Skip to Content

24 Fried Food Recipes That Go Off The Beaten Path

Not everything fried should come from a bird. So, whether you’re craving crunchy bites or looking for a fun appetizer to share, this lineup delivers big flavor without a lot of fuss. From fried cheese to crispy seafood and air-fried veggies, these recipes are all about getting great results with simple steps.

Flip through and see which one you’re making next—your snack game just got a serious upgrade.

Fried Deviled Eggs

Fried Deviled Eggs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These deviled eggs get a crispy upgrade with a panko coating and quick fry. Perfect for parties or brunch, they’re crunchy on the outside and creamy in the center.
Get the Recipe: Fried Deviled Eggs

Air Fryer Wonton Chips

Air Fryer Wonton Chips. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Light, crispy, and ready in minutes, these air-fried wonton chips are a great alternative to store-bought. Serve with dips or enjoy as a crunchy snack.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Wonton Chips

KFC Fried Chicken

KFC Fried Chicken. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Make crispy, juicy fried chicken at home with this copycat recipe featuring the iconic 11-spice blend. A must-try for fans of classic fast food flavor.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken

Fried Jalapenos

Fried Jalapenos. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Sliced jalapeños get the deep-fry treatment in this easy recipe. Crunchy, spicy, and perfect with ranch or your favorite dip.
Get the Recipe: Fried Jalapenos

Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken

Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

This chicken is brined for juiciness, smoked for depth, and fried for crunch. It’s a show-stopping main dish perfect for weekend meals or cookouts.
Get the Recipe: Brined Smoked and Fried Chicken

Blackstone Sesame Fried Feta

Blackstone Sesame Fried Feta. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

A block of feta is coated in sesame seeds and crisped up on the griddle, then topped with hot honey. It’s a bold and balanced appetizer with great texture.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Sesame Fried Feta

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella

Blackstone Fried Mozzarella. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Panko-breaded mozzarella is fried until golden on a Blackstone griddle and served with marinara. Crispy outside, gooey inside—cheese lovers will be hooked.
Get the Recipe: Blackstone Fried Mozzarella

Deep Fried Pickles

Deep Fried Pickles. Photo credit: Baking Beauty.

These fried pickles come out ultra crispy and full of tangy flavor. They’re a fun, craveable snack that’s easy to make at home.
Get the Recipe: Deep Fried Pickles

Southern Fried Corn

Southern Fried Corn. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

Fresh corn kernels are sautéed in butter with a touch of seasoning. It’s a simple, classic side that pairs well with any Southern-inspired meal.
Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Corn

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Crispy shrimp cooked in the air fryer and tossed in a sweet-spicy bang bang sauce. A fast and flavorful appetizer or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Bang Bang Shrimp

Cantonese Style Chow Mein: Easy Pan-Fried Noodles

Cantonese Style Chow Mein: Easy Pan-Fried Noodles. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Egg noodles are pan-fried until crisp and tossed with stir-fried veggies and a savory sauce. A classic takeout-style dish made at home.
Get the Recipe: Cantonese Style Chow Mein: Easy Pan-Fried Noodles

Air Fryer Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

Air Fryer Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs. Photo credit: CopyKat Recipes.

These Hawaiian-inspired skewers are sweet, savory, and cooked to perfection in the air fryer. A quick dinner with tons of flavor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken Kabobs

Pan-Fried Dumplings

Pan-Fried Dumplings. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

These dumplings have a crisp bottom and tender filling, with an easy pan-fry method. Serve with soy dipping sauce for a simple starter or light meal.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Dumplings

Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Fried Mashed Potato Balls. Photo credit: The Creative Bite.

Use up leftover mashed potatoes by rolling them into balls, coating with breadcrumbs, and frying until golden. Great for snacking or as a side.
Get the Recipe: Fried Mashed Potato Balls

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings. Photo credit: Girl Carnivore.

These wings get extra crispy in the air fryer with a buttery garlic-parm coating. Perfect for game day or casual dinners.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Wings

Air Fryer Zucchini

Air Fryer Zucchini. Photo credit: Walking On Sunshine Recipes.

Sliced zucchini coated in light breading and air-fried until crisp. A healthy side or snack that still hits the crunch factor.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Zucchini

Sticky Vietnamese Air Fryer Pork Ribs

Sticky Vietnamese Air Fryer Pork Ribs. Photo credit: Blackberry Babe.

These ribs are rubbed with bold spices, air-fried until crispy, and full of juicy flavor. A great option when you want barbecue vibes without the grill.
Get the Recipe: Sticky Vietnamese Air Fryer Pork Ribs

Fried Walleye Recipe

Fried Walleye Recipe. Photo credit: Or Whatever You Do.

Walleye fillets are lightly breaded and pan-fried for a crisp exterior and flaky inside. A regional favorite that’s easy to recreate at home.
Get the Recipe: Fried Walleye Recipe

Crispy Salmon Bites

Crispy Salmon Bites. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

These quick pan-fried salmon bites are made with canned salmon and come together fast. Great over salad, rice, or with dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Salmon Bites

Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Scallops

Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Scallops. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

This refreshing salad gets a boost from crispy cornmeal-coated scallops. A balanced dish that’s sweet, salty, and satisfying.
Get the Recipe: Watermelon Feta Salad with Fried Scallops

Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn Shrimp. Photo credit: Feast and West.

Bite-sized shrimp are breaded and fried for a crunchy, golden snack or main dish. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce or over grits.
Get the Recipe: Popcorn Shrimp

Easy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Easy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo credit: xoxoBella.

These cookies bake up soft and chewy in the air fryer—no oven required. Great when you want a small batch without heating the kitchen.
Get the Recipe: Easy Air Fryer Chocolate Chip Cookies

Bang Bang Cauliflower

Bang Bang Cauliflower. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Crispy cauliflower bites tossed in bang bang sauce. A spicy-sweet option for a vegetarian snack or appetizer.
Get the Recipe: Bang Bang Cauliflower

Polenta Cakes

Polenta Cakes. Photo credit: Running To The Kitchen.

Slices of polenta are pan-fried until crisp, then topped with a savory mushroom sauce. A warm, cozy side or light vegetarian meal.
Get the Recipe: Polenta Cakes