In the highly competitive world of foodservice, every dollar counts — and increasing your Average Order Value (AOV) is one of the smartest ways to grow profits without increasing customer traffic. One of the most effective strategies? Fried foods.

From quick-service restaurants to pizzerias and convenience stores, adding crispy, craveable fried items to your menu can drive both impulse purchases and bundled orders. Here’s how.

Why Fried Foods Drive Higher Ticket Totals

Fried foods are a proven profit powerhouse. Here’s why:

• High Margin Items: Fried sides like fries, onion rings, and mozzarella sticks have low food costs and high perceived value.
• Impulse Buys: The crispy aroma and visual appeal often lead customers to add an extra item at the last second.
• Easy Add-ons: Fried apps and sides make it easy to upsell and bundle without overhauling your menu.
• Fried Desserts: Items like beignets, churros, or funnel cake fries add novelty and indulgence, increasing dessert sales.

Practical Ways to Use Fried Foods to Increase AOV

Here are actionable strategies foodservice operators can use today:

🧺 Bundle with Combos

Offer combo meals with fried sides and drinks to boost order size.

• Example: Add $3-$5 to each order with a “Meal Deal” that includes fries and a drink.

📦 Add-on Options at Checkout

Train staff (or program kiosks) to suggest fried sides or desserts during checkout.

• Example: “Would you like to add waffle fries or fried pickles for $2.99?”

🎯 Limited-Time Fried Items

Create urgency and buzz with seasonal or specialty fried items.

• Example: Launch a “Fried Feast Friday” featuring rotating deep-fried favorites.

🍗 Premium Fried Apps

Upgrade your appetizer game with loaded fries, fried mac & cheese bites, or Nashville hot chicken strips.

• These items can sell for $7–$10 while keeping food costs under control.

🍩 Don't Forget Fried Sweets

Sweet, fried treats are irresistible and perfect for sharing — especially with online orders.

• Example: Add a $5 fried dessert option to delivery and takeout menus.

How AutoFry® Makes It Easy to Add Fried Foods — Without the Headaches

One of the biggest barriers to offering fried foods is the complexity of traditional fryers: ventilation requirements, staff training, safety concerns, and kitchen space limitations.

AutoFry solves all of these problems.

✅ Why Foodservice Pros Choose AutoFry:

• Ventless Technology: No hood system required — ideal for tight kitchens or spaces without expensive ventilation.
• Fully Enclosed & Automated: Minimizes risk and ensures consistent cooking, even with less-experienced staff.
• Space-Saving Design: Compact and countertop models fit nearly any operation.
• Hands-Off Operation: Drop, cook, and serve — no need for constant monitoring.
• Increase Menu Offerings: Easily expand with fried apps, snacks, or desserts, all from one machine.
• Energy Efficient: Electric appliances are designed to use energy more efficiently compared to their gas counterparts.

Whether you're a coffee shop looking to boost ticket size or a pizza place expanding into appetizers, AutoFry offers a seamless way to fry up profits.

Increasing your AOV doesn’t require reinventing your menu — sometimes, it’s as simple as adding something golden, crispy, and irresistible. With fried foods, you're not just feeding cravings; you're feeding your bottom line. And with AutoFry, you can do it without the traditional back-of-house barriers.

Ready to fry your way to higher profits? Let AutoFry make it easy.