When Fall Meets Game Night

There’s just something about fall that makes everything taste better fried. Maybe it’s the cool air sneaking through the windows or that first whiff of spice from the kitchen that tells everyone, yep, game night’s on. In my house, the TV gets louder, the blankets come out, and the fryer takes centre stage. You can keep your fancy charcuterie boards. Around here, we build memories out of crispy, golden bites that vanish before the next timeout.

So, if you’re looking for the kind of snacks that make friends cheer louder than the actual game, here are my top five fried favourites for fall. They’re easy to whip up, made with Southern Fry Kings mixes (because no one has time to measure twenty spices on a Friday night), and guaranteed to score big.

Crispy Chicken Bites That Disappear Before Halftime

Let’s start with the undefeated champion, crispy fried chicken bites. I use King’s Chicken Creole Fry Batter for this one because it never fails me. It’s that perfect blend of New Orleans herbs and spice that gives every piece that “how is this so good?” crunch.

I start by marinating bite-sized chicken pieces in buttermilk and a splash of hot sauce for about 30 minutes. Then I dip them straight into the King’s Chicken mix, give them a little shake, and fry till golden. The kitchen smells like heaven. I usually have to swat away curious hands hovering over the plate while I’m still cooking.

Serve them up with honey mustard or ranch, or both if you can’t pick sides. I swear, every time I make these, they vanish before halftime. You can air fry them too, but deep frying gives that old-school crunch that just hits different when your team’s up by seven.

Spicy Jalapeño Poppers for the Brave Ones

Now, every game night needs that one snack that separates the brave from the cautious. For me, that’s jalapeño poppers coated in Spicy King’s Chicken Creole Fry Batter. They’re fiery, they’re crunchy, and they have this way of sneaking up on you after the third bite.

Here’s my trick: stuff halved jalapeños with a mix of cream cheese, cheddar, and a pinch of garlic powder. Then coat them in the Spicy King’s mix and fry until that outer shell turns the color of autumn leaves. It’s crunchy on the outside, creamy in the middle, and spicy enough to make you reach for your drink mid-laugh.

One of my friends once claimed he could handle heat “like a pro.” Let’s just say the look on his face after the second popper became the highlight of the night. Serve these with a cooling garlic aioli or sour cream dip, and you’ll have your crowd hooked.

Bayou Fried Shrimp – Because Seafood Deserves a Seat Too

I’ll be honest, shrimp doesn’t usually make it to game night at most houses, but it should. There’s something about a plate of golden, crunchy shrimp that makes the whole spread feel elevated. I use Down By The Bayou Seafood Creole Fry Batter for this one because it nails that perfect coastal flavor without needing any extra seasoning.

I usually toss cleaned shrimp in a bit of buttermilk, then dredge them in the Bayou mix until every curve is coated. They hit the oil and start sizzling right away, the kind of sound that makes everyone look up from the TV. Within minutes, they’re crisp, light, and golden. I like to serve them with homemade remoulade sauce, but tartar or even plain ketchup works fine when you’re in a rush.

Every time I make these, there’s that quiet moment right after the first bite, someone always looks down at their shrimp, then back at me, and just nods. That’s how you know you’ve got a winner.

Onion Rings Dipped in Second Line Sunday Magic

I don’t care how old you are; onion rings are pure joy. Thick-cut, golden, and perfectly seasoned, they never fail to get a cheer louder than any touchdown. I use Second Line Sunday Wet Creole Fry Mix, and honestly, it makes the job foolproof.

I slice the onions thick, separate the rings, and dip them right into the wet mix. It clings beautifully, so every ring fries up with a crisp shell that snaps when you bite into it. The smell alone is enough to make people wander into the kitchen pretending they “just came to check the score.”

The best part? They stay crunchy even after cooling, which means you can sneak a few during halftime without losing that perfect texture. I like to serve them with a spicy Cajun mayo, but regular ketchup does just fine when the dips run out.

There’s this friendly debate in my house, are onion rings a side or the main event? After making them with Second Line Sunday, I say they’ve earned MVP status.

Loaded Fried Veggie Fritters (The Underdog That Wins)

Now, this one always surprises people. Everyone expects the wings and shrimp to go first, but these little veggie fritters end up stealing the spotlight every single time. I call them the “underdog snack”, no one sees them coming, yet somehow, the plate’s empty before you even sit down.

I mix chopped bell peppers, corn, a little grated carrot, and some green onions into King’s Chicken Creole Fry Batter. Just add enough water to make a thick batter, then drop spoonfuls into hot oil. They puff up beautifully, golden and crisp on the outside, soft and flavorful on the inside. You can air fry them too if you want to feel slightly better about how many you’re about to eat.

They’re perfect with chipotle mayo or ranch, but honestly, I’ve eaten them straight out of the fryer more times than I care to admit. There’s something comforting about that mix of sweet corn and spice when it’s cold outside and your team’s trying to pull off a comeback.

Game Night Bonus Tip – Keep It Hot, Keep It Fun

If you’re making all five snacks, the trick is timing. I usually air fry the fritters and poppers while deep-frying the shrimp and chicken, then finish with the onion rings so everything’s hot and ready at once. To keep things crunchy, I spread them on a wire rack in the oven at low heat instead of piling them up. That way, no one gets soggy snacks during overtime.

Set out a few dipping stations, one spicy, one creamy, one tangy, and watch everyone claim their corner. Oh, and don’t forget napkins. A lot of them.

Every Game Needs a Snack MVP

At the end of the day, it’s not about who wins or loses, it’s about the laughs, the noise, and that moment when everyone reaches for the same piece of fried chicken at once. These five snacks bring people together the way only good food can.

So grab your favorite Southern Fry Kings mixes, King’s Chicken, Spicy King’s Chicken, Down By The Bayou Seafood, and Second Line Sunday Wet Mix, and get that fryer ready.

Because no matter what happens on screen, you’ll already be winning in the kitchen.