In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries (Copycat)

4 servings
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes

Animal-Style French Fries are golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce.

Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite! Served with a Double Double Animal-Style Cheeseburger, McDonald’s Shamrock Shake (Copycat), or the yummy Cheesecake Factory Luau Salad (Copycat) these Copycat Recipes will have you thinking you’re eating at your favorite place in your own kitchen.

In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries overhead

Want to know a secret? You can now make Animal-Style Fries at home! In-N-Out is an American fast food burger chain that started in California in 1948. It has an amazing secret menu that includes a special sauce with a slightly savory sweet flavor that we will make here. Making this entire secret menu item at home is so easy because it is literally just cheese fries topped with this secret sauce. 

Animal Style French Fries are a wonderful take on American classic fries. This recipe takes it a step further by double frying the french fries for extra crispiness. Because In-N-Out French fries are only fried once before serving, you don’t get the ultra crispy fries you are used to in a fast food place. Any other burger shop you go to is going to fry frozen pre-fried potatoes so that they get the elusive double fry.

Almost everyone loves the incredibly satisfying taste of the cheese, fried onions, and Animal-style sauce that tops the fries. And because this recipe makes a more crispy french fry, they won’t immediately get soggy under the weight of its toppings. You can enjoy these fries at a birthday party or summer BBQ with friends along with homemade Cheddar Bacon Ranch Cheeseburgers.

In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries collage of assembling

How to Make In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries

While this recipe has a few steps involved, it’s actually very easy to do. Just follow the steps to get the crispiest fries and the yummiest topping! 

  • Step One: Slice the potatoes into fries and soak them in water. Go to the next step. 
  • Step Two: Mix the sauce together and set to the side. 
  • Step Three: Fry the onions then set them aside while you make the fries.
  • Step Four: Cook the fries in the oil. Once they are done and have cooled a bit, fry them again. 
  • Step Five: Assemble everything together. Fries first, then the cheese on the fries to melt it. Top the cheese with the caramelized onions and finish it off with the secret sauce. Serve immediately and enjoy! 

More Yummy Copycat Recipes

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do we soak the potatoes in water before frying them?

Soaking the french fries in cold water before frying helps to remove excess starch and gives you that crispy, golden brown restaurant style french fry you love.

How long should I soak the fries in water? 

For best results, soak them at least an hour in water to help remove excess starches. You can also leave them in water over night if you’d like. 

Is this recipe vegan? 

No, In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries are not vegan. But you can make them vegan by substituting the butter, cheese, and mayonnaise with your favorite vegan equivalents. 

Does this recipe taste exactly like the restaurant version? 

Many factors go into the flavor of the restaurant version. What oil is used, what mayo is used, as well as the type of ketchup, sugar, and relish will influence the final flavor. But no matter what, this recipe will taste absolutely amazing because it is fresh. You’re whole family love eating this copycat version! 

In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries collage of cooking fries

Key Ingredients in In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries

While the secret menu is not known by everyone, the ingredients to make it at home can be easily found at your local grocery store. Check it out!

  • Fries: We are using russet potatoes that are cut into fry shapes. Be sure to soak them to help them get crispy. 
  • Secret Sauce: It’s a simple mixture of mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, sugar, and vinegar. 
  • Cheese: We’re using classic American cheese slices, but you can use cheddar slices for your fries! 
  • Onion: Diced onions that have been cooked to a perfect caramelization is a great addition to the fries. We’re using yellow onions, but you can use white onion or purple onion in a pinch. 

Air Fryer In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries

If you’d like to use less oil, then the air fryer is a great option as you’ll only use a mere fraction of the oil.

  • Prepare the fries and let them soak according to the recipe.
  • Then, once they are dried, spray or coat with a little bit of vegetable oil and place them in batches in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Don’t over lap them.
  • Cook for 15-20 minutes on 375 degrees.
  • Once the batches are finished, you’ll want to keep them warm by putting them on a baking sheet and keeping them in the oven. Keep the temperature between 100-200 degrees. 
  • Top with the cheese, onions, and sauce when everything is cooked. 

