Crispy, Golden Fried Pickles Recipe for Tangy Snack Lovers

Crispy, golden-brown fried pickles offer a delightful twist on classic snack time favorites.

Crunchy dill slices coated in a perfectly seasoned batter create an irresistible appetizer you can’t stop munching.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated this crowd-pleasing treat that combines tangy pickle flavor with satisfying crunch.

Pickle enthusiasts will appreciate the simple technique of transforming ordinary cucumber rounds into extraordinary crispy bites.

Whipping up these addictive morsels takes minimal effort and delivers maximum flavor satisfaction.

Each bite promises a zesty, crunchy experience that’ll have everyone asking for seconds.

Come hungry and ready to savor this irresistible Southern-style appetizer that turns ordinary pickles into something extraordinary.

Fried Pickles That Snap and Sizzle

• Transform ordinary pickles into a crunchy, golden-brown snack with minimal cooking skills required.
• Delivers irresistible texture and zesty flavor that guarantees instant popularity at gatherings and game nights.
• Complete the entire recipe in under 20 minutes, from dredging to frying, making it perfect for spontaneous cravings.
• Pairs perfectly with multiple sauce options like ranch, spicy aioli, or homemade dips, allowing personalized taste experiences.

Ingredients for Crunchy, Briny Bites

Main Ingredients:

• Dill Pickles: Tangy and crisp base of the dish, classic choice for fried pickle recipe. Kosher or hamburger dill pickles work best.

• Flour, Cornmeal, Breadcrumbs: Creates a crispy, golden exterior for the pickles. Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch.

• Garlic Powder, Smoked Paprika, Cayenne Pepper: Adds complex flavor profile with mild heat and smoky notes. Adjust spice level to preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall taste and balances the pickle's natural tanginess.

• Eggs, Buttermilk: Helps coating stick to pickles and creates a rich, creamy texture. Full-fat buttermilk provides better adherence.

• Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral flavor and high smoke point for deep frying. Canola or peanut oil are good alternatives.

• Ranch Dressing: Classic dipping sauce with cool, herbal notes. Homemade or store-bought works well.

How to Fry Pickles That Stay Crisp

Step 1: Prepare Pickle Powerhouses

• Drain pickles thoroughly
• Blot pickles completely dry using paper towels
• Slice pickles into uniform rounds or spears

Step 2: Create Flavor Blast Coatings

• All-purpose flour
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

• Eggs
• Buttermilk

• Breadcrumbs
• Cornmeal

Step 3: Breading Technique Mastery

• Dunk pickle slices into flour mixture
• Completely coat each pickle piece
• Shake off excess flour
• Dip coated pickle into egg mixture
• Allow excess liquid to drip
• Roll in breadcrumb mixture
• Press coating gently to stick
• Place breaded pickles on clean plate

Step 4: Hot Oil Transformation

• Select deep skillet or heavy pot
• Pour vegetable oil about 2 inches deep
• Heat oil to 375°F
• Carefully lower pickles into hot oil
• Fry in small batches
• Cook 2-3 minutes until golden brown
• Flip once for even cooking

Step 5: Drain and Serve

• Remove pickles using slotted spoon
• Place on paper towel-lined plate
• Let excess oil drip away
• Serve immediately with ranch dressing
• Enjoy crispy, tangy pickle perfection

Tips for Batter That Clings Just Right

• Maximize Moisture Removal: Pat pickles thoroughly with paper towels to prevent soggy breading and ensure a crispy, crunchy texture.
• Customize Spice Levels: Adjust cayenne pepper quantity to control heat intensity, making the dish mild or fiery according to personal preference.
• Maintain Optimal Oil Temperature: Use a kitchen thermometer to keep oil consistently at 375F, preventing undercooked or greasy pickles.
• Batch Frying Technique: Cook pickles in small batches to maintain oil temperature and prevent overcrowding, guaranteeing even, golden-brown coating.
• Elevate Dipping Experience: Experiment with homemade or gourmet dipping sauces like chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha ranch for added flavor complexity.

Best Ways to Store and Reheat Fried Pickles

• Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Spread pickles on a baking sheet, bake at 375F for 5-7 minutes to restore crispiness, turning halfway through.
• Warm pickles at 350F for 3-4 minutes, shaking basket midway to ensure even heating.
• Skip microwave reheating to prevent soggy texture and loss of crispy coating.

