These Faux-Fried Recipes Might Be Better Than the Real Thing

Categories: Chanukah | Recipe Roundups

Raquel Malul December 12, 2025

Each year on Instagram, we run a Chanukah campaign built around a fun holiday theme. We invite creators to develop a unique, playful recipe that fits that theme. This year, we’re going faux-fried.

Think Fried Rice Paper Meat Borekas that crackle like the real thing, Latke Waffle Bowls that turn your bowl into a bite, Pull-Apart Sufganiyot that make sharing irresistible, and a Sheet Pan Latke with Pulled Brisket that brings all the comfort with half the effort.

They’re playful, creative, and satisfying, proving you don’t need a deep fryer to bring the Chanukah magic.

Keep checking back for new recipes each day!

Ready to get faux-fried? Let’s dive in.

1. Fried Rice Paper Meat Borekas by Talia Krief

2. Latke Waffle Bowls by Nathalie Elbaz

Crispy, golden, and a much healthier version of the classic Chanukah favorite.

3. Pull-Apart Sufganiyot by Rebecca Tobal

4. Sheet Pan Latke with Pulled Brisket by Dassy Hirsch

5. Chicken Dumplings by Shira Mansano

A simple, cozy, better-than-takeout recipe.

6. Buffalo Cauliflower Bites by Marla Rottenstreich

7. Greek Yogurt Donut Holes (Egg-Free) by Ariella Taragin

No pan, no fry, no mess!

8. Iraqi Chicken and Potato Aruk by Natali Mizrahi

These Iraqi-Jewish chicken aruk are made with golden potatoes, fresh herbs, and warm spices, then baked until crisp and deeply flavorful. A lighter, faux-fried take on the Chanukah classic, they deliver all the comfort and nostalgia of the traditional version without the deep frying.

9. Crispy Air Fryer Plantain Latkes by Hadassah Dorfman

This is a recipe we make every year during Chanukah. Traditionally we deep-fry our plantain latkes, but over the years I started making a lighter version… and the air-fried ones are just as golden, crispy, and delicious, without all the oil.

10. Smashburger Eggrolls by Talia Kutner

Chanukah is all about the fun fried food, but if you’re anything like me, all the oil really starts to affect me – but I still want exciting fun foods! This is when the air fryer comes in so perfectly. These smashburger eggrolls are crazy easy and quick and are so indulgent. You can prep the beef ahead of time and legit make this in minutes. Enjoy!!

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