These crispy jalapeno fries are a super crunchy, delicious, and flavorful addictive appetizer recipe that is easy to make, and always a favorite. Get ready for a delicious snack that will be requested often, and craved even more.
If you’re looking for a side dish, appetizer, or snack that’s a little different, then look no further. These jalapeno fries are loaded with flavor and heat, and they’re an all-purpose treat that works for almost anything. I love to serve these alongside traditional Mexican food, as an unexpected side to burgers or dogs, or as a snack with dipping sauce. There’s really no wrong way to enjoy them, and they’re so easy to make, I find myself pairing them with everything I can as often as I can.
Jalapeno Fries
This dish starts with jalapeno strips. I dredge them in a buttermilk mixture, flour mixture, and a final mix of tempura and breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy coating. Finally, I deep fry them to golden brown, crispy perfection. After that, there’s nothing left to do but enjoy them however I and my guests see fit. They’re so good and so easy. That’s just about perfect if you ask me.
Why You’ll Love This Crispy Jalapeno Fries Recipe
- The jalapenos are crispy and flavorful. Each jalapeno is cut into thin strips and coated with a delicious batter that makes them super crispy and flavorful.
- They are easy to make, and the combination of seasonings and the crunchy batter provide a crunch that is absolutely delicious and addictive
- They are a great appetizer or snack, and they’re perfect for parties, potlucks of a midday snack.
Jalapeno Fries Ingredients
This recipe uses simple ingredients that you can find in any grocery store. It only takes a short few minutes in a few aisles, and you’ll have everything you need.
- Jalapenos
- All purpose flour
- Buttermilk
- Large egg
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Tempura batter mix
- Garlic powder
- Slap Ya Mama®
- Black pepper
- Vegetable oil
How to Make Crispy Jalapeno Fries
Making these fries only takes a few minutes of prep and a few more of frying. The entire thing is done in no time at all!
Step 1: Prep the Jalapenos
Using gloves, prepare the jalapenos by washing them, removing the stems, and slicing them into thin strips. Set aside.
Step 2: Make the Dredging Station
Add flour to a shallow bowl. Whisk the buttermilk and egg together in another shallow bowl. Finally, combine the bread crumbs, tempura, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama, and pepper in a third bowl.
Step 3: Coat the Jalapeños
Coat the jalapeno strips in flour. Then, dip them into the buttermilk and egg mixture. Finally, dip them into the tempura mixture to coat completely.
Step 4: Fry
Heat the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is hot, add a few strips at a time and fry for 1 to 2 minutes on both sides until golden. Transfer the fries to a plate lined with paper towels until all the fries are done. Enjoy!
Recipe Tips
- Always wear gloves and wash your hands when working with hot peppers and never touch your face.
- It’s important to fry your jalapeno fries in batches to ensure the oil stays hot. This ensures a crispy coating rather than a soggy one.
- If you don’t have buttermilk, combine 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar with enough milk to make 1 cup and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Variations
- You can air fry these jalapeno fries, as well. Preheat the air fryer to 375 degrees, shake off any excess coating to prevent a big mess in your air fryer. Air-fry for 10-12 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Make these fries with different peppers for hotter or milder results. For example, you could make chili pepper fries or ghost pepper fries (if you’re into pain).
What to Serve with Jalapeno Fries
These fries are delicious when served as appetizers with your favorite dipping sauce. They’re also fantastic as an alternative to traditional fries with burgers or dogs. I also love to serve them for Taco Tuesday alongside other Mexican favorites.
Recipe FAQ
It’s important to start by dipping the peppers into flour and then milk. This creates a somewhat glue-like coating to which the final layer of panko and tempura can stick.
Jalapeno fries reheat very well in the air fryer. Pop them in for 3 to 4 minutes at 300 degrees until they’re hot and crispy.
Yes. You should always store your jalapeno fries covered in the refrigerator.
Jalapeno fries freeze very well and will last for up to 3 months when stored properly.
How to Store and Reheat Leftover Jalapeno Fries
Store these fries for up to 5 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to 3 months in an airtight, freezer-safe container.
Try This Delicious Crispy Jalapeno Fried Recipe Today
These jalapeno fries pack a punch of flavor and heat that’s a one-two combo of deliciousness. They’re also incredibly easy to make, which makes them an even better choice for practically any occasion. Serve them at your next Taco Tuesday, as a fun alternative to fries with burgers and dogs, or simply pair them with your favorite dipping sauce and enjoy them as-is. No matter how you decide to serve them, they’ll always be a big hit.
More Delicious Appetizer Recipes You’ll Enjoy
Jalapeno Cheese Monkey Bread is another delicious appetizer or side dish that is a family favorite. This pull-apart bread is loaded with flavor, spice and lots of cheese.
Jalapeno Fries
Ingredients
- 8-10 jalapenos, stems removed, cut into thin strips
- 1½ cups all purpose flour
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs
- ½ cup Tempura batter mix
- 2 tablespoons garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Slap Ya Mama®
- 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1½-2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium high heat.
- Using gloves, wash, remove stems and slice jalapenos into thin strips and set aside.
- In a shallow bowl, add flour (you can use a gallon zip bag instead of a shallow dish to save some time).
- In another shallow bowl, whisk buttermilk and egg together. Set aside.
- In a third bowl, combine bread crumbs, tempura, garlic salt, Slap Ya Mama®, and pepper. Set aside.
- Start by adding the jalapeno strips into the flour, then dip into the buttermilk and egg mixture, and lastly dip into the panko tempura mixture.
- Place coated strips into the hot oil. Work in batches.
- Cook on one side for 1-2 minutes and then turn over and cook for another 1-2 minutes.
- Jalapeno fries are done when they are crispy and golden brown in color.
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If I don’t have tempura batter mix, is there something I can use instead?
Hi Shanna, you can substitute all purpose flour for Tempura. I hope you enjoy these jalapeno fries. 🙂