Are you a fan of McDonald’s famous crispy fries but want a healthier, vegan alternative? Look no further with these Vegan Copycat McDonald’s Fries!
This is a part of my new series, Veganizing Childhood Favorites! Because, what is better than healthy vegan version of nostalgic foods?
What is even in McDonald’s Fries?
Growing up, like many- I loved McDonalds fries! I’m sure it comes to no surprise that their fries aren’t the healthiest.
What I found weird is that not only are they deep fried in highly inflammatory oils (which is to be expected with cheap fast food items) but somehow also contains gluten, dairy and beef flavoring?
They are even said to have chemicals in the fryer that act as anti-foaming agents, this means that you can add them to the fryer quicker without having oil splash.
How to Recreate A Healthier, Vegan Version
First off, one of the other “secret” ingredients to McDonalds fries have their unique flavor is they use sugar in the form of dextrose which is linked to high spikes in blood sugar.
After trying to recreate fries, I found adding some unrefined sugar in the way of maple syrup plays as a wonderful substitution.
It’s an unrefined sugar alternative that is packed with vitamins and minerals to achieve that sweetness that brings out the flavor in the potatoes and also helps in achieving a crispy fry!
Ditch the Fryer
This recipe gives oven baked and air fryer options to guarantee that you’ll enjoy the same slightly sweet, crispy perfection of McDonald’s fries, all in the comfort of your own kitchen!
I use avocado oil, which is a healthy oil alternative to cheap inflammatory oils like canola oil. Avocado oil has a high smoke point as well making it the best option for baking or air frying!
I so happy to have created this delicious copycat recipe that’s not only plant-based but also free from refined sugar and requires no deep frying! 
What to Pair these Vegan Copycat McDonalds Fries with:
Homemade ketchup, vegan thousand islands and vegan ranch are all some of my favorite ways to enjoy these fries to take them to the next level!!
You can find all these recipes and more in my new e-cookbook! (check out the link below)
Looking for more insanely delicious recipes like this?
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Vegan Copycat McDonald's Fries
Ingredients
- 2 large Russet potatoes or 4 smaller ones, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp arrowroot starch
- 2 tsp maple syrup
- 2 tbsp avocado oil
- 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt plus extra for topping
- Homemade ketchup or thousand islands for dipping
Instructions
Preparation:
- Start by soaking the thinly sliced potatoes in cold water for 20-30 minutes. This helps remove excess starch for a crispier result. Once soaked, pat them completely dry.
Seasoning:
- In a dry bowl, combine arrowroot starch, maple syrup, avocado oil, and 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt. Mix until the potato slices are well coated.
Air Fryer Option:
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F.
- Place the seasoned fries into the air fryer basket and cook for 17-20 minutes, making sure to stop and shake or flip the fries every 5 minutes.
- The result? Crispy, authentic, and slightly sweet fries that rival the ones from McDonald's.
Oven Baked Option:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- After thoroughly drying the soaked fries, generously coat them with oil and seasonings.
- Spread the seasoned fries in a single layer on a parchment-lined pan.
- Bake for 20 minutes (25 for thicker fries).
- Increase the oven temperature to 425°F and continue baking until the fries are golden brown and crispy, approximately 20 more minutes.
Serve and Enjoy:
- Once cooked to perfection, sprinkle an additional 1/4 tsp of sea salt on top.
- Serve your copycat McDonald's fries with my homemade ketchup or vegan thousand islands (from my Ebook-book linked above in blog post) for an authentic and satisfying fast-food experience 🙂
Could you please send me the full recipe for the buffalo wings including sauces please many thanks mary
Hi Mary! Recipe is here on my blog https://justinecooksvegan.com/vegan-chickpea-buffalo-wings/ and sauces are also in my Ebookbook https://justinecooksvegan.com/product/whole-food-plant-based-comforts-e-cookbook/ enjoy!!