McDonald’s French fries are the beloved iconic items on McDonald’s menu. These French fries have a massive fan following worldwide and are consistently ranked among the best-selling things at McDonald’s.
These restaurant-style fries are served with best McDonald’s menu items like big mac, quarter pounder, McChicken, and other burgers.
Making authentic McDonald’s French fries requires a secret ingredient: brine. It would help if you also had potatoes, vegetable oil, and some salt for taste. Peel the potatoes and rinse them in brine. Slice them and place them under cold brine.
Finally, pat-dry the fries and double-fry using vegetable shortening and oil. The copycat McDonald’s French fries will be ready. Achieve the perfect crispy and crunchy texture like McDonald’s in your kitchen.
Let any leftover fries cool completely and store them in a freezer bag in the fridge, removing as much air from the bag as possible.
Be with me till the end of the post, the guide will help you to make the perfect brine so that your fries are better than McDonald’s. But before getting the instructions, check out our other copycat recipes below.
What's In The Post
What’s Different About McDonald’s Fries?
There’s something special about McDonald’s thin and crispy French fries that keep fans craving more. McDonald’s French fries are made from Russet Burbank potatoes, chosen for their starchy goodness that transforms into a fluffy interior with just the right sweetness.
But the secret to perfect French fries is the blanching process! You heard that right. McDonald’s French fries quickly dip in hot water or oil before they hit the fryer. And let’s remember the two-step cooking dance they go through – frozen, then fried to perfection.
This dynamic process creates that coveted golden hue, crunchy outside, and a soft, pillowy inside. Above all this, the coating of these fries keeps them crispy for a long. Check out some more items on McDonald’s menu.
Are McDonald’s Fries Vegan Or Gluten Free?
McDonald’s fries are vegan or gluten-free only in the outlets of India and the UK as they do not contain beef drippings. However, McDonald’s outlets in other countries, like the US, Australia, or Canada, don’t serve fully vegan or gluten-free French fries.
Generally, McDonald’s French fries are made with vegetable oil and a blend of ingredients without animal products. However, cross-contamination is possible. So, if you are following any dietary restrictions, it is advised to check with the restaurant.
Does McDonald’s Use Beef Flavorings In Their Fries?
Yes, in most countries’ McDonald’s uses beef flavoring to make their French fries. However, it is essential to note that the beef flavoring is extracted from hydrolyzed wheat and milk protein rather than beef. So be assured that the beef flavoring used in making French fries contains wheat and milk derivatives.
People with gluten and lactose intolerance having some dietary restrictions should be cautious when trying such food items at McDonald’s. The best thing to do is ask the servers before placing the orders or try making homemade versions of McDonald’s French fries.
What Equipment Will You Need To Make McDonald’s French Fries?
- Frying Pan – Use frying pan to fry the batches of potato fries.
- Perforated Ladle – Remove the fries using a perforated ladle. It helps you to remove excess oil.
- Bowl – Use a bowl to prepare the bring for making McDonald’s French fries.
- Wire Rack – Avoid excess oil by removing the fries on a wire rack.
What Ingredients Will You Need To Make McDonald’s French Fries?
For Fries
- Russet Potatoes – Take russet potatoes for making French fries crunchy and crispy.
- Vegetable Shortening – Fry the batches of fries by adding vegetable shortening. It will help in achieving flaky and crispy texture.
- Vegetable Oil – Add a few tablespoons of vegetable oil to fry the French fries.
- Salt – Add salt to your taste.
For Brine
- Cold Water – Rinse the russet potatoes by dipping them in cold water.
- White Vinegar – Add a teaspoon of white vinegar to the brine. It is a secret for the crispy texture of the fries.
- Corn Syrup – Prepare the brine by adding a tablespoon of corn syrup.
- Salt – Sprinkle a generous amount of salt as per your taste,
- Sugar – Adding sugar will promote in browning of fries.
McDonald’s French Fries Ingredients Substitutions
- Yukon Gold Potatoes – Instead of russet potatoes, you can add some rich Yukon old potatoes. It is one of the best types of potatoes used for making French fries.
- Vegetable Oil – For frying French fries, you can use vegetable oil, like canola, peanut, and olive oil.
What Kind of Potatoes & Oil Does McDonald’s Use For Their Fries?
McDonald’s uses quality potatoes like Russet Burbank, Ranger Russet, Umatilla Russet, and the shapody to make French fries. The restaurant selects potatoes high in starch content and low in sugar, which helps achieve the desired texture and taste.
Does McDonald’s Use Sugar For Their Fries?
McDonald’s doesn’t use regular sugar in making their French fries. However, they coat the fries with a minimum amount of dextrose, a form of sugar. This helps in seasoning the French fries and achieving the desired flavor. The dextrose used in coating is not added for sweetness purposes.
How Much Time Will You Need To Make McDonald’s French Fries?
| Preparation Time | Resting Time | Cooking Time | Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 minutes | 5 Minutes | 15 Minutes | 25 Minutes |
McDonald’s French Fries Recipe Instructions
Step 1- Soak the washed and sliced potatoes in brine made of sugar, cold water, corn syrup, salt, and vinegar to achieve the desired texture and flavors.
Step 2- Pat dry the fries on a paper towel or a wire rack until they are dried.
Step 3- Moving forward, heat your choice of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
Step 4- Put the fries into the pan and shallow fry until they get tender.
Step 5- Put the fries into the pan and shallow fry until they get tender.
Step 6- Deep-fry again to achieve desired crispy texture.
Step 7- Finally, strain the excess oil and remove the fries when they turn golden brown.
How Will McDonald’s French Fries Look & Taste Like?
McDonald’s French fries are golden-yellow with a crispy, slightly wrinkled exterior. They are cut into thin, elongated strips with consistent size and shape. The fries are usually uniform in length, with a slight curve, and have a soft, fluffy interior.
The taste of McDonald’s French fries is packed with savory flavors and crispy crunch. Moreover, despite being delicious, French fries often have a hint of natural sweetness from the potatoes.
Why Soak The Potatoes In Cold Water?
Soaking potatoes in cold water before frying is a common practice to improve the texture and flavors of fries. There are other reasons to soak the potatoes in cold water before frying.
- Prevents Discoloration – Soaking potatoes in cold water will help you avoid discoloration of potatoes.
- Enhances Crispiness – Frying the potatoes soaked in cold water will produce crispy and flavorful potatoes. Soaking the potatoes in cold water will enhance and improve their texture.
- Removes Excess Starch – Potatoes contain starch, which makes the fries sticky and prevents them from getting crispy. Soaking potatoes in cold water will help you eliminate excess scratches.
Why Do You Need To Double Fry McDonald’s Fries?
It would help if you double-fried the McDonald’s French fries to achieve the signature restaurant taste and fluffy texture. Double frying also helps create a moisture barrier beside the taste and texture. After the first fry, the fries are kept to rest. The resting time allows the moisture on the surface of the fries to evaporate, creating a dry exterior.
Moreover, the double frying method used by McDonald’s is a critical factor in creating their famous French fries at home. It ensures that the fries have a consistent quality, texture, and taste.
How To Store McDonald’s French Fries?
Check out the two best ways to store homemade McDonald’s French fries without making them soggy below.
- Refrigerate – Let the fries cool down to room temperature, and then put them in the refrigerator to reheat and try later.
- Airtight Container – Transfer the fries to an airtight container or sealed plastic bag. Ensure you don’t squish the fries in a container or plastic bag.
How to Reheat McDonald’s French Fries Properly?
Reheating McDonald’s French fries can be tricky as they tend to lose their crispiness. However, follow the below ways to reheat McDonald’s French fries without resulting in soggy fries.
Reheat On Stovetop
Heat a splash of oil in the frying pan or non-stick skillet over medium flame. Reheat the fries in the pan, stirring occasionally, until the fries are heated nicely.
Reheat In The Air fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F and spread the fries in the basket in a single layer. Make sure you don’t overcrowd the pan with fries. Heat the fries for almost 4-5 minutes in the air fryer.
Reheat In The Oven
Spread the fries on the baking tray and place them in the oven. Heat the fries in the oven for 5 minutes until they are warm enough.
If you wish to know more of the best ways to reheat McDonald’s French fries, click here to check out the blog post.
Nutritional Information
| Calories | 490 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 66 g |
| Iron | 2 mg |
| Protein | 7 g |
| Fat | 23 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Dietary Fiber | 6 g |
| Calcium | 20 mg |
What To Serve With These McDonald’s Fries?
There are several complementary dishes and sauces served with McDonald’s French fries. Check out the best options below.
Dipping Sauces
- Ketchup – Tomato ketchup is a classic dipping sauce served with French fries. It offers a sweet and savory combination of flavors.
- Mustard Sauce – French fries are offered with mustard sauce in some McDonald’s outlets. Pairing fries with mustard sauce will bring some tangy sweet, and savory flavors.
- Ranch Dressing – You can pair the French fries with ranch dressing for creamy and tangy flavors.
- Barbecue Sauce – McDonald’s barbecue sauce is best known for its smoky and sweet punch of flavors. When you pair it with the fries, it enriches the flavors and makes it a perfect combination.
Complementary Dishes
- Quarter Pound – Pair the best quarter-pound burger with homemade McDonald’s French fries. It is a classic combination that serves the purpose of a meal along with a side dish.
- McChicken – French fries are a classic accompaniment to McChicken. You can serve your favorite fries with homemade or restaurant-bought McChicken burgers.
- McRib Sandwiches – French fries can be a great side option paired with McRib sandwiches. The combination of sandwiches and fries offers a satiating meal with rich flavors.
- Chicken Wrap – If you are looking for some healthy options, you can pair the French fries with protein-packed chicken wrap. The chicken wrap can complement the fries to the next level.
- McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish – Another option that can be paired well with French fries is McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish. Juicy McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish with crispy French fries is a classic and a must-try combination.
Other McDonald’s Recipes You Can Try
Apart from McDonald’s French fries, we have covered a long list of famous and easy McDonald’s recipes on our website. Follow the recipe guide and incorporate the restaurant-style flavors at home with us.
Recipe Card
McDonald’s French Fries Copycat Recipe
Equipment
- Frying Pan
- Perforated Ladle
- Bowl
- Wire Rack
Ingredients
For Fries
- 6 Large Russet Potatoes
- ½ cup Vegetable Shortening
- 1 quart Vegetable Oil
- 1 teaspoon Salt
For Brine
- 7 cups Cold Water
- 1 teaspoon White Vinegar
- ½ cup Corn Syrup
- 3 tablespoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
Instructions
- Soak the washed and sliced potatoes in brine made of sugar, cold water, corn syrup, salt, and vinegar to achieve the desired texture and flavors.
- Pat dry the fries on a paper towel or a wire rack until they are dried.
- Moving forward, heat your choice of vegetable oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Put the fries into the pan and shallow fry until they get tender.
- Remove one batch of fries from the pan.
- Deep-fry again to achieve desired crispy texture.
- Finally, strain the excess oil and remove the fries when they turn golden brown.
Video
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What does McDonald’s fry their French fries in?
McDonald’s fry their French Fries in vegetable oil mixed with vegetable shortening.
What oil is used in McDonald’s fries?
McDonald’s uses canola oil for frying the French fries. The canola oil has a high smoking point and is well suited for frying.
What does McDonald’s soak their fries in?
McDonald’s soak their fries in the brine prepared by adding dextrose and sodium acid pyrophosphate.
How often do they change the oil at McDonald’s?
McDonald’s changes its oil twice a day after frying the batches of fries.
Conclusion
So, what are you waiting for? Go and make these McDonald’s French fries right away! Don’t forget to share your experience in the comment section below. Till then, stay tuned to our site for more such recipes.
