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    Home » MSN Slideshows

    What We Cooked Before Air Fryers: 15 Classic Fried Recipes to Fry Up!

    Published: Apr 7, 2025 by Barbara Curry

    Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links.

    Remember life before air fryers? Yeah, we actually had to use the stove—and maybe even a little elbow grease. These classic fried recipes take us back to those good old days when crispy perfection came straight from a skillet. They’re golden, nostalgic, and honestly still just as tasty today.

    Pan Fried Panko Breaded Pork Chops

    A fork in a bite of a fried pork chop.
    Pan Fried Panko Breaded Pork Chops. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.


     

    These Panko breaded pork chops are cooked in a skillet for the juiciest meat with the crispiest crust. Easy comfort food dinner in 15 minutes.
    Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Panko Breaded Pork Chops

    Skillet Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat

    An iron skillet with fried apples and a spoon.
    Skillet Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Warm Up Your Winter: Southern Classics!

    FREE EMAIL BONUS: Southern staples made simply & cozy

    Slowly cooked in browned butter and sugar, fried apples are an incredible Southern side that’s easy enough to make on a weeknight. This Cracker Barrel copycat recipe for caramelized apples is made in a skillet and completes almost any Southern meal.
    Get the Recipe: Skillet Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat

    Crispy Pan Fried Buffalo Shrimp

    A bowl of Buffalo shrimp with a serving spoon.
    Crispy Pan Fried Buffalo Shrimp. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pan fried Buffalo shrimp with a crispy exterior that are coated in a homemade buttery Buffalo sauce, a quick and easy appetizer or dinner.
    Get the Recipe: Crispy Pan Fried Buffalo Shrimp

    Fork-Tender Pan Fried Pork Cutlets With Ritz Crackers

    A serving fork removing a pork cutlet from a platter.
    Fork-Tender Pan Fried Pork Cutlets With Ritz Crackers. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    These easy pan-fried pork cutlets are fork-tender and incredibly juicy. Breaded in a parmesan and Ritz cracker coating for extra flavor.
    Get the Recipe: Fork-Tender Pan Fried Pork Cutlets With Ritz Crackers

    Chicken Parmesan Tenders

    An iron skillet filled with chicken tenders.
    Chicken Parmesan Tenders. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Pan fried parmesan chicken tenders are crispy on the outside but tender on the inside. In just 10 minutes you have the best chicken fingers.
    Get the Recipe: Chicken Parmesan Tenders

    Southern Chicken Fried Chicken With Gravy

    chicken fried chicken with gravy on a black plate being cut into with a fork.
    Southern Chicken Fried Chicken With Gravy. Photo credit: Butter and Baggage.

    Crunchy, crispy Chicken Fried Chicken with a double-dipped coating and rich gravy is a Southern comfort food classic you’ll love!
    Get the Recipe: Southern Chicken Fried Chicken With Gravy

    Easy Refried Black Beans Recipe Using Dried Beans

    Easy Refried Black Beans Recipe Using Dried Beans. Photo credit: Talking Meals.

    A classic appetizer you can make in minutes! All you need is your frying pan and dried black beans.
    Get the Recipe: Easy Refried Black Beans Recipe Using Dried Beans

    Shrimp And Chicken Fried Rice

    Shrimp And Chicken Fried Rice. Photo credit: Peel with Zeal.

    Enjoy this delicious and easy to make shrimp and chicken fried rice recipe that’s better than takeout. Ready in just 30 minutes!
    Get the Recipe: Shrimp And Chicken Fried Rice

    6-Ingredient Savory And Smoky Fried Corn Recipe

    6-Ingredient Savory And Smoky Fried Corn Recipe. Photo credit: Intentional Hospitality.

    Easy fried corn recipe made with Cajun seasoning, smoky paprika, and butter. A quick and flavorful side dish ready in 15 minutes, perfect for any meal!
    Get the Recipe: 6-Ingredient Savory And Smoky Fried Corn Recipe

    Pan-Fried Brie With Cherries Recipe

    Pan-Fried Brie With Cherries Recipe. Photo credit: Pip and Ebby.

    A classic sweet and savory appetizer you can make in less than hour. No fancy equipment needed, just your pan!
    Get the Recipe: Pan-Fried Brie With Cherries Recipe

    Pan Fried Okra

    A white plate filled with crispy, golden fried pickles—a classic among southern snacks—arranged around a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
    Pan Fried Okra. Photo credit: Southern Food and Fun.

    Granny’s pan-fried okra recipe is lightly coated with cornmeal and fried in a skillet. Thousands of readers agree this one is the best!
    Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Okra

    Fried Pork Chops

    Fried Pork Chops. Photo credit: Grandbaby Cakes.

    Tender and juicy this Southern fried pork chops recipe is marinated in a spicy buttermilk, breaded in a flavorful dredge then pan fried until golden brown.
    Get the Recipe: Fried Pork Chops

    Pan Fried Cod With Lemon-Garlic Sauce

    Pan Fried Cod With Lemon-Garlic Sauce. Photo credit: Savor the Best.

    Pan Fried Cod with Lemon-Garlic Sauce is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s a great option for busy weeknights.
    Get the Recipe: Pan Fried Cod With Lemon-Garlic Sauce

    Fried Catfish Recipe (Simple Southern Dish)

    Two pieces of golden-brown fried fish fillets on a white plate with a green floral border, served with two wedges of fresh lemon—a classic favorite from before air fryers changed the way we cook.
    Fried Catfish Recipe (Simple Southern Dish). Photo credit: Southern Plate.

    Simple and inexpensive to prepare, this Southern fried catfish recipe is a quick and easy main course you can serve with your favorite side.
    Get the Recipe: Fried Catfish Recipe (Simple Southern Dish)

    Southern Fried Chicken

    A bowl lined with parchment paper holds several pieces of crispy, golden-brown fried chicken, reminiscent of old school southern recipes, placed on a white surface near a red and gold napkin.
    Southern Fried Chicken. Photo credit: Lauren’s Latest.

    Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, this Southern Fried Chicken is soaked in buttermilk for tenderness and coated in a perfectly seasoned crust.
    Get the Recipe: Southern Fried Chicken

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    Barbara holds a tote bag filled with flowers, baguettes, and fresh produce at an indoor market.

    Barbara Curry is the culinary adventurer of Butter & Baggage. With a dedicated enthusiasm for real butter made from happy cows she is in constant pursuit of delicious recipes and tasty dishes. She shares her experiences, ventures, and occasional misadventures because let’s face it things can get messy in any kitchen.

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