Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Fried Pickles are the perfect combination of tangy, crunchy, and savory flavors that make for a fantastic snack or appetizer. Coated in a golden, crispy batter and deep-fried to perfection, these pickles offer an irresistible contrast of textures, with the soft and juicy pickle inside and the crispy exterior providing a satisfying crunch in every bite. Whether you’re serving them at a party, a casual get-together, or simply craving a delicious snack, crispy fried pickles are sure to be a hit.

This beloved Southern snack has gained popularity across the country, making its way onto menus of restaurants and bars everywhere. The crispy, battered exterior holds in the tangy flavor of the pickle, creating a delightful snack that’s as addictive as it is easy to make. In this recipe, we’ll guide you through the process of creating crispy fried pickles from scratch, providing you with step-by-step instructions and useful tips to ensure your fried pickles turn out perfectly every time. We’ll also discuss variations, dipping sauces, and storage tips to make these pickles the star of your next meal or event.

Why You’ll Love Crispy Fried Pickles

  • Irresistible Crunch: The perfectly crispy batter and the tender, juicy pickle inside create a satisfying crunch that makes every bite enjoyable. Fried pickles offer a great balance of textures, with the crisp exterior giving way to the tangy, flavorful pickle.
  • Tangy Flavor: The tart, briny flavor of the pickles is enhanced by the crispy batter, providing a delightful contrast that’s both savory and tangy in every bite.
  • Quick and Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and a straightforward process, crispy fried pickles come together in no time. Whether you’re an experienced cook or a beginner, this recipe is easy to follow and delivers great results.
  • Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes by choosing your favorite type of pickle—whether dill, bread and butter, or even spicy pickles. The batter can also be seasoned to your liking, and you can choose different dipping sauces to complement the dish.
  • Perfect for Any Occasion: Crispy fried pickles are perfect for any occasion. Serve them as an appetizer at your next party, as a snack during movie night, or even as a side dish to accompany your favorite sandwich or burger.

Preparation and Cooking Time

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Preparation Time: 10 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 10-15 minutes
  • Servings: Approximately 4-6 servings
  • Calories per Serving: Around 150-200 calories per serving, depending on portion size and specific ingredients.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

  • Calories: 150-200 kcal
  • Fat: 8-10g
  • Carbohydrates: 20-25g
  • Protein: 2g
  • Fiber: 1-2g
  • Sugar: 2-3g

Ingredients

For the Crispy Fried Pickles:

  • 1 jar (16 oz) of dill pickle slices (or bread and butter pickles, or your choice of pickles)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for added color and flavor)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if buttermilk isn’t available)
  • 1 ½ cups cornmeal (for extra crunch)
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Optional: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

For the Dipping Sauce (Ranch or Spicy Mayo):

  • ½ cup ranch dressing (or spicy mayo for a kick)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (if making spicy mayo)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pickles

Before you begin making the batter and frying, start by draining the pickle slices from the jar. This is an important step because excess liquid can affect the batter, making it soggy. Lay the pickle slices on a few layers of paper towels and blot them dry to remove as much moisture as possible.

If you prefer, you can use whole pickles and slice them into rounds, but pre-sliced pickles are convenient and easy to work with for this recipe.

2. Prepare the Dipping Station

Set up a dipping station for the pickles, where you will dip the slices into the batter and coat them with the cornmeal. Start by placing the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Mix them together until the dry ingredients are evenly combined.

In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. The egg and buttermilk mixture will act as the binder to help the dry batter stick to the pickles.

Lastly, pour the cornmeal into another shallow bowl. The cornmeal will create the crispy exterior on the pickles as they fry.

3. Coat the Pickles

One by one, take the pickle slices and dip them into the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before dipping them into the egg and buttermilk mixture. After that, transfer the pickles to the bowl with the cornmeal and press gently to coat each slice evenly with the cornmeal.

For extra crunch, you can double coat the pickles by repeating the process of dipping in the flour, egg mixture, and cornmeal. This will create a thicker batter that results in a crispier exterior.

