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overhead view of In-N-Out Animal Style Fries (Copycat Recipe) on a sheet pan
Olga

In-N-Out Animal Style Fries (Copycat Recipe)

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In-N-Out animal style fries copycat recipe – golden fries topped with cheese, caramelized onions, and the classic sauce. Serve them fresh for the best taste.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Freeze Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Fries:
  • 3 large russet potatoes
  • Cold water + ice
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp distilled white vinegar
  • Avocado oil for frying
  • For the Caramelized Onions:
  • 1 large yellow onion diced
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp avocado oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp water if needed
For the Secret Sauce:
  • ½ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tsp distilled white vinegar
For Topping:
  • 4 slices American cheese

Equipment

  • 1 Cutting Board
  • 1 Large bowl
  • 1 Sharp Knife
  • 1 Wire Rack
  • 1 Large Pot
  • 1 Slotted Spoon
  • 1 Heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer
  • 1 Cooking thermometer
  • 1 Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Small skillet
  • 1 Spatula
  • 1 Paper Towels
  • 1 Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Cut the Fries – Wash, peel (if desired), and cut potatoes into ¼-inch thick strips.
  2. Rinse & Soak – Rinse in cold water and soak in ice water for 15-30 minutes.
  3. Boil the Fries – Boil water with salt and vinegar. Boil fries for 3 minutes. Drain and let dry.
  4. Caramelize the Onions – Heat butter and avocado oil over medium-low heat. Add onions and salt. Cook 15-20 minutes, stirring, until golden.
  5. Make the Sauce – Mix mayo, ketchup, relish, and vinegar in a bowl. Set aside.
  6. First Fry – Heat avocado oil to 330°F. Fry in batches for 4-5 minutes. Drain on a rack.
  7. Freeze the Fries – Place fries in the freezer for 15 minutes.
  8. Second Fry – Heat avocado oil to 375°F. Fry fries again for 3-4 minutes until crispy. Drain and season with salt.
  9. Assemble – Place fries on a plate, add cheese, onions, and drizzle with sauce.
  10. Serve Immediately!

Notes

Shortcut Tip: Use Frozen Fries

Don’t feel like making fries from scratch? Grab a bag of frozen fries. Thick-cut or crinkle fries work best since they hold up under all the toppings. Bake or air-fry them according to the package, then add the cheese, onions, and sauce. Done!

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