Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts Recipe

Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts is a delicious and crispy appetizer that combines the rich, earthy flavor of artichoke hearts with the bold kick of buffalo sauce. These bites are perfect for those who enjoy a spicy, tangy snack with a satisfying crunch.

The artichoke hearts are battered, fried to golden perfection, and then coated in spicy buffalo sauce, creating a perfect balance of heat and flavor. They offer a unique twist on traditional buffalo wings, providing a vegetarian alternative that’s just as delicious and satisfying.

Ingredients for Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts

To make Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• Artichoke Hearts: The main ingredient is artichoke hearts, which are tender and flavorful. They provide a hearty texture and absorb the seasoning beautifully.
• All-Purpose Flour: This is essential for the breading process and helps create a crispy coating around the artichoke hearts.
• Garlic Powder adds a savory depth of flavor to the breading and complements the artichokes’ natural taste.
• Onion Powder: Another seasoning that enhances the overall flavor profile, giving the dish a bit of sweetness and warmth.
• Paprika: For a subtle smokiness and a dash of color in the breading. It elevates the taste and appearance of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat and sharpness to balance the richness of the other ingredients.
• Eggs: Eggs help the breadcrumbs adhere to the artichoke hearts and provide a light and fluffy coating when fried.
• Breadcrumbs: These help create the crispy outer layer. Choose plain or seasoned breadcrumbs based on your preference.
• Buttermilk: This helps to marinate the artichoke hearts before breading, making them tender and adding a tangy flavor.
• Buffalo Sauce: The star ingredient! This tangy and spicy sauce gives the artichoke hearts that signature Buffalo flavor.
• Butter (Melted): To enhance the flavor of the Buffalo sauce and give it a rich, glossy finish.

How to Make Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts

Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts:

• 1 can of artichoke hearts, drained and halved
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup buffalo sauce
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter (melted)
• Cooking oil (for frying)

Directions

1. Prepare the Artichokes: Drain the artichoke hearts and cut them in half. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
2. Set up the Breading Station: Combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in one bowl. Whisk together the eggs and buttermilk in a second bowl. Add the panko breadcrumbs to the third bowl.
3. Coat the Artichokes: Dip each heart into the flour mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dip it into the egg mixture, followed by a roll in the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure each piece is evenly coated for a crispy crunch.
4. Fry the Artichokes: Heat the oil in a deep fryer or large pot to about 350°F (175°C). Fry the breaded artichokes in batches for about 3-4 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to remove them from the oil and let them drain on paper towels.
5. Make the Buffalo Sauce: In a small pot, heat the buffalo sauce and melted butter together over low heat, stirring until well combined. You can adjust the heat by adding more or less buffalo sauce based on your preference.
6. Toss and Serve: Once the artichokes are fried and crispy, gently toss them in the buffalo sauce. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce!

Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts Variation

While the traditional Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts are fantastic on their own, you can always experiment with different variations to add more flair to the dish. Here are some ideas:

Cheesy Buffalo Artichokes: Add a grated mozzarella or Parmesan cheese on top of the fried artichokes before tossing them in Buffalo sauce for a cheesy twist.

Buffalo Artichokes with Ranch or Blue Cheese: Serve the fried artichokes with a side of ranch or blue cheese dressing for a classic pairing that complements the spicy heat.

Spicy and Sweet Buffalo Artichokes: Combine Buffalo sauce with honey or maple syrup to balance heat and sweetness. This variation adds a new layer of flavor to the dish.

Buffalo Artichokes with Garlic: For garlic lovers, mix minced garlic with the Buffalo sauce to give it an extra savory punch.

These variations allow you to tailor the dish to your taste preferences and give it a unique twist each time you make it.

How to Serve Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts

Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts are versatile and can be served in various ways to suit any occasion. Here are some serving suggestions:

• As an Appetizer: Serve these crispy delights as a starter before a main course. Pair with dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or zesty aioli.
• With Vegetables and Chips: Serve alongside fresh vegetable sticks like celery and carrot or crispy potato chips for an added crunch.
• On a Salad: Add the fried Buffalo artichokes to a fresh green salad to give it a spicy, crunchy texture.
• As a Snack: Enjoy them as a quick and tasty snack when you’re craving something bold and flavorful.
• At a Party: They make perfect finger food for parties or gatherings. Place them on a platter with dipping sauce, and watch them disappear quickly.

FAQs About Fried Buffalo Artichoke Hearts