Great Pairings for Pickle Lovers

• Pair these crispy fried pickles with cool, creamy ranch dressing for a tangy flavor explosion that balances the pickle's sharp bite and the golden-brown crunch.
• Grab a cold, hoppy IPA or a light lager to complement the salty, crispy pickles- the beer's carbonation cuts through the richness and refreshes your palate.
• Serve alongside classic pulled pork sliders or barbecue chicken for a down-home appetizer spread that screams comfort food and southern hospitality.
• Create a quick sriracha mayo or chipotle dipping sauce to add an extra kick that enhances the pickles' already bold flavor profile and spice level.

Flavor Spins on Classic Fried Pickles

• Gluten-Free Fried Pickles: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Swap breadcrumbs with crushed pork rinds and use almond flour instead of regular flour to reduce carbohydrate content.
• Baked Pickle Chips: Skip deep-frying and arrange breaded pickle slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet, then bake at 425F for 15-20 minutes until crispy.
• Spicy Jalapeño Fried Pickles: Add finely chopped jalapeños to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra kick of heat and more complex flavor profile.

Fried Pickle FAQs

• What type of pickles work best for this recipe?

Dill pickle chips are the ideal choice, as they’re thick-cut and hold up well during frying. Ensure they’re well-drained and patted dry to achieve maximum crispiness.

• Can I make fried pickles healthier?

Yes, you can bake them instead of deep-frying. Spray the breaded pickles with cooking spray and bake at 425F for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.

• How do I prevent the breading from falling off during frying?

The key is to follow the breading process carefully: first coat in seasoned flour, then egg mixture, and finally breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to ensure they stick firmly to the pickle slices.

• What oil temperature is crucial for perfect fried pickles?

Maintain the oil at 375F (190C). If the oil is too cool, pickles will absorb too much oil and become greasy. If too hot, the outside burns before the inside cooks properly.

Fried Pickles Recipe

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4.6 from 16 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy Southern “Fried Pickles” bring zesty tangy goodness straight from Southern kitchens to your plate. Crunchy cornmeal-coated pickle slices deliver bold flavor that will satisfy comfort food cravings in one delicious bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 jar (16 ounces / 454 grams) dill pickle chips or slices, drained and patted dry
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

Coating Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• ½ cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)

Seasoning Ingredients:

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil, for frying
• Ranch dressing or spicy mayo (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly drain pickle slices and meticulously blot with paper towels to eliminate excess moisture, ensuring a crisp coating.
2. Create a seasoned flour blend by whisking together flour, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a wide, shallow container.
3. Prepare a wet dredging mixture by combining eggs and buttermilk in a separate bowl, creating a smooth, consistent liquid.
4. Craft a crunchy exterior coating by mixing breadcrumbs and cornmeal in a third bowl, which will provide a satisfying textural crunch.
5. Methodically coat each pickle slice in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete and even coverage.
6. Carefully dunk the flour-coated pickle into the egg mixture, allowing excess liquid to drip away naturally.
7. Roll the moistened pickle slice in the breadcrumb-cornmeal mixture, gently pressing to guarantee a secure adherence of the crispy coating.
8. Arrange the fully breaded pickle slices on a clean baking sheet, creating a single layer to prevent sticking.
9. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to precisely 375F, monitoring temperature with a cooking thermometer for optimal frying conditions.
10. Carefully lower breaded pickles into the hot oil in small batches, preventing overcrowding and maintaining consistent oil temperature.
11. Fry pickles for 2-3 minutes, rotating occasionally to achieve an evenly golden-brown, crispy exterior.
12. Extract fried pickles using a slotted spoon, transferring to a paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil.
13. Serve immediately alongside ranch dressing or preferred dipping sauce for maximum flavor and crispiness.

Notes

• Ensure pickles are thoroughly dried to prevent soggy breading and achieve maximum crispiness.
• Experiment with different spice blends in the flour mixture for unique flavor profiles, like adding smoked paprika or cayenne for extra kick.
• Use cold buttermilk and eggs to help breading adhere better and create a crunchier exterior.
• For gluten-free version, swap wheat flour with cornstarch or gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 375F to prevent greasy pickles and ensure even golden-brown coating.
• Store leftovers in refrigerator and reheat in oven to maintain crispy texture, avoiding microwave which makes breading soggy.
• Pair with homemade dipping sauces like spicy aioli or tangy remoulade for elevated taste experience.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg