✔ Updated · new spread and grilled onion method, real amounts, baked or air fryer fries
Animal style fries are fries buried under melted American cheese, tangy pink spread and sweet grilled onions, straight off In-N-Out's not-so-secret menu. My copycat version makes a big pan at home in 40 minutes.
At a glance
The one tip that matters: Cook the onions low and slow. Rushed onions burn at the edges and never get that jammy sweetness.
Why You'll Love This Copycat
- The three classic toppings, cheese, spread and grilled onions, done right.
- No deep fryer, the fries bake in the oven or air fryer.
- Spread for days, it doubles as a burger sauce and keeps for a week.
What Are Animal Style Fries?
They're regular fries made indulgent: a slice of melted American cheese, a generous spoonful of spread and a pile of grilled onions. Think of them as cheeseburger fries without the burger.
The trick at home is timing. The onions need about 20 minutes on low, which is exactly how long the fries take in the oven, so everything lands at the same moment. I love that kind of math.
Step-by-Step Photos
Here's how it comes together. Exact amounts, times and temperatures are in the recipe card below.
Tips for Success
- Dice the onions small. The restaurant onions are finely diced, not sliced, so they spread over every bite. A 1/4-inch dice is perfect.
- Use a splash of water, not more heat. When the pan starts to brown, add a tablespoon of water and scrape. It keeps the onions sweet instead of bitter, and they're done in about 20 minutes.
- American cheese is the right cheese. It melts into a smooth, glossy blanket without going greasy. Cheddar tastes great but separates and doesn't drape the same way.
- Make the spread ahead. It tastes better after an hour in the fridge, once the relish and vinegar settle in. I make a double batch and keep it for burgers all week.
- Air fryer option. Air fry the frozen fries at 400°F for 12 to 16 minutes in batches, shaking halfway, then pile them into an ovenproof dish to melt the cheese.
Animal Style Fries (In-N-Out Copycat)
4
servings10
minutes30
minutes720
kcal40
minutesA copycat-style take on In-N-Out animal style fries: crispy shoestring fries topped with melted American cheese, a tangy, sweet pink spread and finely diced grilled onions cooked until jammy. Serves 4 in about 40 minutes.
Ingredients
- For the Grilled Onions
1 large yellow onion, finely diced
1 tablespoon butter or vegetable oil
1 pinch salt
2 tablespoons water
- For the Spread
1/2 cup mayonnaise
2 tablespoons ketchup
1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish
1 teaspoon white vinegar
1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- For the Fries
32 ounces frozen shoestring fries
1/2 teaspoon salt
6 American cheese slices
Directions
- Grill the Onions
- Melt the butter in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add the diced onion and salt and cook, stirring every few minutes, for 20 to 25 minutes until soft, sweet and deep golden brown. Whenever the pan looks dry or starts to catch, add a splash of the water and scrape up the brown bits.
- Make the Spread
- Stir the mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, vinegar and sugar together in a small bowl until smooth and pink. Chill until needed.
- Bake the Fries
- While the onions cook, heat the oven to 425°F. Spread the frozen fries in a single layer over 2 sheet pans and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden. Sprinkle with salt.
- Make Them Animal Style
- Push the hot fries together into a pile on one pan or an ovenproof platter and lay the cheese slices over the top. Return to the oven for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese melts.
- Spoon the spread over the melted cheese and scatter the grilled onions on top. Serve right away with forks.
Notes
- It’s better to cook the onions and prepare the sauce 24 hours ahead. Once prepared, you can store them in different containers and keep them at room temperature.
- So, this is an easy recipe to follow if you want to make In-N-Out Animal-style French fries. Hopefully, you will find this recipe easy to follow.
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Make It a Meal
Animal style fries are rich, so I serve them with a simple burger and something crunchy. They also make a fun game-day snack straight off the sheet pan. For more loaded fries, try our Taco Bell nacho fries, Wingstop buffalo ranch fries or Five Guys Cajun fries.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is on In-N-Out animal style fries?
Animal style fries are French fries topped with melted American cheese, In-N-Out's spread (a tangy, sweet sauce a lot like thousand island) and grilled onions. They're ordered off the chain's not-so-secret menu. This copycat recipe uses the same three toppings.
What is the spread made of?
In-N-Out doesn't publish its recipe, but copycat versions like this one use mayonnaise, ketchup, sweet pickle relish, a little white vinegar and a pinch of sugar. The result is creamy, tangy and slightly sweet, and it's great on burgers too.
Can I make animal style fries in an air fryer?
Yes. Air fry 32 ounces of frozen fries in batches at 400°F for 12 to 16 minutes, shaking halfway, until crisp. Pile them into an ovenproof dish, melt the cheese in the air fryer or oven for 1 to 2 minutes, then add the spread and onions.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen fries?
Yes. Cut 2 pounds of russets into thin shoestrings, soak them in cold water for 30 minutes, dry well and fry at 325°F for 4 minutes, then again at 375°F for 2 to 3 minutes until crisp. Frozen fries are easier and stay crispier under the toppings.
How long does the spread keep?
Homemade spread keeps in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to 1 week. The grilled onions keep for 4 to 5 days in the fridge. Animal style fries themselves are best eaten right away; they soften as they sit.
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