Chicken Fried Bacon

Ingredients

• 4 cups peanut oil
• 1 pound thick-cut bacon
• 1 tablespoon multi-purpose seasoning blend
• 2 cups flour
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 2 large eggs
• 0.25 cups beer or water
• 2 teaspoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons ranch dressing

Instructions

1. 1

   Line a rimmed baking sheet with paper towels and set a wire rack inside.

2. 2

   Heat oil in a large deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium heat to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Meanwhile, cut bacon in half crosswise and season evenly on both sides with multi-purpose seasoning.

3. 3

   Whisk together flour, salt, pepper, and paprika in a shallow bowl. Alternatively, season flour with additional multi-purpose seasoning blend. Whisk eggs, beer, and syrup together in a separate shallow bowl.

4. 4

   Coat each piece of bacon lightly in seasoned flour. Then coat in egg mixture, allowing the excess to drip off. Coat once more in flour mixture; set aside until all pieces are coated and oil is hot.

5. 5

   Working a few pieces at a time, fry each piece in hot oil, flipping occasionally, until crispy golden brown, 4 to 5 minutes. Maintain the oil temperature between 330 and 350 degrees F (165 to 175 degrees C) while cooking. Drain bacon on the prepared wire rack. Repeat with remaining bacon.

6. 6

   Serve with ranch dressing for dipping.