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Category: Appetisers

  • Fried Avocado

    Fried Avocado

    Insanely delicious and perfect for dipping, these fried avocado slices are the best appetizer choice! You’re going to love their crispy, golden panko shell and buttery, creamy center.

    Avocados are one of my favorite things to have in the kitchen and there are so many tasty ways to use them! If you’re looking for some unique ways to use up this versatile fruit, try this avocado hummus dip, these egg rolls, or avocado salsa!

    Closeup of fried avocado slices on a gray plate.

    Deep-Fried Avocado Wedges

    If you’re an avocado lover like me, then you’re in for a treat! Fried avocado is one of my new favorite things to snack on and has always been a favorite wherever it goes. This recipe starts with sliced avocados that are battered and deep-fried for maximum crispy deliciousness. The golden panko shell is the perfect contrast to the creamy umami center.

    It only takes a couple of minutes for these bad boys to cook up, leaving you with a tasty, dippable appetizer that everyone will go crazy over. They’re amazing on their own but even better when you serve them with your favorite dips! (You can also add your fried avocado to tacos or burrito bowls!) I paired these wedges with some cilantro ranch, but fry sauce, garlic aioli, and ketchup are great options, too. You may want to make a double batch of these- they’re so good, everyone will want seconds.

    What You’ll Need to Make Them

    This fried avocado recipe uses everyday ingredients that you’ve probably got in your kitchen right now! Go make yourself a batch and thank me later. Check out the recipe card at the end of the post for exact measurements!

    • Cooking Oil: You’ll need this to fry your avocado slices in! I used vegetable oil.
    • Avocados: For fries and wedges, I like my avocados to be on the firmer side.
    • Eggs: Help the tasty panko coating stick to your avocado slices.
    • Flour: Adds to the crispiness of the coating.
    • Panko Bread Crumbs: Panko gives your fried avocado the perfect crunch!
    • Italian Seasoning: Adds the best pop of flavor to your avocado wedges. Try making your own blend of Italian seasoning! You can find my full recipe here.
    • Garlic Powder: You can never go wrong with garlic! Add some to your bread crumb mixture for a tasty, savory flavor!
    • Salt: A pinch is all you need to enhance the overall flavor of this appetizer.

    How to Make Deep Fried Avocado Fries

    The process is a lot simpler than you’d think! You’ll have your avocado fries crispy, golden, and ready to munch on in no time.

    1. Prepare Oil: In a deep skillet, add about 1 inch of vegetable oil and heat to 350 degrees.
    2. Slice Avocados, Prepare Batter: Peel and slice the avocados in half lengthwise and then cut into wedges. In a shallow dish, add the eggs, in another dish add the flour, and the last dish adds the panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
    3. Coat Avocado Slices: Dip the avocado into the flour, then the egg, and lastly in the panko.
    4. Deep Fry: Add about 4-6 strips to the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove them and place on a paper towel lined plate. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

    Can I Bake My Avocado Fries Instead?

    Yes! If you want to skip the mess of deep frying, you can also make avocado fries in the oven or air fryer. I’ve got recipes for both that you’re going to absolutely love!

    4-photo collage of avocado wedges being battered and fried.

    Cooking Tips

    Deep-frying avocado is one of my new favorite ways to prepare it. It’s just too golden and delicious to pass up! Here are a few ways to customize and perfect your batch of avocado fries.

    • Swap Out Seasonings: You can customize the flavor of your bread crumb mixture by swapping your Italian seasoning for a pinch of Cajun seasoning, lemon pepper, or blackened seasoning. A pinch of paprika or cayenne is also great for adding a touch of spice!
    • Use Firm Avocados: If you have an avocado on hand that isn’t quite soft to the touch yet, it’s perfect for making fries with. You want any avocados you use to be slightly firm, so they hold up through the breading process.

    Top-down view of fried avocado slices on a gray plate served with dipping sauce.

    How Long Does Deep-Fried Avocado Last?

    If you have leftovers of your fried avocado, store them in an airtight container for up to 24 hours in the fridge.

    Note: I always like to crisp up leftover avocado fries by popping them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes at 350 degrees F.

    Closeup of an avocado fry being dipped in sauce.

