The Ultimate Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe for Tangy Perfection

Crispy fried pickles dance between tangy and crunchy in this irresistible Southern-style snack.

Dill-packed rounds get a golden, crackling coat that makes taste buds sing with excitement.

Pickle lovers understand the magic of turning humble ingredients into something extraordinary.

Cornmeal and seasoned flour create the perfect crisp exterior that shatters beautifully with each bite.

Midwest diners and backyard barbecue enthusiasts have long celebrated this addictive appetizer.

Quick to prepare and impossible to resist, these pickles promise a delightful crunch that’ll have you reaching for more.

The combination of zesty pickles and satisfying crispness makes this recipe a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you won’t want to miss.

Crispy Fried Pickles That’ll Make You Snack-Happy

• Crunch into Flavor Explosion: Packed with bold seasonings and a perfectly crispy exterior, these fried pickles deliver an irresistible texture that transforms a simple ingredient into a mouthwatering appetizer.
• Master the Cooking Technique: Simple step-by-step instructions make this recipe approachable for home cooks of all skill levels, allowing anyone to create restaurant-quality fried pickles with professional-level results.
• Crowd-Pleasing Party Favorite: Perfect for game day gatherings, movie nights, or casual get-togethers, these pickles guarantee smiles and excited munching from friends and family who love bold, tangy snacks.
• Customizable Seasoning Adventure: Flexible recipe allows creative cooks to experiment with spice blends, swap breadcrumb types, or adjust seasonings to match personal taste preferences and culinary creativity.

Must-Have Ingredients for Crispy Fried Pickles

• Dill Pickles: Fresh, tangy slices that provide the core flavor and texture for this crispy appetizer.
• Vegetable Oil: High-heat oil essential for deep-frying the pickles to achieve a golden, crunchy exterior.

• Flour, Breadcrumbs, Cornmeal: A combination of dry ingredients that creates a crisp, textured coating for the pickles.
• Eggs, Milk: Liquid binders that help the breading adhere to the pickle slices and create a smooth coating.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Spices that add depth of flavor and enhance the overall taste of the fried pickles.

Fry Up the Perfect Pickles Step by Step

Step 1: Prepare Pickle Slices

Grab your fresh dill pickles and gently pat them completely dry using paper towels. This crucial step ensures your pickles will get an amazing crispy coating that sticks perfectly.

Step 2: Create Egg Wash

In a medium bowl, whisk together eggs and milk until the mixture looks smooth and well combined. This liquid will help your breading cling to the pickle slices.

Step 3: Mix Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Breadcrumbs
• Cornmeal
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika

Stir the ingredients thoroughly so every spice is evenly distributed.

Step 4: Bread the Pickle Slices

Dip each pickle slice into the egg wash, letting extra liquid drip off. Then roll the slice in the seasoned dry mixture, pressing gently to make sure it’s completely covered with the crispy coating.

Step 5: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or dutch oven. Heat the oil until it reaches 375°F. Use a cooking thermometer to check the temperature for perfect frying.

Step 6: Fry Pickle Chips

Carefully lower the breaded pickle slices into the hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding. Cook for 2-3 minutes until they turn a beautiful golden brown color.

Step 7: Drain Excess Oil

Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles. Place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain extra oil and keep them super crispy.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Sprinkle a bit more salt if you want extra flavor. Serve immediately while they’re hot and crunchy. Ranch dressing makes an awesome dipping sauce!

How to Get Crispy Fried Pickles Every Time

• Achieve Maximum Crispiness: Pat pickle slices completely dry to prevent soggy breading and ensure a perfectly crunchy exterior.
• Seasoning Secret: Add extra cayenne or smoked paprika to the breading mix for a spicy kick that elevates the classic flavor profile.
• Oil Temperature Matters: Use a deep-fry thermometer to maintain precise 375°F oil temperature, preventing greasy or undercooked pickles.
• Strategic Batching: Fry pickle slices in small, non-crowded batches to preserve oil temperature and guarantee even, golden-brown crispiness.
• Drain Like a Pro: Place fried pickles on a wire rack instead of paper towels to prevent bottoms from becoming soggy and maintain maximum crunch.

