What’s Ronald’s secret to those golden and crisp McDonald’s French Fries that have been a favorite since we were kids?
Nowadays, McDonald’s drab decor and menu suggest it really wants to be seen as a grown-up establishment. But when I was a kid in the 80s and 90s, McDonald’s was more kid-friendly. Most of its chains featured indoor/outdoor playgrounds, which were so fun that kids would have birthday parties there.
McDonald’s was also big into mascots and characters. My favorite was the Fry Guys—they looked like pom-poms with legs and eyes. Sure, they were cute, but, really, I liked them because the fries were my favorite part of a McDonald’s Happy Meal. I would devour them immediately, leaving my burger or nuggets in the cardboard box along with the toy du jour.
I’ve tried to recreate McDonald’s fries at home with little success—until now. This recipe is about as close as I’ve managed to get to those legendary sides. Now, all I need is my own collection of Fry Guys. Where did I put my pom-poms?
Are These McDonald’s French Fries Healthy?
Well, potatoes are healthy, as they contain vitamins and minerals. But McDonald’s fries? This recipe calls for lots of oil, and oil means fat. Moderation is key. (I talk more about the oil in the FAQs.) However, they are vegetarian and gluten-free. That’s a plus!
What Type Of Potato Should I Use?
While you’re free to use whichever spuds you like, be they russets, reds, or Yukon Golds, if you’re after that authentic McDonald’s taste and texture, you’ll want russets. These potatoes are high in starch, low in moisture, and produce fluffy fries that crisp up beautifully on the outside. The most important thing is to make sure you soak your fries, as that will really aid in giving them that perfect texture we all know and love. After boiling them, make sure they’re nice and dry before they hit that oil!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Any leftover fries should be left to cool completely, then stored in a resealable bag or airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. You can try to resuscitate their crispiness by reheating them in your air fryer or oven.
You can also freeze them. In single layer, place the fries on a baking sheet and freeze for 2 hours. Then, put the fries in a freezer-safe bag. They should keep for 2 months. And yes, you can reheat directly from frozen.
Serving Suggestions
Fries seem to go with pretty much everything, so I’m not going to tell you which other dishes you can serve them with (“Anything fried or breaded” is the short answer). Instead, I’ll tell you what to serve on your fries.
First off, you don’t need to only stick with ketchup. My personal favorite is homemade BBQ Sauce. Also, Sweet-And-Sour Sauce or Honey-Mustard Dipping Sauce are delicious picks. For something creamy, this classic Fry Sauce certainly fits the bill.
Next, the spices. I’m really into this Fries Seasoning—it’s got all the standard spices you probably already have in your kitchen cabinet. Or switch things up with a spicy Chili Seasoning. And if you’re not in the mood to make a mix yourself, Old Bay seasoning is an excellent option.
Now, if you’re looking for something more substantial, add shredded cheese (with gravy, if you wanted poutine), crispy bacon bits, and Chili. Better yet, make a fries supreme à la Taco Bell with the addition of sour cream, green onions, diced tomatoes, black olives, and guacamole.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds russet potatoes
- 8 cups water
- 1 tablespoon sea salt
- Oil for frying
Instructions
- Wash and peel the potatoes, then slice them into 1/4-inch-thick sticks for even frying.
- Soak the potato sticks in a bowl of water for 30 minutes to remove excess starch and prevent discoloration.
- In a large pot, bring 8 cups of water to a boil with 1 tablespoon of sea salt. Add the potatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they're just starting to soften.
- Drain the potatoes and lay them out on a clean kitchen towel, patting them dry thoroughly.
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 300°F. Fry the potatoes in batches for about 4-5 minutes until they are pale and slightly golden.
- Remove the fries with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to keep them crisp.
- Increase the oil temperature to 400°F and fry the potatoes again for 5-6 minutes, until they are golden brown and crispy.
- Drain the fries on the wire rack, season with additional salt if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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