Name: Southern Crispy Fried Oysters
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Southern
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh oysters, shucked and drained; 1 cup buttermilk; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup cornmeal; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Vegetable oil, for frying; Lemon wedges, for serving

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If you're craving a taste of Southern comfort, these Southern crispy fried oysters are a must-try! This recipe offers the perfect balance of a crunchy, flavorful coating with tender, juicy oysters inside. Whether you’re a seafood lover or looking for a delicious appetizer, these fried oysters will surely satisfy your taste buds.

Southern Crispy Fried Oysters

Ingredients

1 pound fresh oysters, shucked and drained

1 cup buttermilk

1 cup all-purpose flour

½ cup cornmeal

1 teaspoon paprika

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon black pepper

Vegetable oil, for frying

Lemon wedges, for serving

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

In a bowl, pour the buttermilk over the oysters and let them soak for about 10 minutes.

In a shallow dish, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Heat 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).

Dredge each oyster in the flour mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating.

Carefully place the coated oysters into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

Using a slotted spoon, remove the oysters from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Serve the fried oysters immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

If you want to give this recipe your personal twist, here are a few variations:

Spicy Fried Oysters: For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.

Crispy Coating: For an extra crispy coating, try adding panko breadcrumbs to the flour mixture.

Baked Oysters: If you're not in the mood for frying, you can bake the coated oysters at 400°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.

Storage/Reheating

To store leftover fried oysters, place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, bake them at 350°F for about 5-7 minutes to restore some of their crispiness. While frying gives the oysters the best texture, reheating them in the oven is the best way to keep them from getting soggy.

FAQs

How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?

I like to check the oil’s temperature using a thermometer. It should reach 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can drop a small amount of the flour mixture into the oil; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is hot enough.

Can I use frozen oysters for this recipe?

While fresh oysters are ideal for this recipe, frozen oysters can also be used. Just make sure to thaw and drain them thoroughly before soaking in the buttermilk.

Can I make these fried oysters ahead of time?

These fried oysters are best served fresh and hot. However, if you want to prep ahead, you can coat the oysters in the flour mixture and refrigerate them until you're ready to fry. I wouldn't recommend making them too far in advance as they may lose their crispiness.

What sides go well with fried oysters?

I love serving these fried oysters with a side of coleslaw, fries, or a light salad. For a Southern twist, cornbread and pickles also make great sides.

Can I use a different seasoning blend?

Absolutely! Feel free to adjust the seasoning to your liking. For example, I sometimes like to add a bit of garlic powder, onion powder, or even some Old Bay seasoning for a classic seafood flavor.

Conclusion

Southern crispy fried oysters are an incredible treat that combines the best of crispy and tender textures with bold seasoning. I can’t get enough of them and love how simple they are to make. Whether you’re looking for an appetizer, a snack, or a full seafood feast, this recipe will definitely impress. Give it a try and enjoy the Southern flavors at home!

Recipe:

Southern Crispy Fried Oysters

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Author: Cheryl
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Indulge in the crispy, golden goodness of Southern fried oysters with this easy recipe. Coated in a flavorful blend of flour, cornmeal, and spices, each oyster is fried to perfection, creating a satisfying contrast between its crunchy exterior and tender, juicy interior. Serve these crispy fried oysters with lemon wedges for a delicious appetizer or main dish, perfect for any seafood lover.

Instructions

Pour the buttermilk over the oysters in a bowl, letting them soak for about 10 minutes.
In a shallow dish, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Heat vegetable oil (2 inches deep) in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Dredge each oyster in the flour mixture, pressing gently for an even coat.
Carefully place the coated oysters into the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Use a slotted spoon to remove oysters from the oil, and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.