Here’s a crispy, spicy, and addictively snackable recipe for Fried Jalapeños—perfect as an appetizer, party snack, or spicy sidekick for burgers or tacos.
🌶️ Fried Jalapeños
Crispy · Spicy · Crowd-Pleasing
Ingredients:
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8–10 fresh jalapeños, sliced into ¼-inch rings
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1 cup buttermilk (or milk with 1 tsp vinegar or lemon juice)
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1 cup all-purpose flour
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1/2 cup cornmeal (optional, for crunch)
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp paprika
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Salt & pepper, to taste
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Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions:
1. Prep the Jalapeños:
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Slice jalapeños into rings and remove seeds if you want less heat.
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Soak them in buttermilk for at least 15–20 minutes. This helps the coating stick and tames some of the spice.
2. Make the Dredge:
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In a shallow bowl, mix flour, cornmeal (if using), garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Heat the Oil:
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In a deep skillet or pot, heat 1–2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C).
(Use a thermometer for accuracy—too hot and they’ll burn; too cool and they’ll be soggy.)
4. Coat & Fry:
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Working in batches, remove jalapeños from the buttermilk, let excess drip off, then toss in the flour mixture to coat well.
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Fry for 2–3 minutes, flipping if needed, until golden brown and crispy.
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Remove to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
🥣 Serving Suggestions:
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Serve with ranch, chipotle mayo, or garlic aioli for dipping.
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Great on top of nachos, burgers, or even mac & cheese.
🔄 Variations:
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Beer batter: Mix 1 cup flour with ¾ cup beer for a puffy tempura-like crust.
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Cheesy version: Add finely grated Parmesan to the flour mix.
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Pickled jalapeños? They fry great too—just pat dry before dipping in the batter.