Jackfruit Chips is one of the most famous and beloved snack foods in South India. Made by deep frying the half-ripe flesh of the jackfruit, this snack is tasty, crispy, and healthy. It can be stored for weeks in an air-tight container, making it a perfect homemade treat for any occasion.
Step 1: The Jackfruit
Choose a fully matured but half-ripe jackfruit. This stage gives the best texture for frying. The one shown here is freshly harvested from our home garden. If left for a few more days in warmth, it would become fully ripe and sweet — perfect for eating fresh, but not for chips!
Step 2: Harvest the Flesh
Use a sharp knife to cut open the jackfruit. Since jackfruit has sticky white latex, apply cooking oil to your hands and knife before starting. Place an old newspaper under the fruit to avoid sticky mess.
Carefully separate each pod (flesh) and keep the waste aside — it can even be composted for your garden.
Step 3: Remove the Seeds
Split open each fruit pod and remove the seeds. Keep the unseeded jackfruit fleshes in a clean bowl.
Step 4: Make Thin Slices
Cut the fleshes into thin, long slices using a sharp kitchen knife. The thinner the slices, the crispier your chips will be.
Step 5: Add Turmeric
Sprinkle about one teaspoon of turmeric powder over the slices and mix well. Let it rest for 5–10 minutes. This gives a beautiful color and mild flavor.
Step 6: Heat the Oil
Traditionally, jackfruit chips are fried in pure coconut oil, which gives a rich aroma and authentic taste. Heat about half a liter of coconut oil in a frying pan over medium flame.
Step 7: Deep Fry the Jackfruit Slices
Once the oil is hot, gently drop the slices in batches. Stir occasionally to avoid sticking. When they turn golden and crispy, remove them using a strainer and place them on a banana leaf or paper towel to drain excess oil.
Step 8: Serve and Store
Sprinkle a little salt while the chips are still warm. Serve with tomato or chili sauce.
Once cooled, store the chips in an air-tight container. They’ll stay fresh and crispy for a long time — a perfect tea-time snack!
💡 Pro Tip:
For an extra kick, you can also sprinkle a mix of red chili powder and black salt over the chips after frying!
