Description
These Cajun-style crispy fried jalapeños are a bold, crunchy party side dish featuring fresh jalapeño slices double-dredged in seasoned flour and fried to golden perfection. Perfect for gatherings, game nights, or as a spicy snack, they’re easy to make and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6–8 large fresh jalapeños (about 7 oz), sliced into 1/4-inch rounds
- 1 cup buttermilk (or milk + 1 tsp lemon juice)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (or 1:1 gluten-free flour blend)
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder (optional)
- 1 large egg (optional, whisked into buttermilk)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying; canola, peanut, sunflower, or avocado oil)
- Optional for dipping: ranch dressing, spicy mayo, blue cheese dip
Instructions
- Wash and dry jalapeños. Slice into 1/4-inch rounds. Remove seeds and membranes for less heat if desired.
- In a large bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg (if using). Add jalapeño slices and soak for 10 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Lift jalapeños from buttermilk with a slotted spoon, shaking off excess liquid. Toss in flour mixture to coat.
- For extra crunch, dip coated jalapeños back into buttermilk, then dredge again in flour mixture (double-coating).
- Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or Dutch oven and heat to 350°F (175°C).
- Working in batches, gently lower coated jalapeños into hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per batch until golden brown and crispy.
- Transfer fried jalapeños to a paper towel-lined plate using a slotted spoon. Sprinkle with a pinch of salt while hot.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce. For prepping ahead, keep warm in a 200°F oven until ready to serve.
Notes
Double-dredging gives extra crunch. For less heat, remove seeds and membranes. Air fry at 400°F for 8-10 minutes for a lighter version. Gluten-free and vegan adaptations work well. Serve immediately for best texture; leftovers can be reheated in the oven. Avoid overcrowding the pan for maximum crispiness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 8 jalapeño slices
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Carbohydrates: 12
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 2
Keywords: fried jalapeños, Cajun side dish, party snack, crispy jalapeños, spicy appetizer, gluten-free option, air fryer jalapeños