Making McDonald’s-style fries at home can be a fun and delicious project. Those perfectly golden and crispy fries with their distinct taste and texture are within your reach. Whether you’re a fan of the classic fries or looking to experiment with different seasonings, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process to achieve that iconic McDonald’s fry experience in your own homemade batch. Get ready to bring the magic of McDonald’s into your home with this foolproof recipe that will leave everyone asking for more. While replicating the exact taste and texture of McDonald’s fries can be challenging, you can try the following steps to get close to the experience:
Instructions
- Peel the potatoes and cut them into long, thin strips, about 1/4 inch thick. You can use a sharp knife or a mandoline slicer for even cuts. Soak the cut potatoes in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch.
- Drain the potatoes and pat them dry with a kitchen towel or paper towels. It’s important to remove as much moisture as possible to achieve crispy fries.
- Preheat your oil in a deep fryer or a large, deep pot to approximately 325°F (163°C). The oil should be deep enough to fully submerge the fries.
- Working in batches, carefully add the potato strips to the hot oil. Fry them for about 5-6 minutes or until they are pale and slightly cooked but not yet golden. Remove the partially cooked fries from the oil and place them on a tray lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
- Increase the temperature of the oil to 375°F (190°C). Once the oil is hot, add the partially cooked fries back into the oil in batches. Fry them for an additional 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Once the fries are cooked, remove them from the oil and place them on a fresh tray lined with paper towels to absorb any excess oil. While the fries are still hot, sprinkle them with salt to taste.
- Serve the homemade fries immediately while they’re hot and crispy for the best flavor and texture. You can enjoy them plain or with ketchup, just like McDonald’s fries.
Tips for making best McDonald’s copycat fries at home
If you’re looking to make the best McDonald’s copycat fries at home, here are some tips to help you achieve that crispy, golden perfection:
Start with the right potato
McDonald’s typically uses Russet potatoes for their fries. Look for Russet or Idaho potatoes, as they have a high starch content, which helps create a fluffy interior.
Soak and rinse the potatoes
Cut the potatoes into uniform shoestring or French fry shapes. Soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes to remove excess starch. Rinse them thoroughly after soaking to ensure they’re clean.
Double fry method
McDonald’s fries are famous for their crispy exterior and soft interior. To achieve this, use the double fry method. Fry the potatoes at a lower temperature (around 325°F or 160°C) for about 4-5 minutes until they are partially cooked. Remove them from the oil and let them cool for a few minutes. Then, increase the oil temperature to around 375°F (190°C) and fry the potatoes again until they turn golden brown and crispy.
Dry thoroughly
After the first fry, make sure to drain the partially cooked fries on a paper towel-lined plate. It’s crucial to remove any excess moisture before the second fry to ensure a crispy texture.
Seasoning matters
McDonald’s fries are lightly seasoned with salt. You can replicate this by sprinkling salt immediately after removing the fries from the second fry. Toss them gently to distribute the salt evenly.
Serve immediately
Enjoy the fries while they’re hot and fresh for the best taste and texture. McDonald’s fries are known for their deliciousness right out of the fryer, so try to serve them as soon as possible.
Experiment with variations
If you want to add a little extra flavor, you can try experimenting with different seasonings or dipping sauces. For example, you could sprinkle some garlic powder, paprika, or chili powder over the fries before the final fry.
Footnote
Remember, achieving the exact flavor of McDonald’s fries may be difficult due to their specific cooking methods and ingredients. However, this recipe will give you tasty homemade fries that are similar in style. Enjoy your homemade McDonald’s-style fries!
