28 Fried Food Recipes That Will Satisfy Your Craving

Battered, breaded, coated, and dredged; the truth is, some things just taste better fried. Sure, you could go out for some crispy fried fish and chips, but why not save the money and whip up a batch at home? Maybe you’re intimidated by frying, but don’t be. This list will have you frying like a pro in no time. From homemade carnival treats to famiy-favorite fried chicken, there’s a recipe at every skill level, even if you don’t know anything about frying. Break out the deep fryer (or Dutch oven) and start heating up the oil because we have some real winners, like these super-crispy fried green tomatoes. If you’re not familiar, this fried snack is a Southern classic and a great way to use up some unripe tomatoes. Coat them in some Panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch that’s just begging to be dipped in ranch dressing.

Fried chicken is the undisputed king of the fried food world. With the help of some tangy buttermilk, organic chicken gets a deliciously crunchy coating infused with flavorful spices.

Combine the best of mozzarella sticks and fried raviolis with these fried manicotti dippers. The filling is a combination of mozzarella and a garlic-Parmesan ricotta that melts into creamy deliciousness once the dippers are fried.

Molly Yeh gives us an inventive twist on the classic fried pickle. Wrapping the pickle in an egg roll wrapper avoids the lengthy breading process, and a strip of Havarti cheese adds an unexpected twist. Dip them in a tasty and fiery Sriracha ranch.

Fresh ingredients can make all the difference in a crispy fried fish sandwich. Ensure the best possible quality by making them at home with a simple beer batter that’s loaded with cornmeal for extra crunch. Top it with a zesty lemon tarragon tartar sauce and a soft potato bun.

Some recipes for fried ice cream use a tempura batter or panko breadcrumbs to give this dessert its signature crunchy exterior. This fun twist on a classic uses breakfast cereal to give the fried ice cream a whole extra layer of flavor.

Bloomin’ onion or awesome blossom? Whatever you call it, the deliciousness remains the same. This fried onion treat will make you say goodbye to onion rings with a spicy, crispy breading and a tangy dip that will give you an excuse to try to say Worcestershire.

Korean fried chicken is world-famous for the signature crunch that comes from a double-frying technique. In this recipe, chicken wings get marinated in a mixture of soju, soy sauce, and sesame oil before a dunk in a spiced tempura-style batter.

Nothing satisfies quite like a creamy risotto. Make the most of the leftovers (or whip some up just for this recipe) by turning it into arancini, the fried risotto ball of your dreams. This tasty recipe is stuffed with a combination of fontina and mozzarella, plus some toasted pine nuts for unexpected texture.

Think of these as Venezuela’s version of mozzarella sticks. If you can find the traditionally used cheeses, great. If not, simply substitute with some regular mozzarella. The creamy, spicy guasacaca sauce goes perfectly with the salty cheese and crispy fried wrapper.

We all know that a bowl of blue cheese-stuffed olives makes a great appetizer. Take those same olives and bread them in crispy Panko breadcrumbs for the perfect pairing to a nice aperitif.

Tonkatsu, or fried pork cutlet, is a much-loved dish in Japan as well as the rest of the world. Enjoy it with steamed jasmine rice an shredded green cabbage, or pair it with a hot bowl of ramen.

This fried okra is over-the-top good due to a crunchy spiced cornmeal dredge. Instead of using egg or milk, a garlicky tomato sauce helps the cornmeal stick to the okra. Can’t find okra? This recipe would work just as well with some zucchini or eggplant.

You don’t have to wait for a trip to the state fair to get a taste of this summer classic. The funnel cake batter is as easy to whip up as a simple pancake. Top it with powdered sugar, or load it up like they do at the fair with jam, chocolate sauce, or fruit.

Pick up some pre-cut squid from your local seafood market and whip up this simple fried calamari. The ultra-crisp breading calls for just three ingredients (plus salt and pepper), and a generous squeeze of fresh lemon seals the deal.

We’re not exactly sure what makes fried pickles so great—the crunchy exterior or the tart-and-tangy inside? Either way, these deep-fried pickles are great for an appetizer or as a crunchy snack. Every bit is infused with spicy Cajun seasoning for added flavor.

A classic plate of fish and chips is a thing of beauty. This recipe uses a wheat beer to flavor the fish batter, which fries up to the perfect crunchy texture. Paired with crisp smashed potatoes and a sprinkling of malt vinegar, this recipe makes a perfect meal in any season.

Save yourself from greasy fingers with these fried ravioli pops that are both tasty and kid-friendly. The simple pesto dip gets an extra boost of protein and flavor with the addition of Greek yogurt.

What could make a slab of golden brown fried steak even better? A generous ladle of peppery gravy. Serve it with mashed potatoes for the perfect country dinner.

You don’t have to take a trip to the shore to have a crab shack specialty. Crispy fried shrimp easy to make at home with this simple recipe, which calls for a mixture of panko and seasoned breadcrumbs to get the hit the perfect balance of texture and flavor.

Freshly fried churros are a thing of beauty, and these mini ones are the perfect size for easy frying and dipping. Make sure they go straight from the oil into the cinnamon sugar coating for maximum coverage. Dip them in the rich dulce de leche, or enjoy them straight up.

Dumplings can scare away even the most seasoned chef. This easy recipe will calm your nerves and have you coming back for more with rich delicious flavor enhanced by everyone's favorite ingredient—bacon!

Deep frying a whole turkey can be tricky, but the results pay off big time. Trade hours in the oven for just 45 minutes in the fryer. The crispy, golden brown crust seals in the juice for a turkey that’s anything but dry.

What could be more satisfying than the foot-long cheese pull from a deliciously crisp fried mozzarella stick? This recipe uses grated Parmesan cheese in the breading to add flavor and extra crunchy texture, plus a homemade pizza sauce on the side for dipping.

Forget about the simple fried ball of ice cream. This crispy, creamy dessert comes with a secret molten chocolate center. The recipe uses a homemade chocolate sauce, or you can swap it for your favorite store-bought variety.

When summertime hits, there is always an abundance of great, fresh squash. Make the most of all that zucchini by coating some pieces in breadcrumbs and frying until golden brown. Complete this crispy snack with some ranch dressing or spicy marinara.

Why go to the Renaissance Fair or amusement park to get a giant turkey leg when you can make this crave-able snack at home. This recipe puts a fun twist on it with a spiced buttermilk marinade for the ultimate flavor.