    More Delicious Avocado Recipes

    Avocado is such a delicious fruit and you can use it in so many different dishes! Not only are they delicious but packed with healthy fats and potassium, too. It’s a win-win! These are a few of my favorite avocado recipes. You’re going to love them!

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    Fried Avocado

    Insanely delicious and perfect for dipping, these fried avocado slices are the best appetizer choice! You're going to love their crispy, golden panko shell and buttery, creamy center.
    Prep Time 15 minutes
    Cook Time 5 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 4
    Calories 548kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • oil for frying
    • 4 avocados slightly firm
    • 3 eggs
    • 1 cup flour
    • 1 cup panko
    • 1 Tablespoon Italian Seasoning
    • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1 teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • In a deep skillet add about 1 inch of vegetable oil and heat to 350 degrees. Slice the avocados in half lengthwise and then cut into wedges. In a shallow dish add the eggs, in another dish add the flour, and the last dish adds the panko, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and salt.
    • Dip the avocado into the flour, then egg, and lastly in the panko.
    • Add about 4-6 strips to the hot oil and fry for about 2 minutes until they are golden brown. Remove them and place on a paper towel lined plate. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 548kcal | Carbohydrates: 53g | Protein: 14g | Fat: 34g | Saturated Fat: 6g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 21g | Trans Fat: 0.01g | Cholesterol: 123mg | Sodium: 753mg | Potassium: 1108mg | Fiber: 16g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 493IU | Vitamin C: 20mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 4mg
  • Caprese Skewers

    Caprese Skewers

    Caprese skewers are a 4-ingredient appetizer that is so simple but guaranteed to impress! Made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and an easy balsamic reduction, they imitate classic Caprese salad, only made portable on a skewer!

    Skewers are a great way to combine different flavors, colors, and textures all in one place. They’re so delicious and look so appetizing! Try these antipasto skewers, Thai chicken skewers, or teriyaki beef skewers at your next barbecue!

    Caprese skewers drizzled with balsamic vinegar.

    Caprese Skewers With a Balsamic Drizzle

    I’ve been trying to clean up some of my eating habits this summer, so rather than whipping up my signature batch of homemade brownies every time there’s a potluck or party to attend, I’ve been making these fresh and light Caprese skewers instead. And guess what – not a single person has complained about being presented with tomatoes rather than chocolate (which I was a little worried about the first time!). You just can’t go wrong with the combination of basil, mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and a tangy balsamic drizzle on top! It’s too irresistible.

    I think that having impressive appetizers that are also easy to make is essential, and these Caprese skewers just earned themselves a place on the list. Just 4 ingredients plus a skewer and you have yourself an appetizer that’s simple, refreshing, and bursting with flavor! It’s everything you love about a classic Caprese salad but ready to take on the go! They’re the best. Get ready to be addicted.

    All Ingredients Needed

    Simplicity is key here! Modeled after the famous Caprese salad, the 4 components of these skewers are a handful of fresh basil, grape or cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella. You will also need some balsamic vinegar, which you will cook down to a balsamic reduction for drizzling. You can find measurements for each ingredient in the recipe card below.

    • Balsamic Vinegar: The sweet but tangy flavor of balsamic vinegar is a must here. This gets cooked down to create a thick, delicious balsamic glaze.
    • Mini Mozzarella Balls: If yours are in water, drain and pat dry before adding to your skewers.
    • Tomatoes: Cherry or grape tomatoes both work! We’re just going for bite-sized here.
    • Fresh Basil Leaves: Add a pop of minty flavor in between the layers.

    Are Caprese Skewers Healthy?

    Yes! Caprese skewers are a super healthy choice. Tomatoes are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants, while mozzarella is a great source of healthy fats and calcium! Even the basil leaves are good for you! They’re a great source of vitamins like magnesium. And the best part? Caprese skewers are low-carb and diet-friendly! They’re a delicious snack you don’t have to feel bad about eating!

    How to Make Caprese Skewers and Balsamic Reduction

    Making the balsamic reduction is simple – all you need is one cup of balsamic vinegar which you’ll pour into a saucepan and heat until it reduces in volume. Just make sure you let it cool before drizzling it over your skewers (and if you can, have a fan going or a window open while making the reduction — the vinegar smell can be quite potent!).

