The Best Buttermilk Fried Rabbit Recipe – Cooking with Rabbit

If you’re looking for a delicious and unique twist on a classic fried dish, fried rabbit is a recipe you will love! Tender, juicy rabbit thighs are marinated in seasoned buttermilk, then fried to crispy, golden perfection—making this a true Southern comfort food favorite.

Love cooking with rabbit? Be sure to check out some of my other flavorful rabbit recipes, like my Tuscan Rabbit Mac and Cheese and creamy Stovetop Ranch Rabbit for more hearty, homestead-inspired meals.

In this post, I’ll guide you through the best way to make fried rabbit, share cooking tips, and answer common questions about preparing and enjoying this traditional meal. Whether you’re a seasoned wild game cook or trying rabbit for the first time, this easy recipe will have you frying rabbit like a pro!

Why You’ll Love This Fried Rabbit Recipe

Rabbit meat is lean, flavorful, and packed with protein. When prepared correctly, especially when marinated and fried, rabbit becomes incredibly tender with a slightly sweet and savory flavor.

Here are just a few reasons to love this fried rabbit recipe:

• Simple Ingredients: You probably already have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
• Crispy Coating: The combination of flour and cornmeal creates the perfect golden-brown crunch.
• Versatile: Serve it with a dipping sauce, over a salad, or with classic southern sides like mashed potatoes and collard greens.

What Does Fried Rabbit Taste Like?

If you’ve never tried rabbit before, you might be wondering what to expect. Fried rabbit has a mild, slightly sweet flavor that’s often compared to chicken—but with a richer, earthier depth. The texture is tender and lean, especially when marinated in buttermilk and cooked properly, like in this Southern-style fried rabbit recipe.

The crispy coating locks in moisture, giving each bite a satisfying crunch followed by juicy, flavorful meat. Some cuts, like the thighs and loins, are especially meaty and tender. Unlike wild rabbit, which can sometimes have a gamier flavor, domestic rabbit is clean-tasting and easy to season, making it perfect for your favorite spice blends or classic Southern dredges.

If you enjoy fried chicken but want something new and hearty from your homestead or local farm, fried rabbit is a must-try!

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect fried rabbit:

• 4 rabbit thighs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal
• Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil recommended)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Rabbit

In a large bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the rabbit thighs, making sure they are fully submerged in the marinade.

Tip: For the juiciest fried rabbit, marinate the thighs overnight. If you’re short on time, try to marinate for at least 2 hours.

2. Prepare the Coating

In a separate shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour and cornmeal. This mixture gives the rabbit its signature crispy coating.

3. Heat the Oil

Fill a deep skillet or fryer with enough oil to cover the rabbit thighs about halfway. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to ensure the oil stays at the right temperature for even frying.

4. Dredge the Rabbit

Remove the rabbit thighs from the buttermilk marinade, allowing the excess to drip off. Dredge each thigh thoroughly in the flour-cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure the coating sticks well.

5. Fry the Rabbit

Carefully lower the coated rabbit thighs into the hot oil. Fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lower the oil temperature and lead to soggy rabbit.

Fry for 8–10 minutes or until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

6. Drain and Serve

Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried rabbit to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any extra oil. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon or your favorite dipping sauce!

Tips for the Best Fried Rabbit

• Use a Meat Thermometer: Rabbit can dry out quickly if overcooked. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F.
• Double Dredge for Extra Crunch: For an even crispier coating, dip the rabbit back into the buttermilk and dredge it again before frying.
• Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep your oil at a steady 350°F.

What to Serve with Fried Rabbit

Fried rabbit pairs beautifully with classic southern sides and fresh veggies. Here are a few ideas:

• Mashed potatoes and gravy
• Coleslaw
• Buttermilk biscuits
• Corn on the cob
• Pickled okra
• Macaroni and cheese

You can also serve fried rabbit over a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option! Here I chose flavored rice and gravy!

FAQ About Fried Rabbit

Is fried rabbit similar to fried chicken?

Yes! Fried rabbit is very similar to fried chicken in texture and flavor, especially when it’s marinated in buttermilk and seasoned well. Rabbit meat is slightly leaner and has a mild, sweet flavor that absorbs marinades beautifully.

Where can I buy rabbit meat?

You can often find rabbit meat at specialty butchers, farmers’ markets, or order it online from reputable farms. If you hunt, wild rabbit can also be used, but it’s often tougher, so marinating is even more important.

Can I use other parts of the rabbit?

Absolutely! While thighs are perfect for frying because they stay juicy, you can also fry rabbit legs, shoulders, or even bone-in rabbit loins. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on the thickness of the meat.

How do I store leftover fried rabbit?

Allow the fried rabbit to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 3 days. To reheat, bake it in a 350°F oven until warmed through to help maintain the crispy coating.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure your cornmeal is certified gluten-free. The result will still be crispy and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never tried fried rabbit before, you’re in for a real treat. It’s crispy on the outside, tender and juicy on the inside, and bursting with flavor from the buttermilk marinade and seasoned coating. Whether you’re cooking for your family, or just wanting to try something new, fried rabbit is a comforting and mouthwatering dish that deserves a place on your table.

Don’t be surprised if it quickly becomes one of your favorite southern-style meals!

Ready to fry some rabbit? Grab your ingredients, heat up that oil, and enjoy this unforgettable dish!

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