4. Heat the Oil

In a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough for frying but not smoking. To test the temperature, drop a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and floats to the top quickly, the oil is ready for frying.

If you don’t have a deep fryer, a thermometer can help ensure the oil stays at the optimal frying temperature, around 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry the Pickles

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered pickle slices into the oil in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy pickles. Fry the pickles for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This will help keep the pickles crispy and prevent them from becoming soggy.

6. Serve the Fried Pickles

Once all the pickles are fried, arrange them on a serving platter. If desired, garnish the fried pickles with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the crispy fried pickles immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce

While the pickles are frying, you can prepare the dipping sauce. For a classic accompaniment, serve the pickles with ranch dressing, which complements the tangy flavor of the pickles beautifully. If you prefer something with a bit more heat, mix together the spicy mayo sauce by combining mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Pour the dipping sauce into a small bowl and serve alongside the fried pickles for dipping.

Tips for Perfect Crispy Fried Pickles

  • Use the Right Type of Pickles: The best pickles for frying are those with a firm texture. Dill pickles are the most commonly used for this recipe, but you can also use bread and butter pickles for a sweeter option or spicy pickles for a bit of a kick.
  • Pat the Pickles Dry: To prevent excess moisture from affecting the batter, make sure to blot the pickles thoroughly with paper towels before dipping them in the batter.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many pickles at once can cause the oil temperature to drop, resulting in soggy pickles. Fry in small batches to ensure each pickle gets a nice, crispy coating.
  • Adjust the Thickness of the Batter: If you want a thicker batter, you can add more cornmeal or flour to achieve the desired texture. For a lighter batter, reduce the amount of flour.
  • Fry at the Right Temperature: The oil needs to be at the correct temperature (around 350°F or 175°C) to ensure the pickles cook quickly and become crispy without absorbing too much oil.

Variations of Crispy Fried Pickles

  • Spicy Fried Pickles: For an extra kick, add a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the batter. You can also use spicy pickles for added heat.
  • Beer-Battered Fried Pickles: Replace the buttermilk with a light beer for a beer batter that creates a slightly different flavor and texture. The beer adds a subtle yeasty flavor to the crispy exterior.
  • Cheese-Stuffed Fried Pickles: For a more indulgent version, stuff your pickles with a bit of cream cheese, cheddar cheese, or pepper jack cheese before dipping them in the batter. These cheese-stuffed fried pickles are extra cheesy and satisfying.
  • Sweet and Sour Fried Pickles: Serve the fried pickles with a tangy sweet and sour sauce for a fun twist on the classic flavor combination.

Storage and Shelf Life

Crispy fried pickles are best enjoyed immediately after frying to maintain their crispiness. However, if you need to store them, allow the fried pickles to cool to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container. They can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

To reheat, place the pickles in a single layer on a baking sheet and heat them in a 375°F (190°C) oven for about 5-10 minutes, or until they are crispy again. Avoid microwaving them, as this can make them soggy.

For longer storage, you can freeze the battered pickles before frying. Arrange the coated pickles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze them until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pickles to a freezer-safe bag or container. To fry from frozen, simply heat the oil and fry the pickles straight from the freezer.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Crispy Fried Pickles

While crispy fried pickles are delicious on their own, they can also be paired with a variety of side dishes and accompaniments to create a complete meal:

  • Burgers or Sandwiches: Serve the fried pickles as a side dish with your favorite burger or sandwich for an extra crunch.
  • Coleslaw: A tangy, creamy coleslaw pairs beautifully with the fried pickles, balancing the richness with its refreshing crunch.
  • French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: Pair the fried pickles with classic fries or sweet potato fries for a complete, satisfying snack or meal.
  • Onion Rings: For a crunchy, savory combo, serve the fried pickles alongside crispy onion rings.
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Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe


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  • Author: Julie
  • Total Time: 30 minutes

