Crispy Fried Oysters Recipe

This post may contain paid links. If you make a purchase through links on our site, we may earn a commission.

Pan-fried oysters are crispy, briny, and the perfect easy seafood appetizer or entree! Serve this deep-fried oysters recipe with a dipping sauce like buffalo sauce or blue cheese dressing and enjoy.

While there are many ways to enjoy oysters, the fried variety is always a popular crowd-pleaser. Deep frying oysters give you the salty taste of the oyster along with the more mild and familiar taste of a good breading.

Paired with a homemade dipping sauce like our remoulade sauce, this fried oyster recipe makes one of the best seafood appetizers, football party finger foods, or even a flavorful entree.

What do I need to make this recipe?

• oysters, shucked
• buttermilk
• seafood breading of your choice
• salt
• pepper
• vegetable oil for frying (about an inch depth)
• optional garnish: chopped green onions, lemon wedges

Do you rinse oysters before frying?

Oysters that are already shucked and in liquid can be rinsed in a strainer and patted dry before frying.

Step by Step

1. Rinse and drain oysters in a colander. Pat dry.
2. Add buttermilk to a bowl.
3. In another bowl, add seafood breading with a sprinkle of salt and pepper and mix.
4. Heat oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat using about an inch depth of oil. You'll know it's ready when a little bit of the breading sprinkled in starts to sizzle.
5. Dip a few oysters into buttermilk then dredge in seafood breading mix, coating well in each.
6. Add oysters in batches, turning once during frying until golden brown on all sides. Remove quickly with a metal spoon as they will cook almost instantly.
7. Optional: Garnish with green onions and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Can you freeze fried oysters?

Once you fry your oysters, you can layer them in a container with wax paper in between the layers and keep them in the freezer for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Fried Oysters

They can be reheated in the oven. Set it to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and start at 5 minutes. Since they're small, it should not take long to heat them up.

Dips

Fried oysters can be served on their own with cocktail sauce or a dip of your preference, like Tartar Sauce, remoulade sauce or homemade buffalo sauce. They are also tasty on a salad or in a po'boy sandwich.

This Elote Recipe (Elotes Mexicanos) goes with just about everything, too, so give it a try! You could even serve these fried oysters as part of a seafood platter alongside Steamed Crab Legs and a Shrimp Foil Pack.

This recipe is amazing dipped in homemade blue cheese dressing and barbecue sauce. Trust us, you want this try this combo!

Finger Foods for a Party

We guarantee you'll enjoy these easy appetizers and side dishes, too:

• Cucumber Canapes with Shrimp
• Dragon Chicken
• Slow Cooker Wings
• Shrimp Shumai
• Marquis Potatoes (Pommes Marquis)

Try more of our best Seafood Appetizers!

Get more Fancy Finger Food Recipes!

📌 Pin Fried Oysters Recipe to save for later!