Oven-Baked In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries 

If you don’t have an air fryer, you can easily cook the fries in the oven. This is also a great option since you’ll be using much less oil. 

  • Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
  • Prepare the fries and let them soak according to the recipe. 
  • Once you’ve dried the fries off, layer them on the baking sheet and spray vegetable oil on top, or coat them in a bit of oil. 
  • Let them cook for 15-20 minutes. 
  • To crisp them up, turn up the heat to 450 degrees and cook at that temperature for an additional 10 minutes. You may have to adjust the timing depending on your oven. 
In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries sauce collage

Can I make Animal Style French Fries ahead?

Yes, absolutely! But keep the sauce, onions, cheese, and fries separate if you want to make ahead of time. 

  • Option One: You can make the Animal Style fry sauce, onions, and fries the day before, and store them separately in the fridge overnight. Then, just reheat everything and serve hot.
  • Option Two: To have the freshest fries possible, you can also slice and store the potatoes in cold water overnight and continue the recipe when you’re ready to cook them and then add the other ingredients you made the day before. 

Variations on In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries

While the classic Animal-Style French Fries are made to be eaten as is, you can make some variations to enhance what’s already amazing! Check it out! 

  • Green Onions: Add some fresh chives or scallions to the top for a pop of flavor and color. 
  • Dipping Sauce: The creamy and garlicky Homemade Ranch Dressing is a great flavor to dip your fries in. Also, try dipping in our Spicy Mayo really takes it up a notch. 

More Potato Recipes

How to Store In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries

  • Serve: Serve hot and fresh immediately. Do not leave Animal Style Fries components at room temperature longer than 2 hours.
  • Store: You can store the Animal Style sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and use on a fresh batch of Animal Style fries all week!
  • Freeze: You can freeze the once fried potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet and then transfer to a freezer safe bag. Fry from frozen (be very careful of splattering) to golden brown and serve with fresh Animal Style toppings.
In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries closeup final product

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In ‘n Out Animal French Fries (Copycat)

Animal-Style French Fries are golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce.
Yield 4 servings
Prep Time 45 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
Course Side
Cuisine American
Author Sabrina Snyder

Ingredients
 

  • 2 pounds russet potatoes , peeled and cut into ¼ inch fries
  • 4 slices American Cheese
  • 1 large onion , finely chopped (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 3 tablespoons water , for sizzling onions
  • 2 teaspoons butter
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • vegetable oil , for frying

Animal-Style Sauce

  • 8 teaspoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 teaspoon sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon distilled white vinegar

Instructions

  • Keep the sliced potatoes in a bowl of cold water while you prepare the rest of the ingredients.

For the Onions

  • Heat 1 tablespoon butter in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  • Add onions and ½ teaspoon kosher salt to skillet.
  • Reduce heat to medium low, and cook, tossing and stirring occasionally until onions are well browned, about 15 minutes.
  • Once onions begin to sizzle heavily and appear dry, add 1 tablespoon water to skillet and stir.
  • Continue cooking until water evaporates and onions start sizzling again.
  • Repeat process, adding 1 tablespoon of water with each iteration until onions are meltingly soft and dark brown, about 3 times total.
  • Transfer to a small bowl and set aside while leaving any residual butter in the pan.

For the Animal Sauce

  • To make the animal fry spread: Add mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, sugar, and vinegar to a small bowl and stir to combine.

For the Fries

  • Dry the potatoes. Heat oil to 365 degrees
  • Fry for 3-4 minutes or until the fries start turning a bit whiter.
  • Remove with slotted spoon and do the next batch.
  • To double fry, put the potatoes back in the hot oil after they've cooled and fry a second time for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
  • Place fries on plate, cover with slices of American Cheese, melted onions, and the animal style spread.
  • Serve immediately!

Video

Notes

Sauce and Onions adapted from Kenji at the Serious Eat’s Food Lab.

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 48g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 3g | Trans Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 22mg | Sodium: 799mg | Potassium: 1043mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 346IU | Vitamin C: 16mg | Calcium: 260mg | Iron: 2mg
Keyword: copycat recipes, In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries (Copycat), In-N-Out fries, In-N-Out special sauce
In-N-Out Animal Style French Fries Pin 1

Photos used in a previous version of this post.

