Joybuy Insights

Buying fried foods online: a guide to crispy snacks and quick meals

If you’re looking to buy fried foods online, you’ll find plenty to choose from: fish fingers and chicken nuggets, chips, Asian snacks, Korean street food specialities and handy kitchen equipment. But product photos alone won’t tell you whether an item is right for your household.

There are three common reasons for choosing the wrong product:

  • Unclear cooking instructions: Some frozen products are intended for the oven or air fryer, while others need oil and a specific temperature.
  • Overlooked allergens: Breadcrumb coatings often contain wheat or egg. Asian products may also contain soy, fish, sesame or crustaceans.
  • The wrong pack size: A 250 g pack may be enough for a snack, while families may need 500 to 1,000 g. On the other hand, larger packs can take up unnecessary freezer space and lead to waste.

What to look for when buying online

1. Cooking method, temperature and cooking time

The instructions on the packaging matter more than general marketing claims. For frozen products, it should be clear whether they can be cooked straight from frozen and which cooking method is recommended.

Examples from the range:

  • According to the product details, Vossko Chicken Nuggets can be cooked in a frying pan, oven or deep fryer.
  • McCain 1.2.3 Original Fries are suitable for the oven, air fryer and electric deep fryer. For deep frying, the recommended temperature is 175 °C for around 3 to 4 minutes.
  • BML Japanese Ebi Fry Torpedo should be deep-fried from frozen at 170 to 180 °C for around 3 to 4 minutes.
  • According to the manufacturer, Sprehe Chicken Schnitzel Wiener Style should be cooked from frozen in a frying pan or deep fryer.

A single temperature recommendation isn’t a promise of quality, but it can help you check that a product is compatible with the equipment you have. If you deep-fry regularly, look for a fryer with enough capacity and an easy-to-read temperature control.

2. Check the ingredients and allergens before you buy

With coated products, it’s not just the meat or fish content that matters: check the coating and sauces too. Iglo Fish Fingers, for example, contain 65% Alaska pollock fillet and wheat. Vossko Chicken Nuggets are listed as containing 57% chicken, while the accompanying dips include allergen information for ingredients such as soy, milk, celery and mustard.

It’s worth checking the ingredients carefully for Asian specialities:

  • Chicken karaage often contains wheat and soy sauce.
  • Chicken karaage may also contain garlic, ginger and various seasonings.
  • Korean fish cakes may contain fish, wheat and sesame.
  • Ebi fry contains crustaceans and wheat.
  • Fried onions are often made with wheat flour and vegetable oil.

If you have an allergy or intolerance, always check the information on the current packaging. Product details may change.

3. Cold chain, storage and pack size

Frozen products generally need to be stored at −18 °C or below. Many items must not be refrozen once thawed. Plan how you’ll store your delivery and check that you have enough room in your freezer.

Pack sizes vary considerably:

  • 300 to 400 g is often suitable as a side dish or for smaller households.
  • 500 to 750 g is a better fit for family meals.
  • 900 g to 1 kg makes sense if you regularly need several portions or snacks for guests.

Shelf-stable items such as fried onions, sardines and instant noodles don’t need to be kept frozen. Once opened, though, they still have their own storage instructions, such as keeping them in a cool place or using them within a few days.

Choosing the right oil and electric deep fryer

If you want to cook chips, chicken nuggets or fried onions the traditional way, you’ll need an oil with a suitable recommended temperature. According to the product description, Jeden Tag Pure Frying & Cooking Oil is suitable for an ideal frying temperature of 175 °C. It’s made from a blend of vegetable oils and can be filtered once cooled. Never leave hot oil unattended, and keep it away from water.

An electric deep fryer lets you control the temperature. The MAWIRON model has a 2 l capacity, 1,000 W of power and a temperature range of 80 to 190 °C. A removable basket, oil pourer and heat-insulated handle make it easier to use. Don’t exceed the maximum fill level, and always place the appliance on a stable, heat-resistant surface.

Ideal for: Budget-conscious beginners
McCain 1.2.3 Original Fries 750 g

McCain 1.2.3 Original Fries 750 g

Why this product suits you: The 750 g pack is ideal for fuss-free sides and can be cooked in the oven, air fryer or electric deep fryer.

How this product helps you avoid a pitfall

The packaging gives several cooking options, along with specific temperature and timing ranges. That means you don’t need a dedicated deep fryer.

Key benefits and strengths

Listed as containing 96.5% potatoes; labelled vegetarian, vegan and lactose-free.

Ideal for: Quality-conscious shoppers
Iglo 10 MSC Fish Sticks 300 g

Iglo 10 MSC Fish Sticks 300 g

Why this product suits you: The pack contains ten fish fingers made with Alaska pollock fillet, with clear information about their origin, cooking instructions and allergens.

How this product helps you avoid a pitfall

The product description lists 65% Alaska pollock fillet and gives oven and pan cooking instructions. This makes it easier to compare with more heavily coated alternatives.

Key benefits and strengths

Listed as containing 65% Alaska pollock fillet; the product description states that the fishery is MSC-certified.

Ideal for: Specific needs and frequent use
Emperor's Choice Chicken Karaage 1kg

Emperor's Choice Chicken Karaage 1kg

Why this product suits you: The 1 kg pack is designed for households that regularly make chicken karaage, Asian snacks or meals for several people.

How this product helps you avoid a pitfall

The pack size is clearly stated, and storage at −18 °C is specified. This makes it easier to check that you have enough freezer space before you buy.

Key benefits and strengths

Listed as containing 60% chicken thigh meat; seasoned with soy sauce, ginger and garlic.

Ideal for: Fans of Korean street food specialities
Bibigo Glazed Chicken Sobaba Soy Honey 250g

Bibigo Glazed Chicken Sobaba Soy Honey 250g

Why this product suits you: This ready-to-eat product with soy and honey sauce can be served as a snack, side or quick meal, and heated in the microwave or in hot water.

How this product helps you avoid a pitfall

You don’t need separate frying oil to prepare it. The product description also lists allergens such as wheat, fish and soy.

Key benefits and strengths

Listed as containing 57% chicken; heats in 1 to 2 minutes in the microwave or 5 minutes in boiling water.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a complete, regularly updated list of products that meet these strict selection criteria and fully comply with the safety regulations in force in the EU.

Frequently asked questions about buying online

Which fried foods are easiest to prepare?

Chips, fish fingers and chicken nuggets usually need only an oven, frying pan, air fryer or electric deep fryer. Ready-made products such as Bibigo Sobaba make preparation even easier. Always follow the specific instructions from the manufacturer.

How long can you use frying oil for?

This depends on the temperature, type of food, how dirty the oil gets and how often it’s used. Once cooled, the oil should be filtered and stored in a dark place. Don’t use it again if it has an unusual smell, is heavily discoloured, starts smoking or contains residue. Always follow the maximum temperature specified for the product.

How much does it cost to cook with an electric deep fryer?

As well as the purchase price, you’ll need to factor in the cost of frying oil and electricity. The main considerations are the appliance’s power, preheating time, the amount of oil and cooking time. A 1,000 W appliance running for one hour would theoretically use 1 kWh; the actual cost depends on how long you use it and your electricity tariff.