When the fried food cravings hit, look no further than these deep fryer recipes. We'll show you how to make chicken, doughnuts, fish and all of your other deep-fried favorites.
Our Best Deep Fryer Recipes
Updated on Sep. 23, 2024
Best-Ever Fried Chicken
Crispy, juicy and perfectly seasoned, this really is the best fried chicken recipe, ever. Summer reunions and neighborly gatherings will never be the same. When I was growing up, my parents had a farm, and every year, Dad would hire teenage boys to help by haying time. They looked forward to coming because they knew they would be treated to some of Mom’s deep fryer recipes, including this delicious fried chicken. —Lola Clifton, Vinton, Virginia
If you like to try new chicken recipes, check out KFC’s fried chicken recipe.
1/26
2/26
Apple Fritters
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This is an old southern apple fritter recipe. When we got home from a trip through the South years ago, I found the recipe among the brochures I brought back. I’ve been making these easy apple fritters ever since. —John Robbins, Springdale, Pennsylvania
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 533 calories, 24g fat (3g saturated fat), 97mg cholesterol, 530mg sodium, 69g carbohydrate (13g sugars, 2g fiber), 10g protein.
New to deep-frying? Here are 13 tips to help you get started.
3/26
Deep-Fried Cookies
Total Time
25 min
Servings
1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My kids love this delicious, indulgent treat. I like to give the batter a kick by adding a pinch of cinnamon and a teaspoon of vanilla extract. — Margarita Torres, Bayamon, Puerto Rico
Nutrition Facts:
1 cookie: 100 calories, 5g fat (1g saturated fat), 11mg cholesterol, 123mg sodium, 13g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 1g fiber), 1g protein.
4/26
Apple Cider Doughnuts
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen doughnuts plus doughnut holes
From the Recipe Creator:
Apple doughnuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider doughnut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 335 calories, 15g fat (5g saturated fat), 46mg cholesterol, 338mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (16g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
Have an air fryer? Make these air-fryer doughnuts instead!
5/26
Crispy Beer-Battered Fish
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
A local restaurant made a similar breading for shrimp po’ boys, but we think this version’s better. I serve the beer-battered fish with a ranch dressing and hot sauce mixture as a dip. —Jenny Wenzel, Gulfport, Mississippi
Nutrition Facts:
1 fillet: 513 calories, 27g fat (3g saturated fat), 66mg cholesterol, 775mg sodium, 35g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 30g protein.
6/26
Homemade Potato Chips
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
8-1/2 cups
From the Recipe Creator:
Forget buying a bag of potato chips at the grocery store when you can make these at home. This quick and easy recipe will delight everyone in the family. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 176 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 703mg sodium, 24g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 3g protein.
7/26
Long Johns
Total Time
45 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
The tattered recipe in my files is a good indication of how popular these long john doughnuts have been in our family over the years. They disappear in a hurry, so I typically double the recipe. —Twilla Eisele, Wellsville, Kansas
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 315 calories, 13g fat (3g saturated fat), 27mg cholesterol, 170mg sodium, 45g carbohydrate (19g sugars, 1g fiber), 5g protein.
8/26
Chicken Corn Fritters
Total Time
30 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always loved corn fritters, but they weren't satisfying as a main dish. I came up with this recipe and was thrilled when my husband and our three young boys gave it rave reviews. The chicken and zesty sauce make these a wonderful brunch or lunch entree.
-Marie Greene, Scottsbluff, Nebraska
Nutrition Facts:
1 fritter: 254 calories, 15g fat (6g saturated fat), 48mg cholesterol, 414mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 2g fiber), 8g protein.
9/26
Pumpkin Doughnut Drops
Total Time
15 min
Servings
about 7 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I always have a few special treats handy when the grandchildren visit. These cake doughnuts are one of their favorite snacks. —Beva Staum, Muscoda, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 48 calories, 2g fat (0 saturated fat), 5mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 7g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 0 fiber), 1g protein.
