Air frying has become an increasingly popular way to make homemade versions of traditionally fried fast foods like french fries, chicken nuggets, and more. Air fryers use rapid air circulation and top-down heat to crisp up foods, using little to no oil compared to traditional frying. This makes air frying a great option for enjoying fried favorites in a healthier way.
One popular fast food chain that people love to recreate at home is McDonald’s. Air frying frozen McDonald’s french fries, chicken nuggets, and apple pies is a tasty way to enjoy the familiar flavors of Mickey D’s with less guilt and grease. Keep reading to learn how to easily air fry your favorite McDonald’s menu items right from your freezer.
Why Air Fry McDonald’s Foods?
There are several benefits to air frying frozen McDonald’s items rather than deep frying them or buying them pre-fried from the restaurant:
- Cuts down on fat and calories – Air frying uses up to 75% less oil than deep frying, reducing the fat and calorie contents significantly.
- Saves money – Buying frozen McDonald’s items and air frying at home is cheaper than buying pre-made items from the restaurant.
- Quick and convenient – Air frying takes just minutes, with very little prep or cleanup required.
- Crispy results – The rapid air circulation mimics deep frying, yielding crunchy exterior and tender interior.
- Customizable – You can tweak recipes to your taste, adjusting cook times or coatings.
Air frying allows you to enjoy the nostalgic flavors of childhood McDonald’s favorites, but in a healthier, cheaper, and customizable way.
What McDonald’s Items Can You Air Fry?
Many fan favorites from the McDonald’s menu can easily be made in an air fryer using frozen items you find at your local grocery store. Here are some of the most common McDonald’s menu items people love to air fry at home:
French Fries
McDonald’s iconic golden fries can be replicated by air frying frozen french fries available at most grocery stores. Matchstick-style fries will mimic the McDonald’s shape best.
Chicken Nuggets
Breaded frozen chicken nuggets air fry up crispy on the outside and tender and juicy on the inside, just like McNuggets. Find chicken nuggets in the freezer section.
Apple Pies
The classic McDonald’s apple pie can be made by air frying frozen pre-made apple hand pies. Brush the tops with butter or cinnamon sugar before air frying.
Hash Browns
Shredded frozen hash browns patty-pressed into rounds yield perfect crispy air fried McDonald’s-style hash browns.
Burgers
While you’ll have to make the burger patties from scratch, air frying frozen burger buns creates the soft, pillowy McDonald’s bun texture.
Tips for Air Frying McDonald’s Items
To achieve maximum crispness and mimic the McDonald’s experience, follow these tips:
- Use frozen items rather than homemade – They are pre-shaped and processed to fry up just right
- Coat items in a light breading – Try egg wash and panko breadcrumbs
- Use a cooking spray like avocado oil – This helps crisp the exterior
- Preheat air fryer properly – Air fryer should be fully preheated before cooking
- Don’t overcrowd – Cook in batches to allow airflow around items
- Give a shake mid-cook – Rotate or shake basket for even browning
Following these simple guidelines will help yield crispy, delicious air fried McDonald’s goodies.
Best Practices for Air Frying McDonald’s Items
Below are some best practices to follow when air frying your favorite McDonald’s menu items:
French Fries
- Use frozen french fries for the iconic shape
- Soak cut fries in cold water for at least 30 minutes to remove starch
- Pat fries dry thoroughly before air frying
- Coat fries lightly in oil or cooking spray to crisp exterior
- Air fry at 400°F for 10-15 minutes, shaking basket halfway
Chicken Nuggets
- Choose breaded frozen chicken nuggets
- Separate any nuggets that are stuck together
- Spray nuggets with oil before air frying
- Cook at 375°F for 8-12 minutes until crispy and cooked through
Apple Pies
- Select pre-made frozen apple hand pies
- Brush tops with butter, cinnamon sugar, or glaze before cooking
- Air fry at 350°F for 6-10 minutes until warmed through
- Let cool slightly before eating to avoid burns
Following the right techniques for each type of food is key to air frying success.
Air Fryer Cooking Times for McDonald’s Items
To ensure your McDonald’s copycat recipes turn out perfectly crispy and delicious, refer to these approximate air fryer cooking times:
| Food | Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| French Fries | 400°F | 10-15 minutes |
| Chicken Nuggets | 375°F | 8-12 minutes |
| Apple Pies | 350°F | 6-10 minutes |
| Hash Browns | 375°F | 15-20 minutes |
Times may vary slightly depending on the capacity and model of your air fryer. Monitor foods closely and adjust cook times as needed.
Recipes for Air Frying McDonald’s Favorites
Take your air fried McDonald’s classics to the next level by incorporating some fun homemade twists. Here are some tasty recipe ideas:
Spicy Sriracha Fries
- 1 lb frozen french fries
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 2 Tbsp sriracha
- 1 Tbsp ketchup
- Salt to taste
- Toss fries with oil, garlic powder, salt, and sriracha until coated.
- Air fry at 400°F for 12 minutes, shaking halfway.
- Toss fries with ketchup before serving.
Ranch Chicken Nuggets
- 1 lb frozen chicken nuggets
- 1/4 cup ranch dressing
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 Tbsp grated parmesan
- Toss chicken nuggets in ranch dressing until coated.
- Roll nuggets in mixture of panko and parmesan.
- Spray with oil and air fry at 375°F for 10 minutes.
Cinnamon Sugar Apple Pies
- 2 frozen apple hand pies
- 2 Tbsp butter, melted
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- Brush hand pies with melted butter.
- Mix cinnamon and sugar and sprinkle over pies.
- Air fry at 350°F for 8 minutes.
Elevate your homemade McDonald’s classics by experimenting with fun flavors like these.
FAQs About Air Frying McDonald’s
Get answers to some commonly asked questions about enjoying McDonald’s favorites from your air fryer:
What is the best oil to use when air frying?
Avocado oil or olive oil work well as air fryer oils due to their high smoke points. Coat foods lightly for a crispy texture.
Can you put raw fries in an air fryer?
It’s best to use frozen fries, as the pre-processing makes them ideal for air frying. Frying raw fries from scratch may result in uneven cooking.
Is air fried food healthier than fried food?
Yes, air frying cuts down on added oils significantly compared to deep frying, reducing calories and fat. It’s one of the healthier cooking methods.
Should you flip or shake foods during air frying?
Shaking or flipping foods midway through cooking helps ensure even browning and crisping on all sides.
How do you keep foods crispy after air frying?
Avoid stacking air fried items, which can cause them to steam and lose crispness. Let cool on a baking rack before serving.
The Bottom Line
Air frying frozen McDonald’s items like fries, nuggets, pies, and more allows you to recreate the classic Mickey D’s flavors you love with a fraction of the fat and calories. Follow proper air frying techniques and recommended cooking times for each food. Feel free to customize recipes by coating foods or experimenting with dipping sauces. In no time, you’ll be enjoying crunchy, craveable McDonald’s favorites from the comfort of your own kitchen thanks to your air fryer.