Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s French Fries

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s French Fries — Who doesn’t love McDonald’s French fries? They’re crispy, salty, and so delicious.

Today, we bring it up a notch, by cooking them in the air fryer!

Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s French Fries are outstanding! They taste exactly like the McDonald’s Restaurant version, but these are much better, homemade, and air fry up in less than 20 minutes! That is so much faster than the drive-thru.

If you love McDonald’s French Fries, you will love these. The trick and secret to McDonald’s French Fries is the brine. Today, I will show you how to make classic American French Fries at home. They are golden brown on the outside, tender, and soft on the side. The perfect and best Air Fryer French Fry Recipe!

If you are looking for some other great Air Fryer Side Dishes, some of my favorites are Air Fryer Homemade French Fries or even Air Fryer Homemade Olive Garden Toasted Ravioli Recipe.

What Are McDonald’s French Fries?

McDonald’s French fries are one of the most iconic and beloved fast-food items worldwide. Known for their golden color, crispy exterior, and fluffy interior, these fries have a distinctive taste that has contributed significantly to McDonald’s popularity. Here’s a closer look at what makes McDonald’s French fries special:

• Ingredients: The ingredients in McDonald’s French fries include potatoes, vegetable oil (canola oil, corn oil, soybean oil, hydrogenated soybean oil with TBHQ and citric acid added to preserve freshness), and natural beef flavor [wheat and milk derivatives].
• Cooking Process: McDonald’s has a unique cooking process that contributes to the texture and flavor of their fries. Historically, McDonald’s fries were cooked in beef fat, which gave them a distinctive taste.
• Flavor and Texture: The taste and texture of McDonald’s French fries are what set them apart from others. They are known for their perfect balance of crispy exterior and soft, fluffy interior.
• Global Popularity: McDonald’s French fries are one of the chain’s most popular menu items globally.

McDonald’s French fries stand out due to their unique preparation and cooking methods, specific ingredient blend, and the careful balance of textures and flavors. These factors combine to make them a favorite choice for fast-food lovers around the globe.

Why You Will Love Making Homemade McDonald’s French Fires At Home

• Healthier Option: By controlling the types and amounts of oil used, homemade fries can be a much healthier alternative to their fast-food counterparts. Air frying or oven baking minimizes the oil content without compromising on taste.
• Customization: Homemade fries allow you to experiment with seasonings and salt levels to match your taste preferences perfectly. Whether you prefer them spicier or with a hint of garlic, the choice is yours.
• Cost-Effective: Making fries at home is significantly cheaper than eating out, especially if you feed a family or a group of friends. It’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy a favorite treat.
• Fun Cooking Experience: Making these fries can be a delightful culinary adventure, offering a chance to learn new cooking techniques such as the sugar bath and vinegar boil.
• Satisfaction with DIY: There’s a unique joy and sense of accomplishment in replicating a famous fast-food item in your kitchen. It’s a rewarding experience that goes beyond just the taste.
• Family Activity: Preparing homemade McDonald ‘s-style fries can be fun and engaging for the whole family, turning cooking time into quality time together.
• Healthier Cooking Methods: Using an air fryer or baking in the oven offers a guilt-free way to enjoy fries, with significantly less fat and calories compared to traditional frying methods.
• Dietary Control: When you make fries at home, you can easily adjust the recipe to cater to dietary restrictions or preferences, ensuring everyone can enjoy this classic snack.

Making homemade McDonald’s French fries not only satisfies your cravings but also adds a healthier, customizable, and enjoyable twist to a fast-food favorite.

Ingredients Needed For Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s French Fries

Creating your homemade version of McDonald’s French fries at home with an air fryer not only allows you to enjoy this beloved snack anytime but also offers a healthier alternative to the deep-fried original.

Here’s an introduction to the ingredients you’ll need and why each is important for recreating that iconic taste and texture:

Remember the step-by-step directions and detailed ingredient list are below, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, as well as the nutritional information.

• Russet Potatoes: Chosen for their high starch content and low moisture, Russet potatoes are ideal for frying. They help achieve the crispy exterior and fluffy interior that are hallmarks of McDonald’s fries.
• Olive Oil: A light oil coating before air frying ensures the fries get that crispy texture with significantly less oil than traditional deep frying.
• Sea Salt: Salt is used in boiling water and as a seasoning after the fries are cooked. It enhances the overall flavor, making the fries irresistibly tasty.
• Beef Stock: Incorporating beef stock into the recipe for copycat McDonald’s French fries can add a savory depth that mimics the original’s distinct flavor profile. McDonald’s fries are known for their unique taste.
• Ice Water: Soaking the cut potatoes in ice water removes excess starch, ensuring the fries will be crispy on the outside and soft on the inside.
• Corn Syrup: Corn syrup assists in browning, giving the fries their characteristic golden hue. It acts similarly to sugar by helping with color development during cooking.
• White Vinegar: Adding vinegar to the boiling water helps to firm up the potatoes, ensuring they maintain their structure and don’t fall apart during the frying process.

