This crispy fried spinach recipe comes together quickly on the stovetop in 20 minutes or less with flavorful additions such as garlic and red pepper flakes.
Why this recipe works
Fried spinach is crispy, crackly, and downright delicious. It’s certainly the more nutritious version of potato chips without compromising any flavor, similar to kale chips. These crunchy leafy greens reinvent the “eat your veggies” game in the most satisfying way possible. And while deep frying isn’t the healthiest way to consume spinach, it sure does add a textural element you didn’t know you were missing out on.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
SPINACH – You’ll want regular, raw spinach with the stems removed for this recipe. You can substitute with baby spinach if desired but do note that the cook time will be quicker if doing so.
SEASONING – Red pepper flakes, salt, ground black pepper, and fried minced garlic add flavor. Feel free to season the fried spinach with your favorite blend of spices. Cajun seasoning or all purpose seasoning make great substitutes!
How to Make Fried Spinach
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
- Add enough oil in a deep sided skillet so that it comes about 1 inch or so up the sides.
- Heat oil over medium-high until it reaches about 325-350 F.
TIP – Use a candy thermometer to gauge temp, or test by dropping a spinach leaf in the oil. Be careful, the oil will pop and the spinach will crackle. - Drop a handful of spinach at a time into the hot oil. The reaction between the fresh leaves and the oil will be sudden and loud, so be prepared! The spinach will cook quickly, it only needs to fry for 2-3 minutes.
TIP – Do not stand too close to the pan and be sure you are wearing clothing that is appropriate for frying. In other words, don’t wear shorts and a tank top!
- Remove with a large slotted spoon and spread onto paper towel lined baking sheet.
- Place garlic into a fat skimmer and lower it into the hot oil. Allow the garlic to slide off the skimmer and let it cook for just a minute, long enough for it to crisp up and turn golden brown.
- Using the fat skimmer, remove the fried garlic and place onto the resting fried spinach.
- Allow spinach and garlic to drain for 5 minutes then move to a large bowl. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, toss to combine well.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Fried spinach is best enjoyed right away, however, you can store any leftovers in an air-tight container or sealed jar kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Serving Suggestions
Aside from the garlic and seasonings, you can add a generous sprinkle of parmesan cheese as garnish on top of your fried spinach. Drain the fried spinach and enjoy warm as either an appetizer, snack, or side dish.
More Spinach Recipes
- Sauteed Spinach
- Creamed Spinach
- Spinach Artichoke Dip
- Spinach Salad with Mango and Avocado
- Steamed Spinach
- Air Fryer Spinach
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Fried Spinach
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 10 ounces raw spinach leaves stems removed
- 3 Tablespoons minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 pinch freshly ground black pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
Things You’ll Need
- Fat skimmer
Before You Begin
- You’ll want regular, raw spinach with the stems removed for this recipe. You can substitute with baby spinach if desired but do note that the cook time will be quicker if doing so.
- Red pepper flakes, salt, ground black pepper, and fried minced garlic add flavor. Feel free to season the fried spinach with your favorite blend of spices. Cajun seasoning or all purpose seasoning make great substitutes!
Instructions
- Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
- Add enough oil in a deep sided skillet so that it comes about 1 inch or so up the sides.
- Heat oil over medium-high until it reaches about 325-350 F.HINT – Use a candy thermometer to gauge temp, or test by dropping a spinach leaf in the oil. Be careful, the oil will pop and the spinach will crackle.
- Drop a handful of spinach at a time into the hot oil. The reaction between the fresh leaves and the oil will be sudden and loud, so be prepared! The spinach will cook quickly, it only needs to fry for 2-3 minutes.TIP – Do not stand too close to the pan and be sure you are wearing clothing that is appropriate for frying. In other words, don’t wear shorts and a tank top!
- Remove with a large slotted spoon and spread onto paper towel lined baking sheet.
- Place garlic into a fat skimmer and lower it into the hot oil. Allow the garlic to slide off the skimmer and let it cook for just a minute, long enough for it to crisp up and turn golden brown.
- Using the fat skimmer, remove the fried garlic and place onto the resting fried spinach.
- Allow spinach and garlic to drain for 5 minutes then move to a large bowl. Sprinkle in red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper, toss to combine well.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- Fried spinach is best enjoyed right away, however, you can store any leftovers in an air-tight container or sealed jar kept at room temperature for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
Chef Antoine Davis
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