Fried Finger Foods for Parties

By Jessica Remitz

Everyone’s got their go-to holiday party appetizers, from rice balls to stuffed mushrooms and every bite-sized snack in between. This year, swap out your stand-by fried finger food and take a risk on something new. We’ve rounded up some classic bites with a fresh twist that guests will be sure to rave about through the New Year. So, fire up your fryer — or oven! — and give these apps a try.

Chicken Egg Rolls

Swap your puff pastry for egg roll wrappers and add some Asian flavors to your appetizer spread. Annie’s Eats suggests you fill the rolls with chicken or pork, bean sprouts, cabbage and green onion and fry until they’re hot and perfectly crispy. The best part? The recipe yields at least two-dozen egg rolls, so you won’t have to worry about running out.

Fried Guacamole

Ditch the chip and dip bowl and serve guacamole bites to your guests instead. Make your favorite version of guacamole, or use Joy the Baker’s recipe, which calls for scallions and jalapenos, and roll bite-sized portions into wonton wrappers. Tie them up with green scallions and fry till golden brown. If you’re concerned about any lingering frying odors hanging around the kitchen as you plate up your apps, keep an air-freshener or candle with a fresh scent, like lavender or citrus, in the kitchen throughout the party.

Coca-Cola Wings

Made with brown sugar and a cup of Coca-Cola, these baked wings from For the Love of the South come out just as juicy as if they’ve been fried. Be sure to baste your wings as they cook under the broiler to get the most out of your deliciously tangy wing sauce.

Curry-Spiced Pommes Frites

Served with a refreshing cucumber and mint dip, Sprouted Kitchen’s crispy fries make for a funky take on a classic favorite. Wrap them in newspaper or pile them high on a serving plate for your guests to help themselves — just make sure to have plenty of napkins handy.

Baked Popcorn Chicken

Another baked take on a normally fried dish, Iowa Girl Eats’ baked bites are spicy and extra-crispy, thanks to Cajun seasoning and a healthy dose of panko bread crumbs. Served alongside a maple-Dijon dipping sauce, you’ll love the sweet and savory flavors of this dish.

Zucchini Fritters

If you’re looking to add a vegetable to your fried appetizer feast, try Smitten Kitchen’s zucchini fritters, which are lightly fried and finished in the oven. Leave the bread crumbs in the cupboard for these, too; all you’ll need is zucchini, scallions, flour and an egg to put together these festively-colored snacks.

This article is sponsored by Fabreze