Fried food is a beloved staple across the United States, with each state boasting its own unique take on this indulgent culinary tradition.
From the crispy, golden-brown delights of the South to the creative fried concoctions found in state fairs across the country, there’s a must-try fried food in every state.
This guide will take you on a culinary journey, offering recipes for some of the most iconic fried dishes that define American gastronomy.
These recipes include ingredients, step-by-step instructions, and nutritional facts to help you recreate these regional favorites at home.
Alabama: Fried Green Tomatoes
Ingredients
- 4 large green tomatoes
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 2 eggs
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
Slice the tomatoes into 1/4-inch thick rounds. In a bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, and paprika.
In another bowl, whisk together buttermilk and eggs.
In a third bowl, place the cornmeal.
Dredge each tomato slice in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and finally coat with cornmeal.
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Fry the tomato slices until golden brown, about 3 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 200
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Protein: 4g
Louisiana: Beignets
Ingredients
- 1 cup warm water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 2 tsp active dry yeast
- 2 eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, softened
- Powdered sugar for dusting
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and yeast.
Let sit for 5 minutes. Add eggs, milk, and butter, mixing well.
Gradually add flour, mixing until a dough forms.
Knead the dough until smooth, then cover and let rise for 1-2 hours.
Roll out the dough on a floured surface to 1/4-inch thickness.
Cut into 2-inch squares. Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
Fry beignets until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes per side.
Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Facts (per beignet)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 7g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Protein: 3g
Wisconsin: Cheese Curds
Ingredients
- 1 pound cheese curds
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup beer
- 1 egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
In a bowl, mix flour, baking powder, and salt.
In another bowl, whisk together beer and egg.
Combine wet and dry ingredients to form a batter.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
Dip cheese curds in the batter, then fry in batches until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Drain on paper towels before serving.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 300
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Protein: 10g
Texas: Chicken Fried Steak
Ingredients
- 4 beef cube steaks
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
Instructions
In a bowl, combine flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika.
In another bowl, whisk together eggs and buttermilk.
Dredge each steak in the flour mixture, then dip into the buttermilk mixture, and again coat with flour.
Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry steaks until golden brown and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Drain on paper towels before serving.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 25g
Florida: Fried Key Lime Pie
Ingredients
- 1 cup graham cracker crumbs
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1/2 cup melted butter
- 1 cup key lime juice
- 1 can sweetened condensed milk
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil for frying
- Powdered sugar for dusting
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
Mix graham cracker crumbs, sugar, and melted butter.
Press into a pie pan and bake for 10 minutes.
In a bowl, mix key lime juice, condensed milk, and egg yolks.
Pour into crust and bake for 15 minutes.
Cool and freeze pie.
Once frozen, cut into wedges.
Dip each wedge into flour, then buttermilk, and again into flour.
Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375°F (190°C).
Fry each wedge until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
Drain on paper towels and dust with powdered sugar before serving.
Nutritional Facts (per serving)
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Protein: 5g
FAQs
Can I substitute gluten-free flour for these recipes?
Yes, you can use gluten-free flour blends in these recipes, but the texture and flavor may vary slightly.
How do I store leftover fried foods?
Store leftover fried foods in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Can I use an air fryer instead of deep frying?
Yes, an air fryer can be used as a healthier alternative to deep frying. Adjust cooking times and temperatures according to the air fryer manufacturer’s instructions.
What oil is best for frying these foods?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, and peanut oil are all excellent choices for frying due to their high smoke points and neutral flavors.
Are there healthier alternatives to frying?
Baking or air frying are healthier alternatives that can still achieve a crispy texture. For example, bake breaded items at 400°F (200°C) until golden brown.