If you’re a fan of bold flavors, crispy textures, and a little heat, you’re going to love these Battered Jalapeño Spears. They’re crunchy, spicy, and full of flavor — like jalapeño poppers, but with a crisp batter shell that makes them irresistibly snackable.

Perfect as an appetizer, party food, or game-day snack, these fried jalapeños are golden and crisp on the outside, tender on the inside, and just the right amount of spicy. Serve them with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or aioli for a flavor-packed bite that disappears fast!

Battered Jalapeño Spears

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy, golden perfection – The beer batter fries up beautifully with a light, crunchy finish.
Bold, spicy flavor – Jalapeños bring a natural heat that’s balanced with the rich batter.
Perfect party snack – These spears are ideal finger food for gatherings or game nights.
Customizable spice – Remove the seeds to dial down the heat or leave them in for a fiery kick.
Fun to make – It’s a simple fry-at-home recipe with satisfying, restaurant-worthy results.

Tip: You can find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Ingredients

All-purpose flour
Kosher salt
Black pepper
Chili powder
Garlic powder
Eggs
Vegetable oil (for frying)
Fresh jalapeños
Optional: extra kosher salt for finishing

Instructions

Prepare the Jalapeños:
Cut off the stems, slice each jalapeño in half lengthwise, and remove the seeds if desired. Slice into spears or skinny sticks.
Make the Batter:
In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, chili powder, garlic powder, and eggs. The batter should be slightly thinner than pancake batter. If it’s too thin, add a bit more flour.
Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or large skillet, heat vegetable oil to 365°F (185°C). Maintain this temperature for consistent frying.
Coat the Jalapeños:
Dip each jalapeño spear into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated on all sides.
Fry the Spears:
Carefully place the battered jalapeños into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy — about 2–4 minutes — and floating to the surface.
Drain and Season:
Remove from oil and place on a paper towel-lined plate. If desired, sprinkle with extra kosher salt while hot.

Variations

Milder version: Use banana peppers or poblano strips instead of jalapeños.
Extra spicy: Leave in the seeds for more heat or add cayenne pepper to the batter.
Cheese-stuffed: Slice jalapeños thicker and stuff with cream cheese before battering.
Baked (not fried): Not traditional, but you can air-fry or bake them for a lighter version. They won’t be as crispy, but still tasty.

Heating and Storage

Storage:

Best served fresh, but you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Reheating:

Reheat in the oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 5–8 minutes to crisp them back up. Avoid microwaving as it makes the batter soggy.

Freezing:

Not recommended once cooked. However, you can freeze the prepared, uncooked spears after dipping in batter. Freeze on a tray first, then transfer to a bag.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and choose a gluten-free beer.

Do I need to use a deep fryer?

Nope! A deep, heavy-bottomed skillet or pot works just fine. Just use enough oil to fully submerge the spears.

Can I reduce the heat?

Yes, just remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños — that’s where most of the spice lives.

What dipping sauce goes best?

Ranch, chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or even sour cream-based dips all work beautifully.

Can I make the batter ahead of time?

It’s best used fresh, but you can prep the dry ingredients in advance. Add eggs and beer right before frying.

How do I know the oil is hot enough?

Use a thermometer to ensure it’s around 365°F (185°C). Or test with a small drop of batter — it should sizzle and rise immediately.

Will these stay crispy?

They stay crisp for a short while, but like most fried foods, they’re best enjoyed right out of the fryer.

Are these kid-friendly?

They can be if you use mild peppers or fully remove the seeds. Otherwise, they may be too spicy for sensitive palates.

Can I use pickled jalapeños?

Fresh jalapeños work best for this recipe. Pickled ones will be too soft and tangy for batter frying.

Conclusion

These Battered Jalapeño Spears are a spicy, crunchy treat that’s perfect for entertaining, snacking, or just satisfying your craving for something fried and flavorful. The crispy coating, fiery jalapeños, and cool dip of your choice come together to create the ultimate appetizer experience. They’re easy to make, fun to eat, and guaranteed to impress!

Chef sara