By admin 
29 Fried Foods That Go Way Beyond Fish and Chips
Let’s be real: fish and chips are legendary for a reason. That shatteringly crisp batter hugging tender fish, paired with thick-cut fries doused in malt vinegar—it’s comfort food perfection. But the world of frying is vast, crunchy, and gloriously indulgent. From street stalls in Tokyo to state fairs in Texas, people have been dropping all sorts of things into hot oil and creating pure magic.
In this ultimate guide, we’re diving into 29 fried foods that will make you forget plain old fish and chips ever existed. We’re talking spicy, sweet, savory, and downright wild creations from around the globe. Whether you’re firing up the deep fryer at home or planning your next food adventure, these crispy delights deserve a spot on your must-try list.
I’ve pulled inspiration from iconic recipes at Bon Appétit, CNN’s global roundup, and Serious Eats’ crispy masterpieces to bring you this epic list. Get ready to drool.
1. Korean Fried Chicken (Yangnyeom Chicken)
Double-fried for extra crunch, then glazed in a sticky-sweet-spicy gochujang sauce. It’s addictive, messy, and infinitely better than regular fried chicken. Pro tip: Order it “half-and-half” with garlic soy for maximum flavor.
2. Japanese Chicken Karaage
Bite-sized thigh meat marinated in soy, ginger, and sake, then lightly coated and fried. Juicy inside, impossibly crisp outside. No sauce needed – just a squeeze of lemon.
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3. Falafel
Chickpea fritters loaded with herbs and spices, fried until golden and fluffy. Stuff them in pita with tahini, pickles, and tomatoes for the ultimate street food experience.
4. Churros with Bittersweet Chocolate Sauce
Crispy ridges of fried dough rolled in cinnamon sugar and dunked in thick, dark chocolate. Breakfast, dessert, midnight snack—churros work anytime.
5. Tempura (Shrimp & Vegetables)
Japan’s lightest, laciest batter. Ice-cold water and minimal mixing are the secrets to that delicate crunch. Dip in tentsuyu sauce and grated daikon.
6. Fried Calamari
Tender squid rings in a light semolina flour coating, fried quick and served with lemon and marinara. The Italian-American classic that disappears in minutes.
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7. Onion Bhaji
Spiced Indian onion fritters made with gram flour. Crispy, fragrant, and perfect with mango chutney or tamarind sauce.
8. Scotch Egg
A soft-boiled egg wrapped in sausage meat, breaded, and deep-fried. Cut it open to reveal that perfect runny yolk—pure pub food genius.
9. Arancini
Sicilian rice balls stuffed with ragù, peas, and mozzarella, then fried until golden. The cheese pull is legendary.
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10. Deep-Fried Mars Bar
Scotland’s infamous creation: a full Mars bar battered and fried. The chocolate melts, the caramel oozes—it’s as wrong as it is right.
11–29: The Rest of the Crispy Hall of Fame
- Tostones (twice-fried plantains – Caribbean/Latin America)
- Pakora (vegetable fritters – India)
- Hushpuppies (cornmeal fritters – American South)
- Beignets (powdered sugar pillows – New Orleans)
- Fried Green Tomatoes (cornmeal-crusted – American South)
- Tonkatsu (panko-breaded pork cutlet – Japan)
- Fritto Misto (mixed fried seafood & veggies – Italy)
- Chicken-Fried Steak with Gravy (Texas comfort food)
- Jalapeño Poppers (cheese-stuffed peppers)
- Fried Pickles (dill pickle chips, battered and fried)
- Corn Dogs (the ultimate fair food)
- Fried Oreos (state fair decadence at its finest)
- Chicharrónes (crispy pork rinds – Latin America)
- Fried Mac & Cheese Balls (leftover mac, reborn)
- Blooming Onion (Outback Steakhouse’s monster)
- Fried Avocado Tacos (creamy + crunchy perfection)
- Lechon Kawali (Filipino crispy pork belly)
- Fried Ice Cream (how is this even possible?)
- Coxinha (Brazilian chicken croquettes)
Pro Frying Tips for Home Heroes
- Use peanut or canola oil for high smoke points.
- Keep oil at 350–375°F — too low = greasy, too high = burnt.
- Double-fry when possible (karaage, french fries, tostones).
- Drain on a wire rack, not paper towels, for maximum crunch.
- Season immediately after frying while still hot.
Whether you’re craving something savory like Korean fried chicken or sweet like fresh churros, these 29 fried foods prove that hot oil is basically magic. Life’s too short for boring food—grab your thermometer and get frying!
Which one are you trying first? Drop your favorite fried indulgence in the comments. And if you’re hungry for more kitchen inspiration, check out our pumpkin Basque cheesecake recipe or these 12 last-minute Thanksgiving sides.
For the original inspiration behind this list, see Bon Appétit’s classic gallery here and CNN’s global roundup here.
Happy frying! 🍟🔥