Who thought that kitchen scraps can taste so delicious? Make deep-fried watermelon rind with the part of the fruit that you’d usually toss! Deep-fried watermelon rind is healthier than French fries and just as delicious!
The deep-fried watermelon rind is inspired by Indian pakoras. I used my vegan batter as coating for the watermelon rind – so the fried watermelon rind is vegan and you can make it gluten-free if you want.
The eggless batter for the fried watermelon rind is made with chickpea flour. Chickpea flour is healthy and delicious, and even if it’s naturally gluten-free it has great binding power – it’s a vegan egg substitute. For the gluten-free version use just chickpea flour and omit the breadcrumbs. You can use raw or roasted chickpea flour for the deep-fried watermelon rind. And what’s best, chickpea flour protects the watermelon rind from absorbing too much fat during deep-frying.
Deep-Fried Watermelon Rind
Ingredients:
- 2 cups watermelon rind, cut into French-fry like pieces
- 1/2 cup flour (8 tbsp)
- 1/2 cup (roasted) chickpea flour (8 tbsp)
- 3/4 – 1 cup water
- pinch of salt
- breadcrumbs
Directions:
Stir together flour, chickpea flour, water and salt. Let the mixture stand for about 10 minutes. Meanwhile, salt and pepper the watermelon rind. Dip the watermelon rind pieces in the flour mixture, then roll in the breadcrumbs and deep-fry in hot oil until golden and crisp. Serve hot with ketchup or soy yogurt for dipping.
This is a super creative idea, thank you for bringing it to #CookBlogShare!
Thanks so much, Monika! 🙂
I’d never have thought of using Watermelon rind for a tasty snack. This looks tasty!
Thanks, Cat! 🙂
Oh I love watermelon and am intrigued by this idea. I think I may just have to give it a try #bloggerclubuk
Thanks, Chloe! Let me know how you like it!
This is absolutely facinating to me. A totally new concept on what would normally be thrown away watermelon parts. I will certainly be trying this out especially as it has a vegan batter which I can have. Thank you for bringing it to my attention. #cookblogshare
Thank you so much, Rebecca! 🙂 I’m glad you like it!
I’m bookmarking…awesome share
Thanks, Lathiya!
OMG is this real life? That’s so awesome!
Thanks, Ellen! 😀
never having this before I so want to try it , sounds so super tasty, possibly a new summer time fav
Thanks, Angie!
What an intriguing recipe! I had no idea that you could repurpose watermelon rinds like this, but I love that they don’t go to waste this way.
Thank you!
Wow! I’ve never even heard of this … and have just thrown out the rinds from a watermelon. Definitely going to give this a go though!
Thanks, Liz! Let me know how you like it!
This is one of several recipes I’ve seen for watermelon rind, but I’m intrigued about the ‘roasted’ chickpea flour? Do you roast it yourself or buy it ready roasted? Oh and thanks for bringing this over to Fiesta Friday!
Thank you! I buy roasted chickpea flour but there are several recipes on the internet for homemade roasted chickpea flour.
Interesting. I have never heard of deep frying watermelon rind before. It kind of reminds me of my grandmother who tried to used everything that she could. I like the idea. Thank you for sharing at Dare To Share.
Thanks, Amy!
Definitely a unique idea! I’ll test this out on my next watermelon — after all even my chickens don’t want to eat the rind! Why waste it if it can be made into something good and tasty!
Thanks so much! Let me know how you like it!
This sound unusual and delicious!! Pinned – Thanks for Sharing at the What’s for Dinner Party!
Thanks for pinning, Helen!
When I saw the title to this post I had to click on it. I’ve never heard of frying watermelon rinds before. Pickling yes, but not frying. I’d be fascinated to know how it tastes.
Thanks, Calleen! It’s delicious! Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
Very unique idea! I have never seen watermelon fries until now. I guess this is a much better option than eating potato fries.
Thanks, Balvinder!
This looks so yummy and refreshing. I will have to share it with the family.
Thanks, Mary!
Never thought of frying watermelon rind before. But I bet is delicious! Saving your recipe to try during our summer. From FF.
Thank you, Lizet!