10 Overrated Fried Foods You Should Skip & 10 Fried Staples No One Can Resist
Not All Fried Foods Deserve High Praise
It's safe to say Americans love a variety of fried foods, but not all options deserve the same level of praise. There's a misconception that frying foods always makes them taste better, but that simply isn't the case. In fact, when you deep fry some of the items on our list, you're ruining the taste or texture of the ingredients. So instead of saying fried foods are always best, it's time to really think about which are actual classic staples, and which ones are just overrated.
1. Fried Pickles
Does the idea of a warm pickle sound good? Well, when you fry them, they certainly don't come cold! Fried pickles often sound far better than they actually taste, especially when you lose that acidic tang you love to overwhelming batter.
2. Blooming Onion
Blooming onions certainly look stunning, but once the novelty dies down (and the food cools down, too) you're left with greasy onion petals. It's also hard to coat the batter evenly, meaning some bites will contain far more fried coating than onion. This appetizer is nothing without the dipping sauces either!
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3. Fried Green Tomatoes
Fried green tomatoes are popular down in the South, but these tend to be more disappointing than they seem. Their beloved tartness sometimes mellows out in the fryer, and the result can be rather bland and unexciting.
4. Fried Zucchini
Just because you use a vegetable as the foundation for a fried snack doesn't make it healthy! Given that zucchini already has a mild flavor, when deep-fried, it completely loses all taste. And when you dip it into ranch or marinara, the zucchini just completely disappears.
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5. Calamari
Calamari always feels like a safe, crowd-pleasing appetizer, but there's a lot that can go wrong with it. The squid can turn rubbery if not cooked properly, and if not seasoned properly, it can taste bland and unsatisfactory. No amount of lemon can rescue a badly cooked bunch!
6. Fried Mac and Cheese
Fried mac and cheese sounds like it should be guaranteed success, but the truth is, the mixed combination of this pasta dish and the deep-fryer leans way too rich. Each bite feels so dense and heavy, and for whatever reason, it never tastes as cheesy as it should be!
7. Corn Dogs
Is this beloved fair food popular for its taste or its nostalgia? We're guessing it's the latter. That overly sweet and grainy coating doesn't fare much better with such a processed hot dog hiding in the middle of it all. This snack simply tastes artificial whether it's from the frozen aisle at the grocery store, or fried fresh at the carnival.
8. Fried Ravioli
Ravioli is delicious because it perfectly balances the filling to pasta ratio, but when you deep-fry it, you'll often end up with way too much breading. This throws the flavors completely off, turning this delicate dish into something too heavy and unnecessary.
9. Fried Sushi Rolls
Sushi is supposed to be all about the freshness of the ingredients, so when you throw it into the fryer, you're just masking all of those delicious flavors of the ocean. The dish isn't even cold anymore! You're left with something dense and intense rather than clean and simple.
10. Fried Avocado
The mushy texture of avocadoes definitely doesn't lend itself well to the deep fryer. Besides, why ruin all those amazing health benefits with oil and unhealthy fats? Fried avocado is simply an unnecessary and overly trendy way to overindulge.
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1. French Fries
Arguably everyone's favorite fried snack, you can never go wrong with a batch of fresh French fries out of the fryer. They're hot, crispy, and when they're properly salted, serve as the ultimate satisfying snack. Whether you get them from McDonald's, at a restaurant, or even the frozen aisle at the grocery store, they always hit the spot.
2. Fried Chicken
When done correctly, fried chicken might just be the most comforting, heartwarming dish of all time. Not only does it taste delicious when seasoned properly with spices, it's also texturally satisfying with that exterior crunch and interior juiciness.
3. Onion Rings
Whereas blooming onions often disappoint, onion rings excel as a delicious fried snack. Sometimes, simple is best after all! A great onion ring provides you with plenty of bite and sweetness from the onion, while a light coating of batter gives it that nice crunch everyone looks for.
4. Mozzarella Sticks
Everyone loves mozzarella sticks because who wouldn't fall for the combination of melty cheese and a crunchy, fried shell? The contrast is exciting, the marinara sauce complements each bite, and each stick is so easy to grab and snack on!
5. Chicken Tenders
Chicken tenders aren't flashy or particularly special, but they're popular because they nail the basics. They're exactly what you want when you want them, making them approachable and enjoyable for all age groups. Pair them with your favorite dips and you can never go wrong.
6. Hash Browns
The ultimate breakfast item, hash browns taste good on their own, in a breakfast burrito, served in a breakfast platter, and so much more. They truly show how the simple potato doesn't need much dressing up to taste delicious, it just needs a crispy exterior to highlight all of its goodness.
7. Fried Shrimp
Fried shrimp always wins people over because it offers crunch without feeling too heavy. The shrimp itself feels juicy and has enough natural flavor to stay noticeable, so the breading acts as support instead of a distraction. When it's fresh and well-seasoned, it's hard to stop at just a few.
8. Fish and Chips
What combo is more iconic than fish and chips? Flaky, fried fish paired with some crispy, seasoned fries makes for a perfectly filling and satisfying meal. When the batter isn't too thick, you still get to enjoy the delicate taste and texture of the fish inside, too.
9. Doughnuts
While most of the foods we've listed so far have been savory, don't forget sweet baked goods can also be fried! Doughnuts rank at the top of this list because no others can simply compare. Coming in so many different flavors, fillings, and toppings, it's rare to find someone who'd turn one of these goodies down.
10. Potato Chips
Potato chips are proof that a fried staple doesn't need to be overly complicated to stay irresistible. This beloved snack is salty, crisp, easy to share, and somehow just as tempting at a picnic as they are during midnight. Once you start reaching for a few, you already know how that story usually ends.
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