In N Out Animal Style Fries (Printable Version)
Crispy fries smothered in melted cheese, grilled onions, and tangy special sauce for the ultimate loaded side.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fries
01 - 2 lbs russet potatoes, cut into 1/2-inch fry strips
02 - Vegetable oil for deep frying
03 - Salt to taste
→ Animal Style Toppings
04 - 1 large yellow onion, finely diced
05 - 2 tbsp unsalted butter
06 - 4 oz American cheese or cheddar cheese slices
→ Special Sauce
07 - 4 tbsp mayonnaise
08 - 2 tbsp ketchup
09 - 1 tbsp yellow mustard
10 - 2 tsp sweet pickle relish
11 - 1 tsp white vinegar
12 - 1/2 tsp granulated sugar
13 - Pinch of paprika
# How to Make:
01 - Pour vegetable oil into a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to a depth of at least 3 inches. Heat to 350°F over medium-high heat.
02 - Rinse cut potato strips under cold water to remove excess starch, then pat thoroughly dry with paper towels. Fry in batches for 4 to 5 minutes until lightly golden and just beginning to crisp. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on fresh paper towels.
03 - Return the blanched fries to the hot oil in batches and fry for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until deeply golden and fully crisp. Transfer to paper towels and season immediately with salt while still hot.
04 - While the fries cook, melt the butter in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced onions and cook, stirring frequently, until deeply browned and richly caramelized, approximately 12 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
05 - In a small mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, yellow mustard, sweet pickle relish, white vinegar, sugar, and paprika. Stir until fully incorporated. Refrigerate until ready to use.
06 - Arrange the crispy fries in a single layer on a baking tray. Layer the cheese slices evenly over the top and broil on high for 1 to 2 minutes until the cheese is fully melted and bubbling.
07 - Scatter the caramelized onions generously over the melted cheese. Drizzle the special sauce across the top. Serve immediately while hot and crispy.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The double fry method gives you that shatteringly crisp exterior while keeping the inside fluffy, which is the whole secret to fast food style fries at home.
- The special sauce is dangerously close to the real thing, and you will want to put it on everything from burgers to breakfast sandwiches.
02 -
- Skipping the second fry is the single biggest mistake you can make here, because that is what transforms soft potatoes into something that crackles when you bite into them even under a mountain of toppings.
- Do not crowd the fryer with too many potatoes at once, because the oil temperature drops and you end up with greasy, limp fries instead of the crisp beauties you are after.
03 -
- Soak your cut potatoes in cold water for at least 30 minutes before frying if you have the time, because removing excess starch is the difference between good fries and great ones.
- Make a double batch of the special sauce and keep it in your fridge, because you will absolutely find yourself reaching for it again within a few days.