Fast food favourites

We all crave fast food from time to time. But when those hunger pangs hit, why go out when you can make your own? These homemade versions of fast food classics taste delicious and will save you money – and, as an added bonus, you'll know exactly where your ingredients came from. From pizzas, burgers and fries to Tex-Mex favourites, these are the fast food dishes you're better off rustling up from scratch.

Click or scroll through our gallery to discover our best-ever fast food recipes so you can make all of your favourites at home.

French fries

These fries are so easy to make – and you won't need a deep-fat fryer, either. For four people, allow around 3lb (1.25kg) of large potatoes. Cut them into chips (there's no need to peel them), then soak them in very cold water for 10 minutes. This will get rid of excess starch, for a crisper result. Next, heat the oven to its highest temperature, with two baking paper–lined trays inside. Drain the fries, dry them well, then toss them in a glug of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt. Spread the fries out on the trays, and bake for around 30 minutes until golden, turning halfway through.

Onion rings

To make these irresistible breadcrumbed onion rings, you'll need large, sweet onions – simply slice them up and separate into rings. Next, have three bowls to hand: one filled with seasoned flour (you could add garlic powder and paprika for flavour), one with beaten egg or buttermilk, and another with Japanese panko breadcrumbs. In a large saucepan, heat 2in (5cm) sunflower oil to 350ºF (180ºC), and dip the onion rings in flour, then egg, then crumbs. Fry in batches for a few minutes until golden.

Chicken nuggets

You'll need three bowls if you want to make homemade chicken nuggets – one with seasoned flour, one with beaten egg and one with panko breadcrumbs. Cut chicken breast fillets into chunks, then flour, egg and crumb them, laying them out on a lined baking sheet. Now you can either air-fry them at 350ºF (180ºC) for 12 minutes, turning halfway, or bake them in the oven at 400ºF (200ºC) for 15 minutes. You can fry them in hot oil, too, but we like the healthier method.

Hash browns

With just three ingredients (which you can prepare in advance), hash browns are very easy to make. To make enough for four people, use 14oz (400g) of large, unpeeled potatoes. Cook them in salted, boiling water for 10 minutes, then coarsely grate them using a box grater, discarding any skin. Stir in your preferred seasoning, along with 1 tbsp melted butter. Shape into eight patties, then fry in butter and sunflower oil for five minutes on each side, until crisp and golden.