Fried Cheerios

Alright, I know what you’re thinking—Fried Cheerios? But trust me, these crispy little bites are about to become your new favorite snack. Imagine the crunchy, familiar goodness of Cheerios, but with a light, golden fry that adds just the right amount of extra texture. They’re a little savory, a little sweet, and a whole lot of fun. Perfect for snacking, adding to a party spread, or just indulging when you’re craving something different. Don’t knock it ‘til you try it—these fried Cheerios are a total game-changer.

Why You’ll Love Fried Cheerios

• Unexpectedly Addictive: You’ll be amazed at how something so simple can become so irresistible. The crunchy, golden coating on these Cheerios takes them from regular cereal to next-level snack territory.
• Sweet and Savory: A little touch of salt gives the perfect balance to the natural sweetness of the Cheerios. You get the best of both worlds in every bite!
• Quick and Easy: You can make these in a flash. Perfect for when you need something delicious but don’t have a lot of time.
• Customizable: You can add your own twist—think cinnamon sugar, chili powder, or even a drizzle of honey—making it totally adaptable to your flavor preferences.
• Kid-Friendly: If you’ve got kids running around, they’ll love these crispy treats. You could even let them help with the coating part!

Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients for these fried Cheerios:

For the Fried Cheerios:

• Cheerios: The base of the snack. You’ll want plain Cheerios here, as the frying and seasoning will do all the flavor magic.
• Flour: Helps to coat the Cheerios, giving them that crispy crunch when fried.
• Cornstarch: Adds extra crispiness to the coating. It’s the secret ingredient that makes them perfectly crunchy.
• Baking Powder: Helps create a light, airy coating on the Cheerios.
• Salt: For a hint of savory flavor.
• Sugar: Adds a touch of sweetness that complements the Cheerios.
• Cinnamon (optional): If you want to go the sweet route, cinnamon adds a warm flavor that’s out of this world.
• Vegetable Oil: For frying. You’ll need just enough to coat the bottom of the pan.

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Ready to make some fried magic happen? Let’s get cooking!

1. Prep the Coating:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, salt, and sugar. If you’re going for a sweet version, add cinnamon to the mix for that extra pop of flavor. Give it a good whisk to combine everything evenly.

2. Coat the Cheerios:

Add your Cheerios to the bowl and gently toss them in the coating mixture. Make sure each piece is lightly coated, but don’t overdo it. You want a thin, even layer of the coating to give that crispy texture.

3. Heat the Oil:

In a large pan, heat about 1-2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough that it sizzles when you drop in a Cheerio, but not so hot that it burns. Test it by dropping a tiny piece of the coating mix in—if it sizzles immediately, it’s ready.

4. Fry the Cheerios:

Carefully drop the coated Cheerios into the hot oil, working in small batches so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.

5. Drain and Season:

Once the Cheerios are golden and crispy, use a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. If you like, you can season them with a little extra salt or sprinkle them with more cinnamon sugar while they’re still warm.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Once they’ve cooled for just a minute, serve these crispy fried Cheerios immediately. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but they’ll last for a couple of days in an airtight container if you somehow have leftovers!

Nutrition Facts

• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: 250
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Cholesterol: 0mg
• Sodium: 150mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 31g
• Dietary Fiber: 3g
• Sugars: 5g
• Protein: 4g

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 10 minutes

How to Serve Fried Cheerios

• As a Snack: These are perfect for munching on during movie nights or when you just need a little pick-me-up.
• Party Treats: Serve them in bowls at your next get-together. People will be hooked on these little crispy bites!
• Garnish with Dips: Try pairing them with a creamy dip, like ranch or sour cream, for a fun twist on the usual chips.

Additional Tips

• Add Sweetness or Heat: If you like a sweet kick, dust your fried Cheerios with cinnamon sugar right after frying. Want something spicy? A pinch of cayenne pepper works wonders.
• Use Coconut Oil: For an extra layer of flavor, swap vegetable oil for coconut oil. It will give your fried Cheerios a subtle coconut taste.
• Make It Extra Crunchy: Add a bit more cornstarch to the flour mixture for an even crispier coating.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use flavored Cheerios for this recipe?
A1: Sure! Flavored Cheerios will add an extra layer of taste to the snack, but make sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly.

Q2: Can I bake these instead of frying?
A2: While frying gives the best crispy texture, you can try baking them at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q3: Can I freeze these?
A3: Yes, you can freeze the coated, uncooked Cheerios. Just fry them when you’re ready to eat them!

Q4: Can I use a different oil for frying?
A4: Absolutely! Olive oil, avocado oil, or canola oil would all work fine in place of vegetable oil.

Q5: How long do fried Cheerios stay fresh?
A5: They stay crispy for about 1-2 days if stored in an airtight container. You can always pop them back in the oven for a minute to crisp them up again.

Q6: Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A6: Yes, just substitute the flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and you’re good to go!

Q7: Can I make these with a sweet coating?
A7: Absolutely! Toss the fried Cheerios in cinnamon sugar or powdered sugar for a sweet treat.

Q8: What should I serve with Fried Cheerios?
A8: Fried Cheerios are perfect on their own, but they’d also pair well with a dip, like ranch or guacamole, or even a sweet caramel dip.

Q9: Can I make them ahead of time?
A9: It’s best to enjoy them right after frying for maximum crispiness, but you can store them in an airtight container for a day or two.

Q10: Can I add other ingredients to the mix?
A10: Sure! Add some finely grated cheese or even some finely chopped herbs to the batter to make them more savory.

Conclusion

Fried Cheerios may seem a little out-of-the-box, but they’re totally worth the try! With that crunchy, golden crust and the familiar taste of your favorite cereal, they’re sure to be a snack sensation. Whether you’re making them for yourself or serving them up at your next party, these crispy little bites will be a hit every time. Happy frying!

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