Fried pickles are a crunchy and tangy snack that everyone seems to love! They’re slices of pickles coated in a crispy batter and fried until golden brown.
Honestly, they’re like little bites of happiness—perfect for munching while watching your favorite show. I can’t resist dipping them in ranch dressing; it just makes them even better!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill pickle slices: Look for good-quality dill pickles. If you prefer a different flavor, try bread and butter pickles for a sweeter touch. You can also use smaller gherkins if you like bite-sized pieces!
All-purpose flour: This gives the pickles their initial coating. If you need a gluten-free option, consider using gluten-free all-purpose flour instead.
Cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs: I love using panko because it really adds a crunch. However, regular breadcrumbs work too. For a more health-conscious twist, try using crushed rice cereal!
Cayenne pepper: This ingredient adds a bit of heat. If you’re a fan of spice, feel free to add more. If you want to keep it mild, omit it altogether.
What’s the Best Way to Ensure Crispy Fried Pickles?
Getting your fried pickles crispy is all about technique! Start by ensuring the pickle slices are well-drained and dry. This helps the batter stick better and keeps them from getting soggy.
- Heat the oil until it reaches 350°F (175°C)—a thermometer is your best friend here!
- Dredge the slices carefully to make sure they’re well-coated without clumping.
- Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady. If the oil cools down too much, the pickles won’t crisp up properly.
- Let the fried pickles rest on paper towels to absorb excess oil, ensuring they stay crispy.
How to Make Delicious Fried Pickles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Pickles:
- 1 jar dill pickle slices (about 16 oz), drained and patted dry
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
- 1 cup cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 cups)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes around 15 minutes to prepare and about 10-15 minutes to fry, depending on how many batches you do. It’s a quick and satisfying snack that’s ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pickles:
Start by draining the pickle slices and patting them dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial for ensuring your fried pickles are crispy!
2. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
Get three shallow bowls ready: In the first bowl, mix together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like some heat. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until they’re smooth. In the third bowl, put the cornmeal or panko breadcrumbs.
3. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, pour in about 1 to 2 inches of vegetable oil. Heat the oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). A thermometer is handy here to ensure the oil is hot enough for frying!
4. Coat the Pickles:
Working in batches, take each pickle slice and first coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip back into the bowl. Finally, roll the pickle slice in the cornmeal or breadcrumbs until it’s completely covered.
5. Fry the Pickles:
Carefully add a few coated pickle slices to the hot oil, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to avoid burning!
6. Drain and Serve:
Using a slotted spoon, remove the fried pickles from the oil and let them drain on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil.
7. Enjoy!
Serve your crispy fried pickles warm with your favorite dipping sauces, like cool ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a tangy comeback sauce. They make a perfect snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Other Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are classic, you can experiment with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter flavor or even spicy pickles for an extra kick. Just be sure to drain them well to prevent sogginess!
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Pickles?
Store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes to crisp them back up.
What If I Don’t Have Cornmeal or Panko?
No worries! You can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed crackers, or even crushed cornflakes as a substitute. Each option will give a different texture, so feel free to choose what you have on hand!
Can I Make the Batter Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the flour mixture and egg wash ahead of time. Just keep them covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to use them. However, it’s best to coat the pickles just before frying to maintain their crispiness!
