Experience the delicious heat of our Fried Jalapeno coated in flour and egg batter. Its crispy, golden-brown outer layer provides a satisfying crunch with every bite. These deep-fried jalapeños are perfect as appetizers or snacks for those who love spicy treats.
Why You'll Love This Fried Jalapeno Recipe
- Quick and Easy: You won't believe how simple this fried jalapeno recipe is. All you need are some fresh jalapeños, a basic batter, and a hot pot of oil. You'll be munching in no time!
- Customizable Heat: Want it spicier? Leave the seeds in. Would you prefer a milder kick? Remove them. You're the chef; you decide!
- Versatile Serving Options: These fried jalapeños slices are not just for snacking. Use them as a topping for burgers, tacos, or even a spicy twist on your morning omelet.
- Great for Meal Prep: You can make a large batch and freeze them. They're ready to go whenever you need a quick appetizer or a spicy addition to your meal!
The Ingredients
- Jalapeños. Their spicy kick and vibrant green color make these fried jalapenos irresistible. If jalapeños are too hot for your taste, substitute them with Anaheim peppers for a milder experience.
- All-purpose flour. Coats the jalapeños, giving them a perfect, crispy crust. Add cornstarch for extra crispiness.
- Eggs. It is a binding agent that holds the flour and the jalapeno in place.
- Paprika provides a subtle smokiness to the coating. You can substitute cayenne pepper for the mix if you prefer more heat.
- Onion and garlic powder. It enhances the overall flavor.
- Canola or vegetable oil. For frying the jalapeños to golden perfection.
- Cornmeal(optional). Cornmeal adds a crunchy texture.
How To Make Fried Jalapeno?
- Wash and slice the jalapeños into rings. Toss them in a bowl with flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, beaten eggs, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Preheat a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F. Carefully place the coated jalapeño slices into the hot oil without crowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown. Tip: Maintain oil temperature for crispiness.
- Then, remove and drain on a paper towel to absorb excess oil.
Best To Pair With
- Handhelds. From juicy burgers to melty grilled cheese sandwiches, Adding fried jalapeños can give an ordinary sandwich that delicious zing and crunch.
- Mexican-inspired favorites. Whether it's tacos, nachos, or even a hearty burrito, these add a spicy layer that takes these classic dishes to a new level.
- Meat. Imagine the smoky sweetness of BBQ ribs or the savory goodness of chicken wings with the spicy crunch of fried jalapeños. It is amazing.
- Comfort Foods. Mac and cheese, loaded fries, pizza, or even a simple Caesar salad—these comfort foods get a gourmet upgrade when you sprinkle some fried jalapeños.
The Leftovers
- In the Refrigerator. Place the cooled jalapeños in an airtight container and store them in the fridge. They'll stay good for up to 3 days, but they're best enjoyed sooner for that optimal crunch.
- Freezer-Friendly. For more extended storage, lay the fried jalapeno on a baking sheet and freeze them individually. Then, transfer them to a zip-top bag. They can last up to 3 months in the freezer.
- Thawing Methods. If you've frozen your jalapeños, let them thaw in the fridge overnight. To make it quick, use the defrost setting on your microwave.
- Reheating. The oven is your best friend here. Preheat it to 375°F and bake the jalapeños for about 10 minutes, or until they're crispy again. Avoid the microwave; it'll make them soggy.
- Make ahead options. Make ahead options. Freeze uncooked jalapeños for a quick and easy snack.
The Recipe Tips & Tricks
- Start with jalapeno. For the best flavor and crunch, use fresh jalapeños that are firm, vibrant green, and blemish-free.
- Adjust the heat. You can control the spiciness of your deep-fried jalapeno by removing or retaining the seeds and veins. Want a milder experience? Remove them. Are you craving that fiery kick? Feel free to leave them in.
- For better crispiness. Chill your batter mix for 15-20 minutes before dipping and frying to ensure a crispy crust.
- Temperature is critical. Use a cooking thermometer to monitor the temperature of your oil throughout frying to avoid burning or soggy jalapeños.
- For an extra crunchy crust, double-batter your jalapeños. Just be sure not to overcrowd the pan while frying.
Variations
- Different Jalapeños: Elevate your crispy fried jalapenos by cutting them in various shapes, like frying them as a whole, as think strips and more.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a touch of brown sugar to your batter mix to balance out the heat and add complex flavors to each bite.
- Herb-Infused Batter: Add finely chopped cilantro or parsley to your batter for a fresh, herby note that beautifully complements the spiciness.
- Beer Batter: In your wet mix, swap milk for beer for a light, airy batter with a unique flavor profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fried jalapeños provide a delightful mixture of textures and flavors, with a crispy exterior that gives way to juicy, fruity flesh and a spicy kick inside.
To get the batter to stick, dip the jalapeños in a wet mix of eggs and milk, followed by a dry mixture of flour, cornmeal, and spices. Again, the wet mixture and then the dry mix.
Frying mellows out the spiciness of jalapeños by breaking down some capsaicin. It makes them more approachable while still retaining a kick.
Printable Recipe Card
Fried Jalapeno
Ingredients
- 8 Jalapeños sliced into rings
- ½ cup All-purpose flour
- 2 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 Eggs beaten
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Onion powder
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon Salt To taste
- 1 cup vegetable oil For frying
- ¼ cup Cornmeal optional
Instructions
- Preheat a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F.
- Wash jalapeños thoroughly and slice them into rings.
- In a mixing bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the jalapeño slices into the beaten eggs, then gently dredge them in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Carefully drop the coated jalapeño slices into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
Notes
- For a milder taste, remove the seeds; for more heat, leave them in.
- Store cooled jalapeños in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freeze individually on a baking sheet, then transfer to a zip-top bag; they last up to 3 months.
- Reheat by baking at 375°F for 10 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving.
Miriam says
OMGoodness! I just found you, my friend! Look at all these wonderful recipes using jalapeno. My garden overproduced this year and you're a lifesaver. So glad I found you
Sujatha Muralidhar says
Oh wow, thank you so much Miriam! I'm thrilled you found me, and I'm glad my recipes can help you make the most of your jalapeño bounty. Happy cooking, and enjoy your garden’s delicious harvest!