How To Make Mcdonald’s Fries Air Fryer

Making McDonald’s French fries at home using an air fryer is a fun and healthier alternative to the deep-fried original. This method allows you to enjoy the iconic flavor and crispness of McDonald’s fries with less oil. Here’s a detailed guide on how to recreate these famous fries in your air fryer:

Prepare the Potatoes:

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick, to mimic the size of McDonald’s fries. Place the cut potatoes into a bowl of iced water.

Soak the Potatoes:

• Whisk together the beef stock, 2 cups of water, corn syrup, kosher salt, and vinegar in a large bowl. Take the cut potatoes out of the water and place them into the brine. Brine for at least two hours, up to overnight.

Dry:

• Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Take the potatoes out of the brine and pat off any excess water. This will help the fries crisp up and is very important.

Coat The Fries & Air Fry McDonald’s French Fries:

• Place the potatoes in a large bowl and toss with olive oil. Place the potatoes into the air fryer in a single layer; you may need to do this in batches. Air Fry for 12-16 minutes, shaking every few minutes until potatoes are tender and golden brown. Season immediately with sea salt to taste and serve.

Season and Serve:

• Season the fries with salt while they are still hot from the air fryer. Toss them gently to distribute the seasoning evenly.

Pro Tips

Creating the perfect Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s French Fries requires a blend of technique and a few professional tips to capture that iconic taste and texture. Here are some pro tips to help you achieve the best results:

• Choose the Right Potatoes: Opt for high-starch potatoes like Russets to achieve the classic McDonald’s texture: crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside. Their low moisture and high starch content are essential for that signature crisp.
• Cutting Consistency: Ensure your fries are cut uniformly, about 1/4 inch thick. The consistent size ensures even cooking and mimics the authentic McDonald’s fries experience.
• Soaking is Crucial: Soak the cut potatoes in sugar water to remove excess starch, which helps in achieving a golden color and crisp texture. Please don’t skip this step, as it’s essential for the texture and color.
• Beef Flavor: Beef stock or bouillon enhances the flavor, closely mimicking the original taste. This step is crucial for infusing the fries with that signature McDonald’s flavor.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Cook the fries in batches to ensure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer. Overcrowding can lead to uneven cooking and less crispy fries.
• Shake Halfway Through: Shaking the basket halfway through the cooking process ensures even exposure to the heat, promoting a uniform golden-brown color and crispness.
• Season While Hot: Salt the fries immediately after they come out of the air fryer. Seasoning while hot helps the salt stick to the fries, enhancing their flavor.
• Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the fries immediately after cooking. Like the originals, these copycat fries are most enjoyable when fresh and hot.

Following these pro tips can elevate your homemade McDonald’s French fries, capturing the essence of the fast-food favorite while enjoying the benefits of a healthier, air-fried version.

Faq’s

Why soak the potatoes in ice water? Soaking the potatoes in cold water helps to remove excess starch, which can make fries soggy instead of crispy

Is the beef stock necessary? While not mandatory, adding beef stock mimics the unique flavor of McDonald’s fries, which originally comes from the beef flavoring used in their oil. If you’re vegetarian, you can skip this or look for a suitable umami-rich alternative.

Can I use other types of potatoes? Russet potatoes are recommended for their high starch content, which contributes to the crispy exterior and fluffy interior. However, you can use other types of potatoes, though the texture and flavor might slightly differ.

How do I prevent my fries from sticking to the air fryer basket? To prevent sticking, ensure you lightly coat the fries with vegetable oil spray. Additionally, shaking the basket midway through cooking helps to cook them evenly and prevent sticking.

Can I make these fries without an air fryer? Yes, you can bake them in an oven, though the texture may not be as crispy. Preheat your oven to the highest setting, spread the fries on a baking sheet in a single layer, and bake until golden and crispy, flipping once halfway through.

Why do my fries not taste exactly like McDonald’s? Replicating the exact taste of McDonald’s fries at home can be challenging due to differences in cooking techniques, ingredients, and equipment. However, these homemade fries aim to come close in flavor and texture, offering a healthier and satisfying alternative.

What’s the best way to serve these fries? Serve the fries immediately after cooking while they’re still hot and crispy for the best texture and flavor. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauces or condiments to complete the McDonald’s experience.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

• AIR FRYER CHICKEN NUGGETS (CHICK-FIL-A COPYCAT)
• AIR FRYER STARBUCKS CRANBERRY BLISS BARS COPYCAT RECIPE
• INSTANT POT COPYCAT CHILI’S CAJUN CHICKEN PASTA
• AIR FRYER COPYCAT WINGERS STICKY CHICKEN FINGERS
• AIR FRYER OLIVE GARDEN COPYCAT TOASTED RAVIOLI
• COPYCAT CHILI’S SALSA

Equipment Used

• Instant Vortex Air Fryer 4 in 1, Best Fries Ever, Roast, Bake, Reheat, 6 Qt, 1700W
• POP Air Fry Mate, Stainless Steel French Fry Cutter, Commercial Grade Vegetable and Potato Slicer, Includes 2 Blade Size Cutter Options and No-Slip Suction.

Don’t Forget To Pin!

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