John Legend is a fan of following copycat recipes, according to his wife Chrissy Teigen. His latest attempt at the popular in-N-out animal fries – loaded fries with cheese, fried onions and tangy sauce – has become something of an internet sensation.
John Legend tried the recipe as he couldn't get this take-out family favorite on any delivery apps, and Chrissy, (and her followers), couldn't sound more delighted with the results, calling them 'delicious' when she posted a video of her husband's culinary creation on Instagram.
The good news is, they're really easy to make, especially if you use one of the best air fryers to cook your fries first.
If you're keen to follow in John Legend's footsteps and try your own 'fake-away' dinner, it makes for a perfect lazy weekend treat for the whole family. And I have the animal fries recipe he used right here, from Allyson Zea – aka Domestic Superhero.
Animal fries recipe
- TO MAKE THE SAUCE
- ½ cup mayonnaise (reduced fat or regular)
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tsp yellow mustard
- 1 tsp white vinegar
- 2 ½ tbsp sweet pickle relish
- dash of salt and black pepper
- Mix all in a bowl, then place in the fridge to combine the flavors.
- COOK THE FRENCH FRIES – make them from scratch or use frozen for ease. Throw them in the air fryer for quick cooking
- CARAMELIZE THE ONIONS (while the french fries are cooking)
- Add butter to a skillet (we love Field Company's cast iron skillet) then add chopped onions.
- Cook for 5 minutes over medium heat, sautéing.
- Add a pinch of salt and pepper, then cook 5 more minutes, sautéing while cooking. Once the onions are browned they are done.
- PRE-HEAT THE OVEN TO BROIL
- Spread the cooked french fries in an even layer on a baking sheet, like this Nordic Ware Naturals 3-piece set from Amazon, covered with parchment paper or foil.
- Add 4 slices of American cheese over the top of the fries. Place into the oven and broil for 5 minutes, watching it closely.
- Once the cheese is melted, they are done. *Broil time may vary based on your oven, so watch them carefully while they are cooking*
- Remove from oven, spread cooked onions over the top evenly. Spread the sauce over the top and eat immediately
Enjoy your animal fries on their own or sizzle some of your favorite burgers on one of the best grills and serve them together. Your family won't believe that you didn't call in at the take-out on the way home.
And, making this at home, like John Legend, is a great way to save some money on expensive food deliveries and will also ensure you know exactly what's gone into your food, particularly if you make the fries and sauces from scratch, too.
You could switch out American sliced cheese for Cheddar or Mozzarella for a twist on this recipe, if you like, or try potato wedges instead of frozen fries as a healthier option.
Looking for more recipes to cook for the family over the weekend? Our barbecue menu is delicious and easy for a crowd-pleasing dinner.