Flavor Variations for Fried Pickle Fans

• Spicy Pickle Poppers: Replace paprika with cayenne pepper and add hot sauce to the egg mixture for a fiery kick.
• Ranch Crunch Pickles: Mix ranch seasoning directly into the breading mixture for extra tangy flavor.
• Parmesan Herb Pickles: Incorporate grated parmesan cheese and dried herbs like oregano into the coating for an Italian-inspired version.
• Southern Cornmeal Pickles: Increase cornmeal ratio in the breading for a more rustic, Southern-style crunch with a coarser texture.

What Tastes Great with Crispy Fried Pickles

• Zesty Ranch Dip Pairing: Blend cool, tangy ranch dressing with fresh herbs like dill or chives to complement the crispy, salty pickle slices and balance their intense flavor profile.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a hoppy IPA or light wheat beer to cut through the richness of the fried pickles, with its carbonation and slight bitterness enhancing the crispy texture.
• Spicy Aioli Dunk: Whip up a homemade spicy aioli using sriracha or chipotle sauce mixed with mayonnaise, creating a creamy, fiery counterpoint to the crunchy pickles that adds exciting heat.

Best Ways to Store Crispy Fried Pickles

• Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Revive crispy texture by placing pickles on a baking sheet and warming in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes until heated through and crisp.
• Layer cooled fried pickles between parchment paper in a freezer-safe container, storing for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat in the oven to restore crunchiness.
• Never leave fried pickles at room temperature for more than 2 hours to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.

FAQs for the Ultimate Fried Pickle Experience

• Can I use different types of pickles?

Yes, you can use dill pickle chips, whole dill pickle slices, or even spears. Just ensure they are thoroughly dried before breading.

• Do I need a deep fryer for this recipe?

No, a heavy-bottomed skillet or dutch oven works perfectly. The key is maintaining a consistent oil temperature around 375°F.

• How can I make the coating extra crispy?

Ensure pickle slices are completely dry before dredging, press the seasoned mixture firmly onto each slice, and maintain proper oil temperature during frying.

• Is it possible to make these pickles gluten-free?

Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version of the recipe.

Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe

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4.5 from 29 reviews

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

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Description

Southern-style Crispy Fried Pickles deliver a zesty crunch that elevates classic appetizer traditions. Tangy dill pickle slices coated in seasoned buttermilk batter create an irresistible snack you’ll crave at first bite.

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Ingredients

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Pickles and Breading:

• 2 cups dill pickles, sliced
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup cornmeal

Wet Ingredients:

• 2 large eggs
• 1/4 cup milk

Seasoning and Spices:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Oil for Frying:

• 4 cups vegetable oil (or canola oil)

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Instructions

1. Pat dill pickle slices thoroughly dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crisp coating adherence.
2. Whisk eggs and milk together in a medium bowl, creating a smooth binding liquid for breading.
3. Combine flour, breadcrumbs, cornmeal, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika in a separate shallow dish, mixing thoroughly to distribute seasonings evenly.
4. Dredge each pickle slice first through egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then coat completely in seasoned dry mixture, pressing gently to ensure full coverage.
5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep heavy-bottomed skillet or dutch oven to 375°F, maintaining consistent temperature for optimal frying.
6. Carefully lower breaded pickle slices into hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding, and fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove fried pickles using a slotted spoon, transferring to a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil and maintain crispiness.
8. Sprinkle additional salt if desired and serve immediately while hot and crunchy, accompanied by ranch or preferred dipping sauce.

Notes

• Pat pickle slices completely dry to prevent soggy breading and ensure maximum crispiness during frying.
• Use cold eggs and milk straight from the refrigerator for better coating adhesion and smoother breading process.
• Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to breading mixture for spicy lovers who want a kick of heat in their fried pickles.
• Experiment with gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe accessible for those with wheat sensitivities.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg