National Greasy Foods Day arrives just in time, giving Americans a reason to go all-in on comfort food. Fry crawls, food truck stops and drive-thru runs draw fans looking for the crunchiest bites in town. At home, others turn on air fryers, build DIY fry bars and serve family-style spreads that make the day feel like a true food holiday.
Buttermilk fried chicken. Photo credit: Southern Supper Club.
Even amid the indulgence, many find ways to keep things balanced, pairing their fried favorites with lighter sides and choosing smaller portions. That approach lets people enjoy the celebration without ending the day feeling heavy or sluggish.
Celebrating fried favorites nationwide
Every Oct. 25, National Greasy Foods Day rolls around as a lighthearted excuse to dig into comfort food. The unofficial holiday gives people a reason to enjoy fried favorites without second-guessing their choices. It also taps into nostalgia, bringing back memories of late-night drive-thru runs or trips to the local diner.
Some celebrate by gathering friends for a casual meal, while others fire up the fryer at home and make something special just for the occasion. However, it’s observed, the focus stays on sharing a good meal and enjoying the foods people often save for a treat.
Fried favorites that steal the show
No greasy foods celebration is complete without the classics. French fries remain the go-to side, whether shoestring or crinkle-cut, while onion rings bring the crunch that pairs with any burger. Fried chicken still holds its spot as the comfort food favorite, crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
Fairground treats also find their way to the table. Corn dogs keep things fun with cornbread-wrapped hot dogs, funnel cakes deliver powdered sugar sweetness, and deep-fried Oreos or candy bars take dessert over the top.
For snacking, mozzarella sticks and jalapeno poppers disappear as fast as they’re served. Tater tots and chicken wings round out the spread, making sure there’s something for everyone to grab while enjoying the day.
How people are celebrating
Across the country, people take part in the holiday with everything from drive-thru runs to kitchen experiments. Some order the greasiest item on the menu, turning it into a once-a-year fast-food challenge. Others stay home and experiment, trying beer, tempura or any mix that promises an extra-crisp crust.
Social media also plays a part in the celebration, as bloggers and TikTok creators share tips for crunchier chicken and crispier fries. Families join in by setting up fried food buffets for dinner, letting everyone load their plates with their favorites.
Smart ways to stay balanced
While the celebration may be about indulging, enjoying your favorites doesn’t have to mean overdoing it. Smaller portions and shared plates can make it easier to sample a little of everything. Pair fried foods with a salad or some vegetables for a fresh contrast, and sip water between bites to balance out the salt.
Home cooks can make smart choices, too. Use oils with a high smoke point, such as peanut or canola, to help food stay crisp, and monitor the temperature to prevent dishes from soaking up excess grease. Treat fried food as an occasional indulgence, and stop when you feel full to keep the celebration fun without the heavy aftermath.
Quick ideas to make the day fun
A day devoted to fried foods is the perfect excuse to turn your crispy favorites into a full experience. Some food lovers plan a fry crawl, stopping at two or three local spots to sample fries, wings or onion rings. Others head to food trucks to grab street tacos, loaded fries or deep-fried desserts for a casual feast.
Workplaces participate by hosting office snack days, where co-workers bring fried treats to share during breaks. At home, people build sampler platters with fries, onion rings and mozzarella sticks or set up a mini fry bar with dips like spicy mayo or honey mustard. For an added twist, turning dinner into a diner-style night with milkshakes or root beer floats keeps the celebration playful and complete.
Easy hacks for fry day
Some home cooks are finding clever ways to celebrate the comfort-food holiday without turning the kitchen upside down. Air fryers make quick work of leftovers, bringing fries and wings back to life with a fresh crunch. They’re also handy for small batches of snacks such as veggie chips made from zucchini, sweet potatoes or even pickles.
Leftovers can become new favorites with a little effort. Mac and cheese turns into crispy bites when rolled, breaded and fried, while mashed potatoes turn into golden croquettes with cheese or herbs. Day-old rice can be shaped into arancini, and stale bread gets a second life as crunchy croutons for a salad.
For extra flavor, seasoning right after frying keeps fries and tots tasting fresh. Double-coating with egg and breadcrumbs gives anything a crispier shell, and mixing up simple sauces, such as ketchup with sriracha or mayo with chipotle, keeps dipping interesting.
A day for crispy bites
National Greasy Foods Day reminds people of the close ties between fried favorites and American food culture. From fries and fried chicken to corn dogs, pizza and onion rings, the day puts comfort food at the center of the table. Social media sharing, at-home fry sessions and talks of balance keep the focus on enjoying the food while keeping it lighthearted. It’s a celebration of food and a reason to gather and enjoy something crispy while it’s hot.
Jennifer Allen is a retired professional chef and long-time writer. Her work appears in dozens of publications, including MSN, Yahoo, The Washington Post and The Seattle Times. These days, she’s busy in the kitchen developing recipes and traveling the world, and you can find all her best creations at Cook What You Love.
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