In n Out Animal Style French Fries Collage
In n Out Animal Style French Fries Collage of prep steps
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!
Animal-Style French Fries are fried golden brown, topped with melty American Cheese, buttery melted caramelized onions and a signature fry sauce. Serve with a fork or eat with your fingers if you dare, these fries are a cult favorite!

About the Author: Sabrina Snyder

Sabrina is a professionally trained Private Chef of over 10 years with ServSafe Manager certification in food safety. She creates all the recipes here on Dinner, then Dessert, fueled in no small part by her love for bacon.

Sabrina Snyder is a professionally trained personal and private chef of over 10 years who is the creator and developer of all the recipes on Dinner, then Dessert.

She is also the author of the cookbook Dinner, then Dessert – Satisfying Meals Using Only 3, 5 or 7 Ingredients, published by Harper Collins.

She started Dinner, then Dessert as a business in her office as a lunch service for her coworkers who admired her lunches before going to culinary school and becoming a full time personal chef and private chef.

As a personal chef Sabrina would cook for families one day a week and cook their entire week of dinners. All grocery shopping, cooking and cleaning was done along with instructions on reheating. As a private chef she cooked for private parties and cooked in family homes in the evenings for families on a nightly basis after working as a personal chef during the day.

Sabrina has been certified as a ServSafe Manager since 2007 and was a longstanding member of the USPCA Personal Chef Association including being on the board of the Washington DC Chapter of Chefs in the US Personal Chef Association when they won Chapter of the year.

As a member of the community of food website creators Sabrina Snyder has spoken at many conferences regarding her experiences as a food writer including the Indulge Food Conference, Everything Food Conference, Haven Food Conference and IACP Annual Food Professionals Conference.

Sabrina lives with her family in sunny California.

Dinner, then Dessert, Inc. owns the copyright on all images and text and does not allow for its original recipes and pictures to be reproduced anywhere other than at this site unless authorization is given. If you enjoyed the recipe and would like to publish it on your own site, please re-write it in your own words, and link back to my site and recipe page. Read my disclosure and copyright policy. This post may contain affiliate links.

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Comments

  1. Howdy—have you ever tried ordering your fries “well done” at In-‘n-Out? They are double-fried and crispy—and yummy! Cheers for the Animal Fries recipe!

  2. This was great! Added a little more ketchup, vinegar, & relish for acidity but overall this satisfied my craving and was amazing!

  3. Actually Justin, the In N out Burger is very accurate to what the ads show. This isn’t some cheap McDonalds burger that is sloppily put together. They take their time with it and it tastes delicious every time I have it.

  4. I had just read that the president of In N Out is discussing the possibility of opening some stores in Florida, depending on the availability of supplies. Having never heard of the chain, I was impressed with their menu. Of course, the pictures on the menu never match well with the actual product, but if you make it yourself you can solve that problem. I look forward to trying this recipe; but I’m planning on making some of those delicious looking onions to accompany a pork chop tonight.

    Thank you for figuring this out, and I really appreciate you sharing it with all.

  5. This recipe is amazing!!! I made this with my daughter and they turned out exactly like In N Out. Very happy I found this recipe.

  6. The recipe was good. I soundly say that the spread tastes like in n out spread thou, it different. But the onions were like them. I didn’t try to make the fries I used waffle fries instead. It was pretty good after all but, the animal style French fries at in n out are better but it good. I eat in n out very often so I could tell the differences but if you never had in n out or don’t eat it very often then this recipe is an ok replacement.

  7. For me the “Spread” is the best part. You say “To make the animal fry spread: Add mayonnaise, ketchup, relish, sugar, and vinegar to a small bowl and stir to combine.”
    I am not a Chef, but I want to make this, how much of each item to I use? Cup of this? Teaspoon of that? I just want to know so I don’t mess this up. Thank you!

  8. I made these and they were delish! I’ve never been to a In n’ Out but heard about it from a colleague and had to try it.

    I do find it difficult to believe that only one large onion was used for this recipe – I used three large onions and by the time they were done caramelizing it was still way less onion than shown.

