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Crispy Fried Jalapeño Popper Rings

Thick slices of fresh jalapeño peppers stuffed with a rich cream cheese and mozzarella blend, coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs, and deep-fried to golden perfection.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Game Day
Calories: 380
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Peppers and Filling
  • 8-10 large jalapeño peppers washed and dried
  • 8 oz cream cheese softened
  • 1 cup low-moisture mozzarella cheese shredded
  • 0.5 cup sharp cheddar cheese shredded
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • 0.5 tsp onion powder
  • 0.25 tsp smoked paprika
  • 0.25 tsp salt
Breading Station & Frying
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 3 large eggs
  • 2 tbsp milk or water
  • 2.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 4-6 cups vegetable oil for frying
  • 2 tbsp fresh cilantro chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Dutch oven or deep skillet
  • Deep-fry thermometer
  • Mixing bowls
  • Parchment-lined baking sheet

Method
 

  1. Wearing gloves, slice off the jalapeño stems. Cut into 1/2-inch thick rings and carve out the seeds and white membranes from the center.
  2. In a bowl, mash together the softened cream cheese, mozzarella, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and salt.
  3. Press the cheese mixture firmly into the hollow center of each jalapeño ring. Place on a baking sheet and freeze for 20-30 minutes.
  4. Set up a breading station with 3 bowls: seasoned flour in the first, beaten eggs with milk in the second, and panko with oregano in the third.
  5. Dredge each chilled stuffed ring in flour, dip completely in the egg wash, and press firmly into the panko until fully coated.
  6. Heat 2-3 inches of oil in a heavy pot to 360°F (180°C).
  7. Fry rings in small batches for 2-3 minutes, flipping halfway, until deep golden brown.
  8. Transfer to a wire rack to drain. Sprinkle with flaky sea salt immediately.
  9. Garnish with fresh chopped cilantro and serve hot with ranch or dipping sauce of choice.

Notes

Freezing the stuffed rings before breading and frying is essential to prevent the cheese from melting and leaking out into the hot oil.