Craving Crunch? These Crispy Recipes Have You Covered

Crunchy recipes for dinner are all about crisp textures and bold flavors. Whether you’re using a skillet or deep fryer, there’s something comforting about a golden, crunchy bite. These meals are great when you want something filling and flavorful without too much fuss.

There’s a wide range of options—from fried chicken and fish to crispy vegetables and rice dishes. Many of these recipes come together quickly and are perfect for weeknights. You can keep it classic or try a twist with different seasonings or coatings.

Fried dinners work well for family meals or casual gatherings. They’re hearty, crowd-pleasing, and easy to pair with simple sides. These recipes are made to bring a little extra crunch to your evening.

Crispy Air Fryer Cod

This air fryer cod comes out golden and crisp on the outside, tender and flaky inside. It’s a lighter way to enjoy fried fish without the extra oil. Great with a side of fries, slaw, or tucked into tacos. Quick to prep and perfect for busy weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Air Fryer Cod

Pan-Fried Pork Chops

These pork chops get a beautiful sear in the skillet, locking in juices while forming a crisp, flavorful crust. A simple seasoning mix does all the heavy lifting. Serve with mashed potatoes or a fresh veggie side for a solid, no-fuss meal. Great for when you want something hearty without turning on the oven.
Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Pork Chops

Spicy Chicken Strips

These strips are coated in just enough spice to bring some heat without going overboard. They fry up nice and crisp, making them great for dipping or stuffing into wraps. Serve with a creamy sauce or a fresh slaw to cool things down. Perfect for game day or an easy dinner.
Get the Recipe: Spicy Chicken Strips

Crispy Beef

Thin slices of beef are coated and fried until perfectly crisp, then tossed in a sticky sauce that clings to every bite. The result is crunchy, flavorful, and seriously addictive. Pair with rice or stir-fried veggies for a balanced plate. A great takeout-style dish made right at home.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Beef

Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Marinated in buttermilk for extra tenderness, this chicken fries up with a crunchy, golden coating. The inside stays juicy, while the crust brings a satisfying bite. Best served with biscuits, pickles, or coleslaw on the side. Classic comfort food that hits the spot.
Get the Recipe: Buttermilk Fried Chicken

Chicken Pakora

These bite-sized fritters are spiced, battered, and fried until crisp and golden. Chickpea flour gives them a unique texture and light crunch. They’re perfect with chutney or a squeeze of lemon. A popular snack or appetizer that’s always a crowd-pleaser.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Pakora

Air Fryer Fried Chicken

This version skips the oil but still brings a crisp coating and juicy inside. Seasoned just right, it’s a great way to enjoy fried chicken without the mess. You can make a whole batch in under an hour. A solid go-to for weekend dinners or weeknight cravings.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

With a well-seasoned coating and just enough crunch, this Southern-style chicken delivers big flavor from the air fryer. The inside stays tender and juicy, thanks to a quick marinade or brine. Serve with cornbread or green beans for a full plate. It brings the charm of home-style cooking with less cleanup.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Southern Fried Chicken

Honey Walnut Shrimp

Crispy shrimp coated in a sweet, creamy sauce and topped with candied walnuts. The contrast between crunchy and creamy makes this dish stand out. A side of jasmine rice or steamed broccoli rounds it out nicely. Inspired by takeout favorites, but made your way.
Get the Recipe: Honey Walnut Shrimp

Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

These wings are dry-fried until crisp, then tossed with garlic, chilies, and just the right amount of seasoning. They’re bold, crunchy, and don’t need a dipping sauce to shine. Serve as a snack, appetizer, or part of a larger meal. Simple, yet packed with flavor.
Get the Recipe: Salt and Pepper Chicken Wings

Crispy Low Carb Fried Chicken

This version uses a low-carb coating that still delivers crunch without traditional breadcrumbs or flour. Seasonings carry the flavor while the air fryer or oven keeps it light. It’s great for those watching carbs but still wanting something hearty. Serve with roasted veggies or a fresh salad.
Get the Recipe: Crispy Low Carb Fried Chicken

Beer Battered Cod

Thick fillets of cod are dipped in a beer-based batter and fried until puffed and golden. The result is a light, crispy coating with a soft, flaky center. Great with tartar sauce, lemon wedges, or wrapped in newspaper for the full experience. A classic pub favorite done at home.
Get the Recipe: Beer Battered Cod

KFC Fried Chicken

Modeled after the well-known original, this recipe uses a blend of herbs and spices for that familiar flavor. The chicken fries up with a crisp crust and juicy inside that’s hard to beat. Best enjoyed hot with classic sides like coleslaw or mashed potatoes. A fun copycat that hits all the right notes.
Get the Recipe: KFC Fried Chicken

Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

These drumsticks come out crispy on the outside and tender inside, all thanks to the air fryer. A quick rub of spices is all it takes to get them ready. Perfect for busy nights or casual meals with minimal effort. Serve with corn, salad, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Chicken Drumsticks

Oven Fried Chicken

Baked until crisp, this version skips the frying but keeps all the crunch. The secret is in the coating and a hot baking sheet to help things crisp up. A great alternative when you want fried chicken without the deep fryer. Pair it with mac and cheese or coleslaw for a full spread.
Get the Recipe: Oven Fried Chicken

Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

This at-home version brings crispy shrimp tossed in a creamy, honey glaze and topped with candied walnuts. The sweetness pairs well with the crunch and a slight tang from the sauce. It’s easy to put together and feels like a takeout treat. Serve it over rice or with stir-fried noodles.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Panda Express Honey Walnut Shrimp

Oven-Fried Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

This sheet pan meal combines crispy oven-fried chicken with roasted vegetables for a one-pan solution. The chicken bakes up golden while the veggies get tender and flavorful. Less mess, fewer dishes, and a complete dinner in one go. Ideal for busy nights when you still want a proper meal.
Get the Recipe: Oven-Fried Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

Chicken Fried Steak

A tender steak is breaded and fried like chicken, then smothered in creamy gravy. It’s hearty, rich, and classic comfort food through and through. Serve with mashed potatoes or green beans for a full plate. A weekend favorite that never goes out of style.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Fried Steak

Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Chicken breasts filled with cheese, herbs, or veggies, then cooked until the outside is crisp and golden. The air fryer helps lock in moisture while keeping things light. It’s a great way to dress up plain chicken with minimal effort. Serve with a side of rice or salad.
Get the Recipe: Air Fryer Stuffed Chicken Breasts

Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe: How to Make It

This version recreates the classic dish with breaded steak and rich, peppery gravy. The crust gets crispy in the pan, while the meat stays tender inside. A down-home dish that’s always comforting. Don’t forget the mashed potatoes to round it out.
Get the Recipe: Copycat Cracker Barrel Country Fried Steak Recipe: How to Make It