-style-fries-copycat-recipe/

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