Craving an In-N-Out Burger but can’t make it to the nearest location? No worries! You can make a healthier, homemade version of this iconic fast food favorite, paired with crispy air-fried fries, in the comfort of your own kitchen. This In-N-Out Burger recipe lets you recreate that delicious burger and fries experience, minus the guilt. Keep reading to learn how to make this flavorful meal from scratch!
The Best In-N-Out Burger Recipe
In-N-Out Burger is famous for its simple yet delicious ingredients: juicy beef patties, caramelized onions, special sauce, fresh lettuce, tomato, and soft buns. For this homemade version, we’re taking things up a notch with healthier alternatives like avocado mayo and non-fat Greek yogurt in the sauce. It’s just as delicious, but a bit lighter. Plus, we’re cooking the fries in the air fryer to keep things crispy and healthier without the extra oil.
Ingredients for the In-N-Out Burger with Air-Fried Fries
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices American cheese
- 8 burger buns (regular, keto, or light buns)
- Lettuce and tomato slices
Special Sauce:
- 2 tbsp avocado mayo (or light mayo)
- 2 tbsp plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (or diced pickles)
Caramelized Onions:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil (or oil spray)
- 2-3 tbsp water (as needed)
Air-Fried Fries:
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
How to Make In-N-Out Burger with Air-Fried Fries
- Prepare the Fries:
Start by slicing the russet potatoes into thin matchstick fries. Toss the sliced potatoes with olive oil and salt, ensuring each fry is evenly coated. Place the fries in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Air fry at 400°F for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness. Repeat this process until all fries are cooked. Once done, keep them warm in the oven until ready to serve. - Make the Special Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the avocado mayo, Greek yogurt, ketchup, and sweet pickle relish (or diced pickles). Stir well until smooth. This sauce is the key to recreating that signature In-N-Out flavor! - Caramelize the Onions:
Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Add the chopped onions and cook for about 8-10 minutes, stirring frequently until golden brown. If needed, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to help soften the onions without burning them. Set aside once caramelized. - Cook the Burger Patties:
Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Divide it into 8 equal portions and form into thin patties. Place the patties on a hot pan and cook for 1-2 minutes on each side. Add a slice of cheese on top of each patty during the last minute of cooking to melt. For best results, avoid overcooking the patties; a little pink in the middle will give you that juicy burger experience. - Assemble the In-N-Out Burgers:
Spread the special sauce on the inside of the burger buns. Layer the ingredients: start with the bottom bun, add a burger patty, caramelized onions, another patty, more onions, followed by fresh lettuce and tomato slices. Top with the second bun. - Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your homemade In-N-Out burgers with the crispy air-fried fries for a delicious and healthier version of the classic fast food meal. Enjoy every bite!
Why You’ll Love This Burger
This recipe gives you all the flavors of your favorite fast food burger but with healthier ingredients and cooking methods. Air fryer fries are crispy and light, the special sauce brings a creamy and tangy touch, and the double-patty burgers are juicy and flavorful. This homemade version is also great for customizing to suit your preferences, from using keto buns to adding extra veggies.
Tips for the Perfect Burger
- Make sure to cook the fries in batches to avoid overcrowding the air fryer. This ensures maximum crispiness.
- For the juiciest patties, handle the meat as little as possible when forming the patties. Don’t overwork the beef!
- If you want to make the meal even healthier, consider swapping the regular mayo for a plant-based mayo or using a gluten-free bun.
Final Thoughts
Craving an In-N-Out burger? Now you can have it without leaving your house! This homemade In-N-Out burger recipe with air-fried fries is the perfect healthier alternative to the drive-thru. It’s easy to make, delicious, and a fun way to satisfy your fast food cravings at home.
Grab MORE healthy Fast Food Alternatives HERE!
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In N Out Burgers
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Bring the taste of In-N-Out to your kitchen! These homemade burgers with air-fried fries are juicy, flavorful, and healthier than the drive-thru version—perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
For the Burgers:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 4 slices American cheese
- 4 burger buns
- Lettuce and tomato slices, for serving
For the Sauce:
- 2 tbsp avocado mayo (or light mayo)
- 2 tbsp plain non-fat Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sweet pickle relish (or finely diced pickles)
For the Onions:
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 1 tsp olive oil or oil spray
- 2–3 tbsp water (as needed)
For the Fries:
- 3 large russet potatoes, peeled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
Prepare the Fries:
- Slice the peeled potatoes into thin matchstick-style fries.
- Toss the potato slices in a large bowl with olive oil and salt.
- Lay fries in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 18 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Keep finished fries warm in the oven while cooking additional batches.
Make the Sauce:
5. In a small bowl, mix avocado mayo, Greek yogurt, ketchup, and relish. Stir until smooth and set aside.
Caramelize the Onions:
6. Heat a nonstick pan over medium-high heat with olive oil or oil spray. Add chopped onions and cook, stirring frequently, for 8–10 minutes until golden brown.
7. Add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, as needed to prevent burning and speed up cooking. Once golden and soft, remove from heat.
Prepare the Burger Patties:
8. Season the ground beef with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Divide into 8 equal portions (1/8 lb each).
9. Gently form into thin patties, taking care not to overwork the meat.
Cook the Patties:
10. Heat the pan used for the onions over medium-high heat. Place the patties in the pan and cook for 1–2 minutes per side.
11. Flip the patties, add a slice of cheese to each, and cook for another minute until the cheese melts.
Assemble the Burgers:
12. Spread the sauce on the inside of each bun.
13. Layer as follows: bottom bun, burger patty, caramelized onions, another burger patty, more onions, lettuce, tomato, and the top bun.
Serve:
14. Serve immediately with the air-fried fries for a fast-food-style meal at home.
Notes
- For crispier fries, avoid overcrowding the air fryer.
- Substitute buns with keto or light options if preferred.
- Caramelized onions can be made ahead of time and reheated for convenience.
- Prep Time: 30
- Cook Time: 35
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