  9. Okay we get it commenters this looks good, it tastes great to people who’s never had the original, etc. lol Can someone who actually has made this and had had the original as well comment and tell me how accurate this is? An entertainer I like is in love with animal fries but I love nowhere NEAR and In and Out so want to ft as close of a copy cat as humanly possible. 

    1. Wolf,
      I tried this recipe I live in Los Angeles and In-n-out is my fav and these were so good and it tasted exactly just like it. Just try it for fun and let me know what you think

    2. Right how many people have actually tried this and not just saying it looks good. Did you try it? Is it good? We need more comments on that not that it looks good. Okay it looks good….Thank you Sabrina for posting you recipes the are the best could you try chick-fil-a nuggets?

  10. Looks soooo good! I really miss In-n-Out.. Makes me want to live in Cali again! Quick tip: ask for your fries to be “well done” next time – they come out super crispy and wonderful.

      1. But the best oil for frying french fries is peanut oil. If you’re gonna go through the effort of making french fries, might as well do it the best you can, rather than trying to replicate In-N-Out’s rather inferior version exactly. And that also means adding the cold water soak before the first fry.

  11. These look so yummy. I only had In-N-Out once in San Francisco, now I can make the fries at home.

  12. I have never tried fries like this before. They look so good. My kids are going to love them. I love trying new recipes.

  13. These fries look so delicious. I wish i could make some right now. I will have to save this recipe to try on the weekend.

  14. Well somebody likes to play with fire – don’t they? These would be dangerous in my house – might have to double the recipe!

    1. YES! I had to leave the room while my husband ate the rest of it and I made him bring me food upstairs so I wasn’t around it anymore. THEY ARE THAT GOOD.

  15. I am so grateful that you posted this. I love these fries but don’t have an In and Out anywhere near me! yay for the recipe!

  16. Those look delicious! I need to try these out very soon. Sounds like they’re pretty simple to make too. I can’t wait to try them! I’ve actually never heard of In N Out, so it must not be in my area, but I’m glad you’re sharing this recipe.

    1. It is so amazing how they are just a part of everyday life for everyone here but not at all part of life outside the West Coast.

  17. I am scared of deep frying anything myself but I bet the sauce for the fries would be great on thinly sliced and baked fries. I am going to have to add relish to my shopping list!

    1. Yeah, on oven baked fries they would also be amazing. I should totally do that too! I am not a huge fan of frying in the house either.

  18. Oh my gosh this would be such a treat!I think going with the double fry was a good move. I’d love to make some for the family!

    1. The double fry is essential! That is why people complain about their fries, the single fry makes for wimpy fries after five minutes.

  19. I’ve never heard of anything animal-style, but boy after seeing this I want to try both the hamburger and the fries. We actually hamburgers tonight for dinner so this would have been perfect.

  20. These look incredible! You definitely get best food blogger of the year award in my book! These fries look amazing!

    Paige

    1. You and I should be best friends, that is exactly how I feel too! I joke if I were ever a contestant on the biggest loser or some show like that and they had one of those temptation challenges with desserts I would ACE it. A temptation challenge with fries? I’d be passed out with a stomach full of fries on the floor hugging what fries I couldn’t finish.

  21. I have never eaten at a In n Out Burger before and really never had the desire to until now. (They don’t have them where I am from.) Now thanks to you, I know I am missing out. But hey, I can make your at home version which look scrumptious. But really, now I’m sad I have no In n Out.

    1. My husband is the same way! He is pretty good with Animal style burgers but prefers his fries plain. I LOVE the fries animal style 🙂

    1. Yup! It is so good. Funnily enough you can ask for Animal Style Burgers for no extra cost, but getting the fries animal style literally doubles the cost of them!

  22. This looks SO good! I honestly didn’t know that there is a secret menu with this on there until my brother told me about it. It looks SO good!

    1. I remember in high school when someone told me I thought I was part of a secret club! But now when you order the fries they come in a special “Animal Style Fries” box, way less secret!

  23. Awesome! You shared the burger yesterday and the fries today! I may not live in California, but I’ll have an In N Out meal this weekend.