10/26
Deep-Fried Cheese Bites
Total Time
15 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
These beer-battered cheese curds are the ultimate in delicious comfort food. Some folks like to serve them with ranch dressing, ketchup or barbecue sauce for dipping. —Katie Rose, Pewaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 257 calories, 19g fat (8g saturated fat), 40mg cholesterol, 235mg sodium, 9g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 11g protein.
11/26
Fried Chicken
Total Time
30 min
Servings
12 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you've wanted to learn how to make crispy fried chicken, this is the recipe for you. Always a picnic favorite, this deep-fried chicken recipe is delicious either hot or cold. Kids call it my Kentucky Fried Chicken! —Jeanne Schnitzler, Lima, Montana
Nutrition Facts:
5 ounces cooked chicken: 543 calories, 33g fat (7g saturated fat), 137mg cholesterol, 798mg sodium, 17g carbohydrate (0 sugars, 1g fiber), 41g protein.
12/26
Funnel Cake
Total Time
20 min
Servings
8 cakes
From the Recipe Creator:
These are much simpler to make than doughnuts but taste just as good. They have been a regular treat of ours ever since we came across them when we lived in the Ozarks. —Mary Faith Yoder, Unity, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
1 funnel cake: 312 calories, 12g fat (2g saturated fat), 49mg cholesterol, 287mg sodium, 44g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 7g protein.
KFC offers an interesting twist on funnel cake with their funnel cake fries.
13/26
Beef Chimichangas
Total Time
40 min
Servings
1 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
My husband loves this beef chimichanga recipe! I often double the recipe and freeze the chimichangas individually to take out as needed. I serve them with shredded lettuce and sour cream. —Schelby Thompson, Camden Wyoming, Delaware
Nutrition Facts:
1 chimichanga: 626 calories, 41g fat (9g saturated fat), 37mg cholesterol, 1094mg sodium, 46g carbohydrate (5g sugars, 6g fiber), 19g protein.
14/26
Fried Okra
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Golden brown with a little fresh green showing through, these okra nuggets are crunchy and addictive! My sons like to dip them in ketchup. —Pam Duncan, Summers, Arkansas
Nutrition Facts:
3/4 cup: 200 calories, 12g fat (1g saturated fat), 1mg cholesterol, 430mg sodium, 20g carbohydrate (4g sugars, 3g fiber), 5g protein.
15/26
Berry-Filled Doughnuts
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 doughnuts
From the Recipe Creator:
Four ingredients are all you'll need for this sure-bet breakfast treat. Friends and family will never guess that refrigerated buttermilk biscuits are the base for these golden, jelly-filled doughnuts. —Ginny Watson, Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 190 calories, 7g fat (1g saturated fat), 0 cholesterol, 360mg sodium, 30g carbohydrate (17g sugars, 0 fiber), 2g protein.
16/26
Homemade Corn Dogs
Total Time
25 min
Servings
10 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
Prepare corn dogs at home just like you'd get at the fair. Both kids and grown-ups will love this hearty corn dog batter. —Ruby Williams, Bogalusa, Louisiana
Nutrition Facts:
1 corn dog: 316 calories, 23g fat (7g saturated fat), 45mg cholesterol, 588mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 8g protein.
17/26
Marina’s Golden Corn Fritters
Total Time
30 min
Servings
32 fritters
From the Recipe Creator:
Just one bite of these fritters takes me back to when my kids were young. Nowadays for our get-togethers, I sometimes triple the recipe. Serve fritters with maple syrup or agave nectar. —Marina Castle Kelley, Canyon Country, California
Nutrition Facts:
2 fritters : 162 calories, 8g fat (2g saturated fat), 28mg cholesterol, 327mg sodium, 18g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 1g fiber), 4g protein.
18/26
Sweet Potato-Cranberry Doughnuts
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I grew up near Idaho, which is famous for spudnuts—a doughnut made from mashed potatoes. I reworked a recipe using sweet potatoes and cranberries to come up with this variation. I like to serve them for dessert. —Joni Hilton, Rocklin, California
Nutrition Facts:
1 glazed doughnut: 191 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 18mg cholesterol, 63mg sodium, 27g carbohydrate (10g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
19/26
Crispy Sriracha Spring Rolls
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
about 2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
While in the Bahamas, friends suggested a restaurant that served amazing chicken spring rolls. When I got home, I created my own version. Such a great appetizer to have waiting in the freezer! —Carla Mendres, Winnipeg, Manitoba
Nutrition Facts:
1 spring roll: 186 calories, 14g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 215mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 0 fiber), 6g protein.