    1. Begin Preparing Balsamic Drizzle: Prepare your balsamic reduction first by pouring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium-low heat.
    2. Reduce: Cook, stirring occasionally, until vinegar has reduced to about half a cup (this will take about 15 minutes or so). Allow balsamic reduction to cool before drizzling over your Caprese skewers (it will thicken as it cools, also).
    3. Assemble: To prepare Caprese skewers, spear the top of one tomato and slide it up 1” from the top of the skewer. Take a small basil leaf (about 1” — if your basil leaves are large then cut them in half first, otherwise the flavor will overwhelm the skewer) and fold it in half. Spear the basil leaf and slide it up against the tomato.
    4. Repeat: Repeat with a mozzarella ball, and then repeat with another tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball.
    5. Add Drizzle and Serve: Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic reduction. Enjoy!
    4-photo collage of skewers being prepared.

    Tips and Substitutions

    The great thing about skewers like these is that you can customize them to your liking. These are a few simple ways to customize the flavor of your Caprese skewers and make them easier to take on the go! They are the perfect companion to any summer picnic or outing.

    • Use Wooden Skewers: Not only are wooden skewers a cheap option, but they make for easy cleanup. Disposable cutlery is perfect for large gatherings. If you’re worried about splinters, soak the skewers before adding on Caprese ingredients.
    • Swap Out Basil: The flavor of basil can be overpowering for some people – you can substitute your basil leaves for spinach if you want a more mild flavor.
    • Add More Flavor: If you want your mozzarella balls to be packed with more flavor, try marinating them in your balsamic glaze overnight before assembly!

    Top-down view of Caprese skewers on a gray plate.

    Storing Leftovers

    Caprese skewers make great leftovers and can easily be transformed into a salad! They’re such a cool, flavorful snack for the summer.

    • In the Refrigerator: Store your skewers in an airtight container. They’ll stay fresh for about 4 days.

    A Reader’s Review

    “This is always my go to for get togethers. If you don’t have time to make your own reduction, stores like Home Goods, Whole Foods etc will have reduction (just be careful to check for junk ingredients / added sugars) We keep basil plants all summer just for this!”

    proBAKE

    Closeup of a Caprese skewer being held.

    More Easy and Delicious Appetizers

    Let’s face it- summertime can be busy. Between game days, BBQs, and neighborhood potlucks it always feels like my family is on the go. For those times when you need to make a tasty appetizer last minute, I’ve got you covered. Here are a few easy recipes packed with amazing flavor that everyone will love! You can find more quick and easy appetizer recipes here.

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    Caprese Skewers

    Caprese skewers are a 4-ingredient appetizer that is so simple but guaranteed to impress! Made with cherry tomatoes, mozzarella, fresh basil, and an easy balsamic reduction, they imitate classic Caprese salad, only made portable on a skewer!
    Course Appetizer
    Cuisine Mediterranean
    Keyword caprese skewers, chicken skewers
    Prep Time 20 minutes
    Total Time 20 minutes
    Servings 16 Skewers
    Calories 55kcal
    Author Alyssa Rivers

    Ingredients

    • 1 cup balsamic vinegar
    • 8 oz mini mozzarella balls if they are in water, drain and pat dry before adding to your skewers
    • 1 pint Grape or cherry tomatoes
    • Fresh basil leaves
    • You will also need 16 4” bamboo skewers

    Instructions

    • Prepare your balsamic reduction first by pouring 1 cup of balsamic vinegar into a small saucepan over medium low heat.
    • Cook, stirring occasionally, until vinegar has reduced to about half a cup (this will take about 15 minutes or so).
    • Allow balsamic reduction to cool before drizzling over your caprese skewers (it will thicken as it cools, also).
    • To prepare Caprese skewers, spear the top of one tomato and slide it up 1” from the top of the skewer.
    • Take a small basil leaf (about 1” — if your basil leaves are large then cut them in half first, otherwise the flavor will overwhelm the skewer) and fold it in half. Spear the basil leaf and slide it up against the tomato.
    • Repeat with a mozzarella ball, and then repeat with another tomato, basil leaf, and mozzarella ball.
    • Just before serving, drizzle with balsamic reduction.
    • Enjoy!

    Notes

    Originally posted January 17, 2018

    Updated July 6, 2022

    Nutrition

    Calories: 55kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 3g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 5mg | Sodium: 17mg | Potassium: 82mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 145IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 1mg