Fried pickles are a delightful snack or appetizer thatโs crispy, tangy, and utterly addictive. Coated in a seasoned batter and fried to golden perfection, these pickles are sure to be a hit at your next gathering or as a treat for yourself.
Why Youโll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to make with simple ingredients.
- Perfect for parties, game days, or as a fun appetizer.
- Deliciously crispy with a satisfying tangy flavor.
- Easily customizable with different dips and spices.
- A great way to elevate plain pickles into something special.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dill pickle slices
- All-purpose flour
- Cornmeal
- Eggs
- Buttermilk
- Breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch)
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Oil for frying (e.g., vegetable oil or canola oil)
Directions
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or pot to 375ยฐF.
- Pat the pickle slices dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Prepare a dredging station with three bowls:
- Bowl 1: Flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Bowl 2: Whisked eggs and buttermilk.
- Bowl 3: A mixture of cornmeal and breadcrumbs (optional for extra crunch).
- Dip each pickle slice in the flour mixture, then the egg mixture, and finally coat it in the cornmeal mixture.
- Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil, frying in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch or spicy mayo.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Fried Pickles: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a kick.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Pickle Style: Use whole pickle spears or sweet pickles for a different flavor.
- Air-Fried Version: Prepare the pickles as directed but air fry at 400ยฐF for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Cheesy Twist: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumb mixture for a cheesy flavor.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an air fryer or oven at 375ยฐF until crisp. Avoid using the microwave to maintain the crunch.
FAQs
What kind of pickles work best for frying?
Dill pickle slices or spears work best due to their tangy flavor, but you can experiment with sweet or spicy pickles.
Can I make this recipe without buttermilk?
Yes, you can substitute regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes, bake them at 425ยฐF for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispiness.
Do I have to use cornmeal?
Cornmeal adds texture, but you can skip it and use just breadcrumbs or flour.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Ensure the pickles are dry before dredging and press the coating gently to help it adhere.
Can I use a deep fryer?
Absolutely! A deep fryer works great for achieving an even golden brown finish.
What dips pair well with fried pickles?
Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or blue cheese dressing are popular choices.
Are fried pickles vegetarian?
Yes, this recipe is vegetarian as it doesnโt include meat.
Can I freeze fried pickles?
Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers and reheat in an air fryer for best results.
How do I know when the oil is ready for frying?
Use a thermometer to ensure the oil is at 375ยฐF. Alternatively, drop a small piece of batter in the oil; it should sizzle and rise to the top.
Conclusion
Fried pickles are the ultimate crispy, tangy treat thatโs perfect for any occasion. Whether youโre enjoying them as a snack or sharing with friends, this recipe delivers an irresistible crunch with every bite. Try them today and pair them with your favorite dip for an unforgettable appetizer!
Print
Fried Pickles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden fried pickles are the perfect snack or appetizer. Tangy dill pickles are coated in a seasoned batter and fried until crunchy, making them irresistible. Serve them with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing treat.
Ingredients
- 1 cup dill pickle slices (about 12-15 slices)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 3/4 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
Instructions
- Prep the Pickles:ย Drain the pickle slices and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Set Up Breading Station:ย In one bowl, combine flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne (if using), salt, and black pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Pickles:ย Coat each pickle slice in the flour mixture, then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with breadcrumbs. Shake off any excess.
- Heat the Oil:ย Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pot to 375ยฐF (190ยฐC).
- Fry the Pickles:ย Carefully drop a few pickles into the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 1-2 minutes per side, or until golden brown.
- Drain and Serve:ย Remove the fried pickles with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. Serve immediately with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or use spicy pickles.
- To make it lighter, you can use an air fryer instead of deep-frying.
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