In-n-Out Animal-Style Fries Recipe
Do you live far from an In-n-Out and desperately want to get to experience the hype with the famous Animal-Style Fries? We've got you covered! Our recipe guides you through creating these iconic fries with cheese, special sauce, and onions, just like the restaurant's. It's easy and fun, turning plain fries into a special treat you can enjoy at home.
- Ninja Air Fryer
- 16 ounces frozen shoestring fries (divided)
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoon ketchup
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for saunce)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt (for onions)
- 2 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
- 1 teaspoon distilled white vinegar
- 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
- Kosher salt
- 2 teaspoon unsalted butter
- 1 medium yellow onion (finely chopped)
- 6 ounces American cheese (chopped into 1/2″ pieces)
- 1/3 cup whole milk
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F. While it heats, either use your prepackaged fries or cut your potatoes into thin fries, and soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch, which helps achieve a crispier texture.
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt to create the animal-style sauce. Set this aside for later, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Melt butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and 1/4 teaspoon of salt, cooking until the onion is browned and translucent, about 8 to 10 minutes. Once done, transfer the onions to a small bowl and set aside.
After soaking, drain the fries and pat them dry with a towel. Lightly toss them with a bit of oil to coat. Place half of the fries in the air fryer basket, ensuring they're not overcrowded for even cooking. Cook for about 15-20 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through, until the fries are golden brown and crispy. Repeat with the remaining fries. Season with a pinch of salt after cooking.
To make the cheese sauce, combine cheese and milk in a small heatproof bowl or on a stove. Microwave in 30-second increments, whisking between each, until the cheese is melted and smooth, which should take about 3 minutes.
Assemble the animal-style fries by placing the cooked fries on a plate. Pour the cheese mixture over the fries, then top with the cooked onions. Drizzle the animal-style sauce over the top to finish.