Achieve the legendary, craveable texture of McDonald’s famous French fries right in your air fryer with this simple copycat recipe. By using a unique double-fry method and a touch of secret seasoning, these homemade fries come out perfectly crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, eliminating the need for deep frying.
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. They are golden brown on the outside, tender, and soft on the side.
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.
Why You Will Love This Recipe!
- Perfect Copycat Flavor: They genuinely achieve that distinct, craveable McDonald’s taste and texture.
- Ultimate Crispy Texture: The air fryer guarantees a flawless, crispy exterior without deep frying.
- Healthier Alternative: Enjoy your favorite fries using far less oil than traditional methods.
- No Messy Deep Frying: Skip the oil splatter and cleanup associated with traditional fryers.
- Quick Weeknight Side: They are fast and easy to make, perfect for any dinner.
McDonald’s French Fries Ingredients
- Russet potatoes, peeled: Starchy base for smooth, creamy texture
- Olive oil: Adds richness and enhances savory depth
- Salt: Brings out and balances natural flavors
- Beef stock: Provides deep, savory, slow-cooked flavor
- Water: Helps thin mixture to proper consistency
- Light corn syrup: Adds gentle sweetness and slight shine
- Salt: Boosts seasoning and rounds out overall taste
- White vinegar: Brightens flavors with light tangy contrast
How To Make McDonald’s Fries Air Fryer
Step One: 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.
Step Two: 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.
Step Three: Preheat the air fryer temperature 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.
Step Four: 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. Set cook time for 12-16 minutes, shaking every few minutes until potatoes are tender and golden brown. Season immediately with sea salt to taste and serve.
How To Make McDonald’s Fries In Air Fryer Recipe Tips
- Use Russet potatoes only: Waxy potatoes go limp fast
- Slice evenly, about ¼-inch thick so they cook at the same speed
- Soak in ice water for at least 30 minutes to drop surface starch
- Pat completely dry: Any water = soggy fries (science, not drama)
- Add a teaspoon of light corn syrup to the soak for signature McDonald’s sweetness and color
- Cook in a single layer only — crowding = steamed sadness
- Shake the basket every 3-4 minutes for even crisping
- Salt the second they come out — this is non-negotiable
Storing Instructions
Refrigerator: Let fries cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Line the container with a paper towel to catch extra moisture. Soggy fries are not invited back to the party.
Freezer (best option for leftovers): Spread cooled fries on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze for 1–2 hours. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer bag or airtight container. They’ll keep for up to 3 months without turning into sad potato sticks.
Easy Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s French Fries Recipe Faqs
Do I need to soak the potatoes first? Yes, soaking the cut potatoes in cold water removes excess starch. This is critical for achieving that light, fluffy center and preventing the fries from sticking together or browning too quickly.
Can I use frozen French fries for this recipe? While you can air fry frozen fries, this specific copycat recipe requires using fresh, cut potatoes and the soaking method to replicate the unique flavor and texture of McDonald’s fries.
What kind of potato works best? Russet potatoes are highly recommended. Their high starch content makes them ideal for achieving a crispy exterior and a fluffy, classic French fry interior.
What is the “secret ingredient” seasoning? The classic McDonald’s flavor often comes from simply using fine salt immediately after cooking, sometimes combined with a tiny pinch of sugar to enhance the browning and unique salty-sweet profile.
How do I prevent the fries from being soggy? Ensure you do not overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the fries in a single layer or in small batches to allow the hot air to circulate freely around every piece.
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!
Share Your Creations! Are you active on Facebook? Join our Air Fryer Recipes Group, where hundreds of thousands of Air Fryer enthusiasts gather and share your photos! I’m always thrilled to see what you’ve made. For those on Instagram, don’t forget to tag me @forktospoon – I can’t wait to admire your culinary adventures!
Easy Air Fryer Copycat McDonald’s French Fries
Description
Ingredients
- 2 medium Russet potaotes, peeled
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2 cups water
- 1/4 cup light corn syrup
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Start by cutting your potatoes into 1/4th inch strips. In a large bowl, fill it halfway with cold water.
- Cut those pieces into 1/4th inch sticks. Place the cut potatoes into the cold water.
- In another large bowl, whisk together the beef stock, 2 cups of water, corn syrup, kosher salt, and vinegar.
- Take the cut potatoes out of the water and place them into the brine. Brine for at least two hours, up to overnight.
- Preheat the air fryer to 380 degrees F. Take the potatoes out of the brine and pat off any excess water.
- 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.
- Plate, serve, and enjoy!
Equipment
- 1 Air Fryer, Air Fryer oven or Air Fryer basket
- Cooking Spray
- Parchment Paper, optional
Nutrition
Share this recipe
We can’t wait to see what you’ve made! Mention @forktospoon or tag #forktospoon!
Syb
Looks interesting but my air fryer is quite small ( only for the two of us ) and if I were to make these fries we would have to eat separately so I could make them in a single batch ! I use pre frozen chips and never need to place in single layer…but sounds good recipe would never ever have thought to put sugar in a recipe for chips !!!
Kathy
So yummy even good cold.