Description

Crunchy, golden, and irresistibly addictive, this crispy deep fried snack recipe is the ultimate comfort food. Customizable with veggies, cheese, chicken, or tofu, it delivers a perfect balance of crunch and tenderness for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 cup all-purpose flour (120g)
1/2 cup cornstarch (60g)
1 teaspoon baking powder (4g)
1 teaspoon salt (5g)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (2g)
1 teaspoon paprika (optional, 3g)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional, 3g)
3/4 cup cold water (180ml)
1 large egg (50g), beaten
2 cups bite-sized vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli, zucchini, sweet potato, mushrooms) OR
2 cups cheese cubes (mozzarella or cheddar) OR
2 cups chicken pieces (boneless, skinless, cut into small chunks) OR
2 cups tofu cubes
3–4 cups vegetable oil (canola or peanut oil) for deep frying
Fresh herbs (parsley, cilantro, or chives, finely chopped) for garnish
Your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, hot sauce, garlic aioli, honey mustard, spicy ketchup)

Instructions

Cut your chosen base (veggies, cheese, chicken, or tofu) into bite-sized pieces. Pat dry with paper towels to remove moisture. If using chicken, season lightly with salt and pepper.
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, black pepper, and optional spices until evenly combined.
In a separate bowl, beat the egg and add cold water. Stir until well mixed.
Pour the wet mixture into the dry ingredients. Whisk gently until smooth. Batter should be thick enough to coat a spoon but not gluey. Adjust with water or flour as needed.
Pour vegetable oil into your pot or fryer and heat to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer for accuracy.
Dip each piece into the batter, coating completely. Carefully lower into the hot oil using a slotted spoon or tongs. Fry 3-5 minutes, turning once, until deeply golden and crispy.
Remove snacks and place on paper towels or a wire rack to drain. Sprinkle with a little extra salt while hot if desired.
Work in batches to avoid crowding the pan. Let oil recover between batches for best crunch.
Garnish with fresh herbs and serve hot with your favorite dips.

Notes

For gluten-free snacks, use rice flour or a gluten-free blend. For vegan, skip the egg and use plant-based milk or water. Fry in small batches for best crunch. Pat ingredients dry before battering. Let batter rest for 5-10 minutes for better texture. Reheat leftovers in oven or air fryer for crispiness. Avoid microwaving.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Snack
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: About 6-8 pieces per serving
Calories: 220
Sugar: 2
Sodium: 350
Fat: 12
Saturated Fat: 2
Carbohydrates: 20
Fiber: 2
Protein: 7

Keywords: deep fried snack, comfort food, crispy snack, easy appetizer, party food, vegetarian option, gluten-free option, air fryer snack, fried veggies, cheese sticks, fried chicken bites