Description

Tangy pickle slices are coated in a seasoned batter and deep-fried until crispy and golden. Served with a cool dipping sauce, these crispy fried pickles offer a satisfying crunch and bold flavor, making them the ultimate snack or appetizer.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Crispy Fried Pickles:

  • 1 jar (16 oz) of dill pickle slices (or bread and butter pickles, or your choice of pickles)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (optional for added color and flavor)
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk if buttermilk isn’t available)
  • 1 ½ cups cornmeal (for extra crunch)
  • 1 ½ cups vegetable oil (for frying)
  • Optional: Fresh chopped parsley for garnish

For the Dipping Sauce (Ranch or Spicy Mayo):

  • ½ cup ranch dressing (or spicy mayo for a kick)
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce (if making spicy mayo)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice or vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pickles

Before you begin making the batter and frying, start by draining the pickle slices from the jar. This is an important step because excess liquid can affect the batter, making it soggy. Lay the pickle slices on a few layers of paper towels and blot them dry to remove as much moisture as possible.

If you prefer, you can use whole pickles and slice them into rounds, but pre-sliced pickles are convenient and easy to work with for this recipe.

2. Prepare the Dipping Station

Set up a dipping station for the pickles, where you will dip the slices into the batter and coat them with the cornmeal. Start by placing the flour, baking powder, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt in a medium-sized bowl. Mix them together until the dry ingredients are evenly combined.

In a separate shallow dish, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. The egg and buttermilk mixture will act as the binder to help the dry batter stick to the pickles.

Lastly, pour the cornmeal into another shallow bowl. The cornmeal will create the crispy exterior on the pickles as they fry.

3. Coat the Pickles

One by one, take the pickle slices and dip them into the flour mixture, ensuring they are fully coated. Shake off any excess flour before dipping them into the egg and buttermilk mixture. After that, transfer the pickles to the bowl with the cornmeal and press gently to coat each slice evenly with the cornmeal.

For extra crunch, you can double coat the pickles by repeating the process of dipping in the flour, egg mixture, and cornmeal. This will create a thicker batter that results in a crispier exterior.

4. Heat the Oil

In a large, deep skillet or a Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be hot enough for frying but not smoking. To test the temperature, drop a small piece of batter into the oil—if it sizzles and floats to the top quickly, the oil is ready for frying.

If you don’t have a deep fryer, a thermometer can help ensure the oil stays at the optimal frying temperature, around 350°F (175°C).

5. Fry the Pickles

Once the oil is hot, carefully add the battered pickle slices into the oil in small batches. Don’t overcrowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in greasy pickles. Fry the pickles for about 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Use a slotted spoon or tongs to remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil. This will help keep the pickles crispy and prevent them from becoming soggy.

6. Serve the Fried Pickles

Once all the pickles are fried, arrange them on a serving platter. If desired, garnish the fried pickles with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and added freshness. Serve the crispy fried pickles immediately while they are still hot and crispy.

7. Prepare the Dipping Sauce

While the pickles are frying, you can prepare the dipping sauce. For a classic accompaniment, serve the pickles with ranch dressing, which complements the tangy flavor of the pickles beautifully. If you prefer something with a bit more heat, mix together the spicy mayo sauce by combining mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

Pour the dipping sauce into a small bowl and serve alongside the fried pickles for dipping.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-15 minutes

Nutrition

  • Calories: 150-200 kcal
  • Fat: 8-10g
  • Carbohydrates: 20-25g
  • Protein: 2g

Conclusion

Crispy Fried Pickles are a delicious, easy-to-make snack that delivers the perfect balance of tangy flavor and crispy texture. Whether you’re making them for a party, as an appetizer, or simply as a treat for yourself, these fried pickles are sure to impress. With a few simple ingredients, a little bit of frying time, and some tasty dipping sauces, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish that everyone will love. So, get ready to dive into these crispy, golden, pickle-packed delights—they’re the perfect snack for any occasion!

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