Air Fryer Animal Style Fries

Air Fryer Animal Style Fries are a delicious copycat of the In-N-Out classic, made right at home. Crispy air-fried fries are topped with melty American cheese, sweet caramelized onions, and tangy burger spread. It’s the ultimate comfort food side dish or snack, ready in minutes!

Craving the ultimate fast-food indulgence? These In-N-Out Animal Style Fries are the perfect copycat recipe to satisfy your craving right at home!

Piled high with crispy golden fries, gooey melted cheese, caramelized onions, and that iconic tangy spread, this dish delivers all the flavor of the original—no drive-thru required. It’s the perfect comfort food for game day, movie night, or anytime you want to treat yourself.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

🍔 Iconic Fast Food Flavor at Home – Tastes just like In-N-Out, no drive-thru needed!
🔥 Made Healthier in the Air Fryer – Crispy fries with less oil and mess.
🧀 Ultra-Cheesy Goodness – Melted cheese pulls on every bite.
🧅 Sweet & Savory Onions – Caramelized onions take it to the next level.
⏱️ Quick & Crowd-Pleasing – Ready in minutes and perfect for sharing!

Ingredients You’ll Need for In-N-Out Animal Style Fries

• Russet Potatoes: Use blemish free Russet Potatoes or baking potatoes.
• American Cheese Slices: Adds a rich, gooey layer of melted cheese that enhances the flavor and texture of the fries.
• Grilled Onions: These add a sweet, caramelized taste, giving the fries a savory depth.
• Olive Oil: Helps crisp up the fries.
• Thousand Island Dressing: Drizzle this tangy, creamy dressing over the fries for a classic animal fries flavor.
• Seasonings: Salt and Black Pepper
• Pickles (optional) : Sliced pickles provide a crunchy, tangy contrast that complements the richness of the cheese and dressing.

How to Make Air Fryer In And Out Fries Animal Style

Step One: Peel your potatoes. Cut them into long, fry-shaped lengths, add your olive oil, salt, and black pepper, and toss to coat.

Step Two: Place them in your Air Fryer set cook time for 12-15 minutes at 370 degrees F, Air Fryer Setting. Shake them halfway through at the 7-minute mark, then continue to cook.

Step Three: While the fries are cooking, sauté your onions until golden brown. Once cooked, set aside.

Step Four: Once done, assemble your fries on your plate or serving dish. Evenly place your slices of American cheese over the fries. Add your onions to the cheese, then evenly drizzle your dressing over the fries.

Air Fryer Animal Style Fries Recipe Tips

✅ Use Russet Potatoes – They get the crispiest texture and hold up well under toppings. 🥔✨
✅ Soak the Fries – Soaking cut fries in water for 30 minutes helps remove excess starch for a crispier result. 💦
✅ Don’t Overcrowd the Basket – Cook in batches for evenly crispy fries. 🔄
✅ Caramelize Onions Slowly – Low and slow gives you that sweet, golden In-N-Out flavor. 🧅🔥
✅ Melt Cheese While Fries Are Hot – Add cheese right after cooking so it melts perfectly before adding spread and onions. 🧀🍽️

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

• Storing 🍱: Store leftover Animal Style Fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep the spread and toppings separate if possible to maintain crispiness.
• Freezing ❄️: It’s best to freeze just the cooked fries. Lay them flat on a baking sheet to freeze, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag for up to 1 month.
• Reheating 🔥: Reheat fries in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes until crispy. Add cheese, onions, and spread after reheating for best texture and flavor.

What To Serve With In And Out Fries Animal Style

In-N-Out Animal Style Fries are rich, cheesy, and full of bold flavor, so they pair best with classic, simple mains that complement their indulgence. Serve them alongside a juicy burger—homemade or copycat In-N-Out style—for the ultimate fast-food experience at home. They also go great with grilled hot dogs, air fryer chicken tenders, or a crisp lettuce-wrapped sandwich for a low-carb balance. Add a creamy milkshake or a cold soda to round out your nostalgic drive.

In And Out Fries Animal Style Recipe Faqs

❓ Can I use frozen fries instead of fresh? Yes! Just air fry them until golden and crispy, then top with cheese, onions, and spread. 🧊🍟

❓ What kind of cheese is best? American cheese is classic and melts perfectly, just like the original. 🧀🔥

❓ How do I get the onions caramelized like In-N-Out? Cook chopped onions low and slow in a bit of oil or butter until golden brown and sweet. ⏱️🧅

❓ Can I make the spread ahead of time? Absolutely! Store it in the fridge for up to a week—great for burgers, too. 🍔❄️

❓ How do I keep the fries crispy? Add the toppings right before serving and avoid letting them sit too long. Crisp fries + warm toppings = perfect bite! 🔥🍴

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER HOT DOGS
• EASY AIR FRYER, CLASSIC BREAKFAST GRILLED CHEESE
• AIR FRYER BLACK BEAN AND CORN QUESADILLA

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