McDonald’s French Fries: the best-ever copycat recipe for a fast-food favorite

Everyone loves tucking into a fresh batch of fries – they are a perfect side dish for so many meals. With this easy recipe, you can make amazing copycat McDonald's French fries at home. They're similar to classic French fries, but with the same incredible salty flavor and crunch, you get from the famous fast-food restaurant. What's the secret to making perfect McDonald's French fries at home? It's easy! The first trick is to soak the fries in brine before frying them. The second trick is to double fry them. These copycat French fries are so good, they're sure to become a fast favorite in your household.

What are the Best Potatoes for McDonald's French Fries

Russets, Maris Pipers, and other floury potatoes make the hands-down best fries. They crisp up beautifully when fried, boasting a crispy golden brown exterior and soft, tender inside. Don't use waxy potato varieties because they don't hold up as well to frying.

How to Make McDonald's French Fries at Home

The secret to making perfect copycat Mcdonald's fries at home is to let them soak in the brine first and double frying them. Soaking them gets rid of extra starch and helps stop the fries from becoming soggy when frying them. This will give you the crispiest fries.

To make McDonald's French fries, soak them in brine for at least 2 hours, the longer the better. When you're ready to fry them, rinse then pat them dry. Fry them in a Dutch oven for about 5 minutes, then remove the fries. Add the vegetable shortening to the oil, turn up the heat, then fry them until golden brown. Voila! Perfect copycat Mcdonald's fries.

Tips for Making the Best Copycat McDonald's Fries

– You can also use ½ cup of corn syrup instead of sugar.

– When frying the fries, work in batches. This will help them crisp up.

– While salt is the classic seasoning for McDonald's French fries, you can switch things up by using your favorite seasonings instead of salt. Lawry's, taco seasoning, Old Bay, and lemon pepper all taste amazing over fries.

How to Store Leftover Copycat McDonald's Fries

Leftover fries should be placed in a sealed bag and refrigerated. To reheat them, bake them for 10 minutes at 350°F. Fries can also be frozen. To reheat frozen fries, bake them for 15 minutes at 350°F.

Instructions

In a large bowl, combine the cold water, sugar, salt, and vinegar.

Peel the potatoes and rinse them in cold water. Slice the potatoes into ½-inch strings.

Soak the fries in the brine, making sure they're completely covered. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours up to overnight.

Drain and rinse off the fries. Place them on paper towels and dry them completely.

Heat oil in a Dutch oven. When it reaches 300°F, fry the fries for 5 minutes. Remove them with a slotted spoon to dry on paper towels.

Add the shortening to the oil and heat to 400°F. Fry the fries until golden brown.

Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Season and serve.

Notes

Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to fry your French fries. Corn, canola, vegetable, or soybean oil all work well.