McDonald's Fries
A copycat of McDonald's famous fries, made in the air fryer. The trick is a seasoned soak and a coat of beef pan drippings plus peanut oil for that signature flavor.
⏱️ Prep: 20 min🍳 Cook: 15 min
Nutritionper 100 g›
200
Calories
3g
Protein
30g
Carbs
8g
Fat
Ingredients
| 8 cups (1.9 L) | cold water |
| 3 tablespoons | kosher salt, divided |
| 2 teaspoons | granulated sugar |
| 1 teaspoon | white pepper |
| 2 tablespoons | apple cider vinegar |
| 4 | medium russet potatoes |
| 2 tablespoons | beef pan drippings (from 1 pound / 450 g of 80% ground beef) |
| 2 tablespoons | peanut oil |
Instructions
- Pour the cold water into a large bowl. Mix in 2 tablespoons of the kosher salt, then mix in the sugar, white pepper and apple cider vinegar. Set the bowl aside.
- Wash and dry the potatoes, then peel them and cut lengthwise into 1/8-inch (3 mm) thick strips.
- Place the potato strips into the bowl of prepared liquid. Cover with foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for 2 hours.
- Remove from the refrigerator. Drain and rinse the potatoes under cold water in a colander. Pat them as dry as possible with paper towels and set aside on a large plate.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until no longer pink. Transfer the beef drippings to a small bowl and save the ground beef for another use.
- Pour the peanut oil into a small bowl.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange the potatoes side by side on it.
- Using a pastry brush, coat the fries with the beef drippings and then the peanut oil. Evenly sprinkle with the remaining tablespoon of kosher salt.
- Lightly coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Preheat to 330°F (165°C).
- While the air fryer preheats, place the baking sheet of fries in the freezer for about 5 minutes.
- Remove from the freezer. Place 1/4 of the potato strips into the air fryer basket and cook for 4 minutes. Do not return the baking sheet to the freezer.
- After 4 minutes, flip the fries with a spatula to brown all sides evenly. Continue cooking 3-4 minutes more, until crispy and slightly browned. Transfer to a cooling rack.
- Repeat steps 11-12 with the remaining potato strips. Serve immediately. Enjoy!