Description
Animal Fries are a delicious, indulgent snack featuring crispy air-fried French fries topped with melted American cheese, caramelized onions, and a tangy homemade sauce. This recipe combines savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a satisfying texture that makes it a perfect treat for gatherings or comfort food cravings.
Ingredients
Scale
Fries and Topping
- 24 ounces frozen french fries
- 4 slices American cheese
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce: In a bowl, whisk together ½ cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 2 teaspoons granulated sugar, ½ teaspoon white vinegar, and 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish until smooth. Cover and refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld while you make the fries.
- Cook the fries: Cook 24 ounces of frozen french fries according to package directions. Using an air fryer is recommended for a faster cooking time and crispier fries.
- Caramelize the onions: Heat a medium-sized skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the diced onion and cook for 6-8 minutes until they soften. Season with salt and pepper, then continue cooking for another 5 minutes or until the onions turn golden brown. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Preheat broiler and prepare fries for broiling: Preheat the oven to broil. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and spread the cooked fries evenly on the pan.
- Add cheese and broil: Top the fries with 4 slices of American cheese, then place under the broiler. Broil for about 5 minutes, watching closely, until the cheese is fully melted.
- Assemble and serve: Remove the cheesy fries from the oven. Top with the caramelized onions and drizzle the prepared sauce over everything. Serve warm and enjoy!
Notes
- Using an air fryer for the fries gives them a crispier texture and reduces cooking time.
- Watch the fries closely while broiling to prevent burning the cheese.
- You can adjust the amount of sweet pickle relish and sugar in the sauce to your preference for sweetness and tanginess.
- For a vegetarian version, ensure the American cheese is vegetarian-friendly.
- Leftover fries and toppings can be reheated separately for best results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Animal Fries, loaded fries, cheesy fries, caramelized onions, air fryer fries, American cheese, homemade sauce, snack recipe
