McDonald's Fries Copycat Recipe brings the beloved, crispy, perfectly salted McDonald's fries straight to your kitchen. With the right mix of oils, a special brining technique, and a two-step frying process, this recipe replicates the golden, crispy exterior and soft interior of the iconic fast-food fries. It's the perfect treat to make for a snack, side dish, or comfort food craving.
Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe
- Perfectly crispy on the outside, soft on the inside—just like the real thing
- Easy-to-follow steps with common ingredients
- Crispy texture achieved without any fancy equipment
- Tastes just like McDonald’s fries, but made at home
- You can control the salt and seasoning to your taste
What Makes These Fries Special?
The secret to these fries lies in the brining process. Soaking the fries in a mix of beef stock, soy milk, baking powder, and ice is what gives them that distinct crispy texture and subtle savory flavor that’s hard to beat. The two-step frying process locks in the crispiness and ensures that perfect McDonald’s-style fry—just like the fast-food favorite!
Cooking Tips
- Use the right oils: A mix of canola, soybean, and corn oils achieves that ideal frying temperature and texture.
- Freeze the fries before frying: This gives them an extra crunch and helps them cook evenly.
- Don’t overfill the fryer: Frying in batches ensures crispy fries without overcrowding.
- Control the salt: Once the fries are cooked, season them immediately while they’re still hot to get the best flavor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen fries?
Yes, if you don’t want to cut your own, you can use store-bought frozen fries. Just skip the brining step and fry according to the package instructions, but adding the seasoning will still give them that special touch.
What kind of fries should I use?
For the best results, use shoestring fries as they mimic McDonald’s fries perfectly. If you prefer thicker fries, you can try crinkle-cut fries.
Why do I need to freeze the fries?
Freezing the fries after brining helps them firm up, so they fry up extra crispy.
Can I make these fries ahead of time?
These fries are best served fresh for that crispy, crunchy texture, but you can prep the fries by brining and freezing them ahead of time. Just fry them up when you’re ready to serve.
Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes, you can! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F and cook the fries in batches. They may not be as crispy as deep-fried ones, but they’ll still be delicious.
How to Store
Store leftover fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven at 375°F for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
How to Freeze
After brining and freezing the fries, store them in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 1 month. Fry directly from frozen when ready to eat.
Ingredients
For Brine:
- 1/4 cup ice
- 1/2 cup unsalted beef stock
- 1/4 cup soy milk
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
For Frying:
- 1 bag of shoestring fries (26 ounces)
- Canola oil
- Soybean oil or safflower oil
- Corn oil
How to Make McDonald’s Fries Copycat Recipe
- Heat the oil: In a large pot or deep fryer, heat a mixture of canola oil, soybean oil, and corn oil to 375°F.
- Make the brine: In a bowl, combine ice, beef stock, soy milk, and baking powder. Stir until fully mixed and chilled.
- Prepare the fries: Place the shoestring fries into the brine and let them soak for a few seconds. Remove and set aside.
- Freeze the fries: Spread the soaked fries on a tray and freeze for about 5 minutes to firm them up.
- Fry the fries: Carefully drop the fries into the hot oil in small batches. Fry for about 2 minutes, or until golden and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve: Immediately season the fries with salt and serve hot! Optionally, serve with your favorite dipping sauce or enjoy as a side with burgers.
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