You no longer have to wait for a seasonal miracle to enjoy these fantastic Dill Pickle Fries! This Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s McShaker recipe is the fastest, easiest way to satisfy that craving for salty, tangy, and utterly addictive fast-food flavor right in your own kitchen.
Every holiday season, McDonald’s fans dream up the perfect festive menu items. One of the most viral — and most missed — concepts is the Dill Pickle McShaker Fries. Combining the perfect crispy, salty texture of McDonald’s famous fries with an intensely tangy, savory, and slightly sour pickle seasoning, these fries are a flavor bomb.
While McDonald’s may never give us this holiday miracle, we’ve developed the ultimate Copycat McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries recipe using your air fryer! This recipe is fast, low-mess, and guaranteed to satisfy that salty, sour craving.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Bursting with tangy dill pickle flavor that pops in every bite
- Perfectly crispy fries with a soft, fluffy center—air fryer magic
- Fun “Grinch Salt” shaker seasoning makes snacking interactive and festive
- Easy to make at home without fast-food lines or guilt
- Unique flavor twist that will have friends and family asking for more
McDonald’s Dill Pickle Grinch Salt Ingredients
- Dill pickle powder: Tangy seasoning that delivers classic pickle flavor punch
- Salt: Enhances all flavors and balances the seasoning perfectly
- Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness to round out the tanginess
- Garlic powder: Provides savory depth and aromatic undertones
- Onion powder: Boosts flavor with mild, slightly sweet onion notes
- Citric acid: Adds bright, tart zing for that pickle tang
- Natural green coloring: Gives the seasoning vibrant, fun “Grinch” appearance.
How To Make Copycat McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries
Step 1: Peel and cut Russet potatoes into ¼-inch strips. Soak them in ice water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat completely dry.
Step 2: Toss potato strips lightly with olive oil. Arrange in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 380–400°F for 12–16 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix dill pickle powder, salt, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, citric acid, and natural green coloring. Adjust amounts to taste if needed.
Step 4: Place hot fries into a large shaker bag or bowl. Add the Grinch Salt seasoning and shake or toss until evenly coated.
Step 5: Enjoy while hot and crispy for that authentic McDonald’s experience at home.
Copycat McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries Recipe Tips
- Use Russet potatoes: They fry crispy outside and stay fluffy inside.
- Soak in ice water: Removes excess starch for crispier fries.
- Pat dry completely: Moisture = limp fries, don’t skip this step.
- Air fry in a single layer: Crowding fries makes them soggy.
- Shake halfway through cooking: Ensures even browning and crispiness.
- Make Grinch Salt ahead: Blend spices and store in an airtight container.
- Season immediately after frying: Hot fries hold the seasoning best.
- Optional twist: Add a tiny pinch of sugar for that McDonald’s golden color.
Storing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Allow fries to cool completely. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Note: Fries will lose some crispiness, but reheating in the air fryer restores texture.
- Freezer: Spread cooled fries in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze for 1–2 hours. Transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Can be stored for up to 3 months.
- Reheating: From the fridge: Air fry at 375°F for 4–6 minutes, shaking halfway. From frozen: Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, shaking halfway. Tip: Never microwave — it makes fries soggy and limp, killing that crispy vibe.
Copycat McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries Recipe Faqs
Why is the “Grinch Salt” green? The seasoning blend gets its bright green color from the combination of dried dill weed and pickle powder, making it a fun, festive “Grinch” theme for the holidays.
Can I use fresh potatoes instead of frozen? Yes, but you must slice them thinly (shoestring cut) and soak them in cold water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then dry them thoroughly before tossing with oil and air frying.
Where can I find pickle powder? Dill pickle powder is typically found in the spice aisle, specialty food stores, or easily purchased online. It is essential for that concentrated tangy flavor.
How do I ensure the seasoning sticks to the fries? The most important tip is to season the fries immediately after they come out of the air fryer while they are still hot and slightly oily. Use a paper bag or a zipper-top bag for thorough shaking.
Do I have to use the sugar? The small amount of sugar is crucial for achieving that authentic McDonald’s flavor profile, which has a subtle salty-sweet contrast. We highly recommend including it!
What if my fries aren’t crispy enough? Ensure you are cooking in a single layer without overcrowding the basket. You may need to increase the cook time by 1–2 minutes or increase the temperature slightly.
More Copycat McDonald’s Recipes
Ninja Creami McDonald’s Chocolate Milkshake
Ninja Creami McDonald’s Strawberry Milkshake
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Copycat McDonald’s Dill Pickle “Grinch Salt” McShaker Fries
Description
Ingredients
For the Fries
- 2 medium Russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the Grinch Salt Seasoning
- 2 tablespoons dill pickle powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon citric acid, optional, for extra tang
- A few drops green food coloring, optional, for fun “Grinch” effect
Instructions
- Peel and cut the potatoes into ¼-inch strips. Soak them in ice water for at least 30 minutes to remove excess starch, then pat completely dry. This step ensures maximum crispiness.
- Toss the potato strips lightly with olive oil. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 380–400°F for 12–16 minutes, shaking halfway through, until golden and crispy. Avoid overcrowding; steaming fries = no bueno.
- In a small bowl, combine dill pickle powder, salt, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, citric acid, and green food coloring (if using). Mix well for even seasoning.
- Place hot fries into a shaker bag or large bowl. Add the Grinch Salt and shake or toss until all fries are coated evenly.
- Serve hot and enjoy! Pair with ketchup, ranch, or eat solo. Warning: they disappear fast
Equipment
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
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