I’m frying something that’s already perfectly delicious on its own, and I don’t feel bad about it at all.
We’re not frying perfectly ripe avocados to cover them up with batter or disguise their flavor. We’re frying to enhance the texture, and yes, we’re gilding the lily. Just think fried mozzarella sticks. Are you with me?
My fried avocado experiment started here, with a bowlful of Brogdons. Brogdon is a popular Florida backyard avocado (aka alligator pear) with thin purple skin and bright yellow flesh. Once these trees are established, expect a windfall between August and September. They all ripen at once, so the race is on.
They’re not watery like the big green Choquette that dominates the Florida avocado market. They’re more like butter. I’m happy to report they held up well through the slicing and dredging and frying. That’s a lot to ask of an avocado. I think any variety will work, so long as it’s not too soft or overripe.
In all fairness, I did try baking them, but they weren’t great. I also used panko but it was too messy. Finally, I went with the devil I know, the classic Florida-style fish fry mix. I rolled them in cornmeal, flour, cornstarch, and spices and gave them a hot-oil bubble bath. They came out with a golden crispy crust that perfectly encased the creamy avocado inside. Bingo.
Tuck them in a taco, eat them on a salad, or dip them in chipotle crema. 
It’s decadent, but you won’t be sorry.
- 4 avocados
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2-1 finely diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (optional)
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (fine or medium)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour*
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (plus extra for finishing)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- high-heat oil for frying
- chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish
- Slice the avocados in half, remove the pits, and slice each half into 1/2-inch thick slices (usually 3-4 slices).
- First make the crema, which will be divided up for two uses.
- In a small bowl, whisk the yogurt, lime juice, salt, and chipotle pepper (if using). Taste and adjust as you like.
- Combine cornmeal, flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, and garlic in a shallow dish.
- Heat the oil for frying (either an inch of oil in a cast-iron skillet or more for a deep-fat fryer) to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with paper towels.
- Drizzle the avocado slices with 2 tablespoons of the crema and toss gently to coat.
- Dredge in the cornmeal mixture, then drop in the hot oil. If using a skillet, work in batches and don't crowd the pan. Turn as needed. Fry 3-4 minutes, or until golden brown, and move them to the paper towel lined baking sheet. Sprinkle them with a little salt while they're hot.
- Serve with remaining crema and garnish with fresh cilantro.
- *gluten free all-purpose flour works
Hi Danielle– Thanks for the delicious avocados. I whipped them with a tsp. of mayo, dash of salt and spritz of lemon. I whipped them a lot. They turned into a creamy buttery topping for avo-toast. We love them!
That sounds delicious! So glad to hear they made it and you’re enjoying them.
Oh yes! These sound delicious. I so want an avocado tree, but they just won’t grow in our yard. The last one I tried was a Brogdon, and boy they were so creamy and delish!
What a shame they won’t grow well along the Indian River. I do love these Brogdons. Maybe you can gift a tree to someone “up the hill” who might share?
B/c you are a FLA girl & an avo lover, you might enjoy this: I am located in SW FLA about 5 mi north of Punta Gorda; my Brogden was planted in about 1992, began fruiting in earnest in about 8 yrs & by 2004 had a great canopy w/ regular, abundant fruit. Then came H. Charley, which rocked the tree in two directions, before & after the eye passed, leaving it half uprooted, leaning against my neighbor’s roof. By the time help was available to remove damaged trees, that Brogden was putting forth new leaves & I didn’t have the heart to see it go: it was left w/ its shortened main trunk on the ground & began to grow upward from there. Fourteen yrs later, the output is by now very sparse, but the tree survives & still provides fruit.
ATM, I have a huge FLA avo (shiny smooth green skin type) from a neighbor & wonder if it would benefit from your frying recipe — have you done that with non-Brogden fruits?
Our yard in St. James City (and house) was forever changed by Hurricane Charley. All our avocado trees were planted after that. I’m glad your tree survived, even though it suffered. This recipe will work with any old avocado you can get your hands on, as long as it’s firm-ripe and not too mushy. We’ve got some neighborhood trees with shiny fruit like you mentioned, plus all the ones in our yard. I’ve fried them all. Ha. Let me know how it goes and thanks for reaching out!