20/26
Chili-Lime Chicken Wings
Total Time
30 min
Servings
2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Who would have guessed that mixing maple syrup, chili sauce and lime juice would make chicken wings taste so good? Family and guests alike will scramble to ensure they get more than one of these utterly delicious wings - so be sure to make extras! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen
Nutrition Facts:
1 piece: 142 calories, 8g fat (1g saturated fat), 15mg cholesterol, 198mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 0 fiber), 5g protein.
21/26
Butterfly Shrimp
Total Time
35 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
This refreshing, lightly seasoned, fried butterfly shrimp is easy to make and extremely versatile! Have it with a side of cocktail sauce, or serve it with steamed vegetables, rice or potatoes for a well-balanced meal. If you really want something special, place this tender, crispy shrimp on your favorite pasta! —Taste of Home Test Kitchen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Nutrition Facts:
about 7 shrimp: 295 calories, 15g fat (2g saturated fat), 182mg cholesterol, 571mg sodium, 16g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 23g protein.
22/26
Springtime Beignets & Berries
Total Time
50 min
Servings
4 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
I've always loved beignets, but never thought I could make them myself. Turns out they're easy! Sometimes I'll even make a quick berry whipped cream and pipe it inside for a fun surprise. —Kathi Hemmer, Grand Junction, Colorado
Nutrition Facts:
1 beignet: 74 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 7mg cholesterol, 36mg sodium, 10g carbohydrate (3g sugars, trace fiber), 1g protein.
23/26
Taylor's Jalapeno Poppers
Total Time
40 min
Servings
6 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
If you own a barbecue joint like I do, you pretty much dream about barbecue in your sleep. Jalapeno poppers are also one of my favorite appetizers, and this recipe is a great way to combine those foods. They’re very popular on the menu at my restaurant. Try your own variation by stuffing the peppers with cooked chicken or beef. —Taylor Hicks, Birmingham, Alabama
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer: 209 calories, 8g fat (4g saturated fat), 30mg cholesterol, 870mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (8g sugars, 1g fiber), 10g protein.
24/26
Sweet Potato-Crusted Chicken Nuggets
Total Time
30 min
Servings
4 servings
From the Recipe Creator:
I was looking for ways to spice up traditional chicken nuggets and came up with this recipe. The chips add a crunchy texture and flavor, while the meat is tender on the inside. —Kristina Segarra, Yonkers, New York
Nutrition Facts:
1 serving: 308 calories, 17g fat (1g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 690mg sodium, 12g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 1g fiber), 28g protein.
25/26
Deep-Fried Mac & Cheese Shells
Total Time
1 hour
Servings
20 appetizers (2-1/2 cups dipping sauce)
From the Recipe Creator:
I created this deep fried mac and cheese recipe for my husband. He describes this recipe as unbelievably delicious because of the crispy deep-fried coating on the outside and the creamy richness on the inside. —Shirley Rickis, The Villages, Florida
Nutrition Facts:
1 appetizer with 2 tablespoons dipping sauce: 340 calories, 23g fat (10g saturated fat), 72mg cholesterol, 451mg sodium, 21g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 1g fiber), 12g protein.
26/26
Cider Doughnuts
Total Time
50 min
Servings
about 1-1/2 dozen
From the Recipe Creator:
Here on our 1,250-acre farm, we usually have a quick breakfast on the go. So I often keep a batch of these light and moist doughnuts on hand. They disappear quickly because no one can eat just one! —Suzanne Christensen, Defiance, Iowa
Nutrition Facts:
1 doughnut: 217 calories, 10g fat (3g saturated fat), 31mg cholesterol, 229mg sodium, 28g carbohydrate (9g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
