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Baked Masala Animal Style Fries is inspired by the popular chain In-N-Out. These fries with a Desi twist are seasoned with Indian spices, hence chatpata, and then baked to perfection— top masala fries with a homemade Desi version of In-N-Out’s famous sauce. Pair with your favorite sandwich or burger!
One reader commented:
★★★★★
“Masala fries tasted like In-n-out with an Indian twist!“
– Ravinder
First Time Trying In-N-Out
I first tried In-N-Out in 2000 on my very first visit to California. Since then, I’ve been OBSESSED! My favorites are the Veggie Burger (yes, it exists without a patty), the Strawberry Milkshake, and their famous Animal Style Fries.
The secret is in their sauce. Back then, you couldn’t obtain recipes as easily online, so I tried to decipher the ingredients of their “special sauce” and made my own “Desi” version. My version consists of sour cream instead of mayo. I also incorporated some cayenne pepper for a kick and fresh cilantro.
What are Masala Animal Style Fries?
Masala Fries are essentially regular French Fries, in this case, baked and seasoned with Indian spices. The masala part combines chat masala, cumin powder, amchur (mango) powder, and paprika.
You can also add red chili powder and garam masala, but since these are animal-style fries, I didn’t want to take away from the main flavors.
So what makes these fries animal-style?
Top the fries with grilled onions and my special sauce, and you’ll have Indian-style Animal Style Masala fries. These fries are delectable – I hope you guys try them.
For more Indian-flavored potatoes, check out these Chatpate Rosemary Roasted Potatoes, Sweet Potato Chaat, and Aloo Tikki Chaat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fusion of Cultures – This dish combines the comfort of classic American fast food with the bold, vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine. It’s the best of both worlds!
- Chatpata Indian Masala Fries – These masala fries are seasoned with Indian spices, resulting in the most delicious chatpata.
- Delicious Side – Pair these masala fries with a sandwich or burger. They make a great snack or side dish.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Russet Potatoes – Peel and slice the potatoes lengthwise. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes, which results in crispy fries.
- Chat Masala – Chat Masala has a tangy flavor with a hint of spice. You can find this Indian spice at your local Indian grocery store or on Amazon – Chat Masala.
- Amchur (Mango Powder) – Amchur is another spice used in primarily North Indian cooking. It’s used as a finishing spice and has a tangy flavor. Again, you can find amchur at your local Indian grocery store or Amazon – Amchur (Mango Powder).
- Sour Cream – In-N-Out’s special sauce consists of mayo, however I opted for sour cream because I prefer it. Feel free to use mayo if you wish.
- Make it Vegan – Use vegan sour cream instead.
*See the recipe card below for full information on ingredients and quantities.*
How to Make Masala Animal Style Fries
STEP 1 – PREP THE POTATOES
1. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Peel the Potatoes. (Image 1)
2. Slice potatoes lengthwise. (Image 2)
3. Slice each potato into 4 to 5 slices that resemble fries. (Image 3)
4. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes. (Image 4)
STEP 2 – SAUTE GRILLED ONIONS
5. Heat a castiron skillet on medium heat, once hot, add oil and chopped onions. (Image 5)
6. Saute onions for a few minutes, then add black pepper and salt to taste. (Image 6)
7. Two minutes later, you should have this. (Image 7)
8. To caramelize the onions, add 1/4 cup of water. (Image 8)
9. Cook down for two minutes until the water evaporates. Turn off the stove. Set aside. (Image 9)
STEP 3 – MAKE THE “SPECIAL” SAUCE
10. In a small bowl, combine the ketchup, sour cream, cilantro, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and water. (Image 10)
11. Mix well. Set aside. (Image 11)
STEP 4 – BAKE POTATOES
12. After 30 minutes, drain and completely dry the sliced potato slices. (Image 12)
13. Season with olive oil, salt, paprika, cumin powder, chat masala, and amchur. (Image 13)
14. Transfer to a baking sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Ensure the potato slices are not sticking to each other – this will ensure that each fry is crispy. Bake at 450 degrees for 25-35 minutes. (Image 14)
15. The fries should be golden brown. (Image 15)
STEP 5 – ASSEMBLE
16. Transfer the fries to a serving bowl and top with grilled onions. (Image 16)
17. Next, top with the special sauce. Enjoy hot! Serve with a chicken kebab burger, an ultimate veggie burger sandwich, or enjoy as a side. (Image 17)
Nisha’s Tips
✓ Potatoes – Make sure you thinly slice the potatoes to resemble thin French Fries.
✓ Soak Sliced Potatoes – Soak the sliced potatoes in cold water for 30 minutes – this helps remove the excess starch in the potatoes and results in crispy fries.
✓ Pat Potatoes Dry – Drain the water and pat the potatoes dry using a kitchen towel. Ensure you get the moisture out of your fries; otherwise, they won’t be crispy.
Tried this recipe? If so, please leave a comment & rate this recipe. That would mean so much to me. If you’re on Instagram, please tag me so I can see your creations. I’m happy to share and mention you. Thank you!
Baked Masala Animal Style Fries (inspired by In-N-Out)
EQUIPMENT
INGREDIENTS
for fries
- 4 russet potatoes, thinly sliced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/4 tsp cumin powder
- 1/2 tsp chat masala
- 1/2 tsp amchur powder, mango powder
for grilled onions
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 cup white onion, finely chopped
- Salt to taste
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup water
for the special sauce
- 1/4 cup ketchup
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 2 tbsp cilantro
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp water, another tbsp if need be
INSTRUCTIONS
- Prep Potatoes. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Peel the Potatoes. Slice the potatoes lengthwise. Slice each potato into 4 to 5 slices that resemble fries. Soak in cold water for 30 minutes.
- Saute Grilled Onions. Heat a castiron skillet on medium heat, once hot, add oil and chopped onions. Saute onions for a couple of minutes, then add black pepper and salt to taste. To caramelize the onions, add 1/4 cup of water. Cook down for two minutes until the water evaporates. Turn off the stove. Set aside.
- Make Special Sauce. In a small bowl combine the ketchup, sour cream, cilantro, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, black pepper, and water. Mix well. Set aside.
- Bake Potatoes. After 30 minutes, drain and completely dry the sliced potato slices. Season with olive oil, salt, paprika, cumin powder, chat masala, and amchur. Transfer to a baking sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Make sure the potato slices are not sticking to each other – this will ensure each fry is crispy. Bake at 450 degrees for 25-35 minutes. The fries should be golden brown.
- Assemble. Transfer the fries to a serving bowl and top with grilled onions. Next top with the special sauce. Enjoy hot!
So close to real thing. Loved it.
Masala fries tasted like In-n-out with an indian twist!
They look delicious! Can not wait to try them out.