Pizza will always be the star of the show, but today’s most successful pizza shops know that the real profit opportunity is in the menu around the pizza. Fried appetizers, sides, and desserts are some of the highest-margin items a shop can offer, and they’re exactly what customers expect when they order from their favorite pizza place.
Adding fried foods can increase ticket averages, boost customer satisfaction, and create new revenue streams. The challenge? Traditional fryers require ventilation, staff training, space, and additional labor, things many pizza operators simply don’t have.
That’s where AutoFry®, the fully enclosed ventless fryer from Motion Technology, Inc., comes in.
Let’s take a look at how pizza operators can build a winning, profitable menu using fried food and AutoFry.
Customers rarely order just pizza anymore. They want snackable, sharable, and craveable items that complement their meal.
Fried menu items offer:
High profit margins compared to many other menu categories
Quick cook times that keep kitchens efficient
Easy upselling opportunities during ordering
Perfect pairing with pizza and beverages
When done right, fried foods can increase the average order value significantly.
A successful menu balances variety and simplicity. You want enough options to appeal to customers without overwhelming your kitchen.
With AutoFry, operators can offer a wide range of fried foods with minimal labor and no hood system required.
Here are some top-performing fried items pizza shops are adding today:
Appetizers are the easiest upsell and often the first item customers add to their order.
Popular choices include:
• Mozzarella sticks
• Fried pickles
• Jalapeño poppers
• Mac & cheese bites
• Fried ravioli
These items are perfect for sharing and encourage customers to spend more per order.
Sides help round out the meal and are especially popular for takeout and delivery orders.
Consider adding:
• French fries
• Onion rings
• Tater tots
• Loaded fries
These items are inexpensive to produce but offer strong margins and fast cook times.
Chicken wings are one of the most profitable and popular items in pizza restaurants.
Offering wings allows operators to:
• Compete with wing-focused chains
• Increase group orders
• Drive late-night sales
AutoFry makes cooking wings simple and consistent, helping ensure crispy results every time.
Want to take your menu to the next level?
Adding fried chicken sandwiches or specialty items can significantly boost ticket value.
Examples include:
• Crispy chicken sandwiches
• Buffalo chicken sliders
• Chicken tenders baskets
These menu items can easily become signature offerings that set your shop apart.
Fried desserts are an easy way to increase profits with minimal effort.
Customer favorites include:
• Churros
• Fried Oreos
• Funnel cake fries
These items are low cost and high appeal, especially for families and late-night orders.
Traditional fryers can be difficult to install in many pizza kitchens due to ventilation requirements.
AutoFry eliminates that challenge.
Key advantages include:
Ventless operation – No hood system required
Fully enclosed design – Safe and easy to operate
Consistent cooking – Automated frying ensures perfect results
Minimal labor – Staff simply load and press a button
Compact footprint – Ideal for tight kitchen spaces
AutoFry allows pizza operators to expand their menu without expanding their kitchen.
The right fried food menu can transform a pizza shop from a single-product business into a full foodservice destination.
With the right strategy, operators can:
• Increase average order size
• Drive add-on purchases
• Improve customer satisfaction
• Generate strong margins on every order
And with AutoFry, adding these menu items has never been easier.
Want to see how AutoFry can help your pizza shop build a more profitable menu?
Join us at the International Pizza Expo & Conference in Las Vegas and experience AutoFry in action.
Visit Motion Technology, Inc. at Booth #2759 to learn how ventless frying can help pizza operators expand their menu, increase profits, and serve more of the foods customers love.
We look forward to seeing you there!