Buttermilk-Brined Fried Rabbit with Spiced Flour Coating
Rabbit pieces brined in tangy buttermilk then fried in a savory spiced flour crust for a crispy, flavorful dish. This Southern-inspired quick recipe, ready in about 40 minutes, pairs rabbit legs and thighs, buttermilk, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs rabbit legs and thighs
- 3 cups buttermilk
- 1 tbsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- for frying, about 4 cups vegetable oil
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
The sheet pan we’d roast this on → Best Sheet Pans in 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 3 cups buttermilk with 1 tbsp salt and 1 tsp black pepper. Submerge 2 lbs rabbit legs and thighs in the buttermilk, cover, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to tenderize.
- Step 2: In a shallow dish, mix 2 cups all-purpose flour with 1 tsp paprika, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, and 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper.
- Step 3: Remove the rabbit pieces from the buttermilk, letting excess drip off, then dredge each piece thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture, pressing to adhere.
- Step 4: Heat about 4 cups vegetable oil in a deep skillet or Dutch oven to 350°F. Fry the coated rabbit pieces in batches for 8-10 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 160°F).
- Step 5: Transfer fried rabbit to a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil and keep crisp. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce or sides.









