Go Back
–+ servings

In-n-Out Burger and Animal Style Fries

Craving In-N-Out but don’t want to drive? Make the iconic In-N-Out burger and animal-style fries at home with this easy recipe! Featuring juicy mustard-seared patties, melted American cheese, signature secret sauce, and golden caramelized onions, this homemade version is just as good—if not better—than the real thing. Plus, fluffy homemade potato buns take it to the next level. Whether you’re a fan of the classic Double-Double or just want the ultimate fast food-style cheeseburger, this recipe delivers all the flavors you love, straight from your kitchen.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Keyword: air fryer animal fries, animal style fries recipe, best homemade burger, burger and fries recipe, caramelized onion burger, easy smash burger, fast food burger recipe, homemade double double burger, homemade fast food recipe, homemade in n out burger, homemade potato buns, how to make in n out at home, in n out copycat recipe, in n out sauce recipe, smash burger recipe
Servings: 4

Ingredients

Potato Buns

potato buns - mashed potato

  • 200 g potato peeled and cut into ½-inch chunks
  • 14 g unsalted butter
  • 35 g milk

potato buns - Dough

  • 130 g mashed potatoes room temp/lukewarm
  • 560 g bread flour
  • 8 g instant yeast
  • 45 g granulated sugar
  • 12 g salt
  • 56 g unsalted butter
  • 1 egg
  • 240 g milk

potato buns - egg wash

  • 1 egg
  • 1 tbsp milk

Burgers

  • 1 lb ground beef 80/20 preferred
  • salt
  • black pepper
  • 4 slices american cheese
  • 4 potato buns
  • 4 slices tomato
  • iceberg lettuce

caramelized onions

  • 2 onions finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter

In-N-Out sauce

  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp relish or 2 based on personal preference
  • 2 tbsp caramelized onions

Animal Style Fries

  • frozen french fries cooked per package instructions
  • american cheese
  • extra caramlized onions
  • in n out sauce

Instructions

Make the Potato Buns

  • Quick Mash: Place potato chunks in a microwave-safe bowl with 2 tsp water. Cover with plastic wrap, vent with a small hole, and microwave for 5-6 minutes until soft.
  • Add butter and milk, then mash until smooth. Set aside.
  • Dough: In a stand mixer, combine mashed potatoes, flour, yeast, sugar, salt, butter, egg, and milk. Mix on medium-low until combined.
  • Reduce speed and knead for 10-12 minutes, until smooth and elastic (dough should pass the windowpane test).
  • Shape dough into a ball, lightly oil the mixing bowl, and let proof 1-2 hour, until doubled in size.
  • Divide dough into 12 equal portions (85-90g each) and shape into smooth balls. Flatten slightly and place on a lined baking sheet.
  • Cover and proof for 1-1.5 hours, until doubled in size.
  • Preheat oven to 375°F. Brush buns with egg wash.
  • Bake for 16-18 minutes until golden brown and the interior reaches 200°F.
  • Let cool for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Make the Caramelized Onions

  • Heat a pan over medium-low heat and melt butter. Add chopped onions and cook slow and low for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and caramelized.
  • Remove from heat and set aside.

Make the Secret Sauce

  • In a bowl, mix mayo, ketchup, relish, and 2 tbsp of the caramelized onions. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside.

Make the Burgers

  • Divide ground beef into four 4 oz balls or eight 2 oz balls for double-doubles.
  • Heat a skillet or griddle over medium-high heat.
  • Place the beef balls onto the hot surface, season with salt and pepper, and smash them flat using a burger press or spatula.
  • Spread a thin layer of yellow mustard on one side of each patty.
  • Once the first side has a deep brown sear (about 1-2 minutes), flip and cook the other side.
  • Turn off heat, place American cheese slices on top of each patty, and let them melt.

Toast the Buns

  • Slice potato buns in half and brush with melted butter.
  • Toast on a pan over medium heat until golden brown.

Assemble the Burgers

  • Spread secret sauce on the bottom bun.
  • Layer tomato, iceberg lettuce, burger patty with melted cheese, caramelized onions, and more sauce on the top bun.
  • Close the burger and enjoy!

Make Animal-Style Fries

  • Cook frozen fries according to package instructions (air-fryer or deep-fryer recommended).
  • While hot, layer American cheese slices on the fries. If the cheese needs to be more melty microwave for 10-20 seconds until melted.
  • Top with caramelized onions and a generous drizzle of secret sauce.
  • Serve immediately and enjoy!