If you’re looking for the perfect appetizer or snack to wow your friends and family, look no further than this Fried Pickles Recipe! Deep-fried pickles are a crispy, tangy, and utterly satisfying treat that’s guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser.
Whether you’re hosting a game day party, a casual get-together, or just craving something indulgent, these fried pickles are sure to hit the spot.
In this article, we’ll walk you through a simple yet delicious recipe for deep-fried pickles, along with tips, variations, and answers to frequently asked questions. Let’s dive in!
Why You’ll Love This Fried Pickles Recipe
- Crispy Perfection: The combination of panko breadcrumbs and seasoned batter creates an irresistibly crunchy coating.
- Burst of Flavor: Dill pickles bring a tangy punch that pairs beautifully with the savory breading.
- Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients and steps, you can whip up this snack in no time.
- Versatile: Whether you deep fry or air fry, these pickles are adaptable to your cooking preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make these crispy delights:
- Vegetable oil: For frying.
- Dill pickle slices: A 16-ounce jar works perfectly. Choose your favorite brand for the best flavor.
- All-purpose flour: Forms the base of the batter.
- Garlic salt: Adds a savory kick.
- Italian seasoning: Brings a hint of herbaceous flavor.
- Pepper: For a touch of spice.
- Water: To create a smooth batter.
- Panko breadcrumbs: For that extra-crispy texture.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Heat vegetable oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat until it reaches 350–375°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy.
- Drain the dill pickle slices and place them on paper towels. Pat them dry to remove excess liquid—this is key to achieving a crispy coating.
Step 2: Make the Batter
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper.
- Gradually add water to the dry ingredients and whisk until you achieve a smooth batter.
Step 3: Coat the Pickles
- Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
- Working in batches, dip the pickle slices into the batter, ensuring they are fully coated.
- Transfer the battered pickles to the breadcrumbs and coat all sides evenly.
Step 4: Fry to Perfection
- Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Fry each pickle slice for 1–2 minutes per side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on paper towels to drain any excess grease.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your piping-hot fried pickles immediately with a side of Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Trust us—they won’t last long!
Air Fryer Directions
If you prefer a healthier alternative to deep frying, try making these pickles in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 425°F.
- Follow the breading steps as outlined above.
- Arrange the breaded pickles in a single layer in the fryer basket (avoid overlapping).
- Cook for 7–9 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip the pickles and cook for an additional 7 minutes on the other side.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dip.
Tips for Perfect Fried Pickles
- Dry Your Pickles: Removing excess moisture is crucial for achieving a crispy coating that sticks.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to keep the oil between 350–375°F for even frying.
- Work in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan or fryer basket to ensure each pickle gets perfectly crispy.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Add paprika, cayenne pepper, or chili powder to the batter for an extra kick.
Variations You’ll Love
- Spicy Fried Pickles: Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for some heat.
- Cheesy Twist: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs for added flavor.
- Sweet and Tangy: Use bread-and-butter pickle slices instead of dill pickles for a sweeter variation.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 98 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 19g
- Protein: 3g
- Fat: 1g
- Sodium: 888mg
- Fiber: 1g
Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on portion sizes and specific ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I use whole pickles instead of slices?
Yes! You can slice whole pickles into spears or chips before breading and frying. Adjust cooking times as needed for thicker pieces.
2. What type of pickles work best for this recipe?
Dill pickle slices are ideal because their tangy flavor complements the crispy coating. However, feel free to experiment with bread-and-butter or spicy pickles.
3. How do I store leftover fried pickles?
Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an air fryer or oven to restore crispiness.
4. Can I make these gluten-free?
Absolutely! Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.
5. What dipping sauces pair well with fried pickles?
Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but you can also try spicy mayo, honey mustard, or even blue cheese dressing.
Final Thoughts
This Fried Pickles Recipe is an absolute must-try for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful snacks. Whether you’re deep-frying or air-frying, these golden-brown bites are sure to become a favorite in your household. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up this crowd-pleasing appetizer in no time.
So grab your jar of dill pickles, fire up your fryer (or air fryer), and get ready to enjoy some seriously delicious fried goodness!
Happy cooking!
PrintFried Pickles
Deep Fried Pickles are crunchy, flavorful, and SO tasty! They are breaded and fried to perfection, making them a crowd favorite!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- 1 (16-ounce) jar dill pickle slices
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- ¾ cup water
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Fill a frying pan with ½ inch oil and heat over medium-high heat to 350–375 degrees F.
- While oil is heating, drain pickles and place them on paper towels. Pat dry to remove excess juice.
- Whisk flour, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper together in a shallow bowl. Add water and mix until smooth.
- Place breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
- Working in batches, add pickles to the batter and toss to coat. Then dip pickles in breadcrumbs, making sure to coat all sides.
- Fry pickles in batches in the oil for 1–2 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Repeat with the remaining pickles.
- Serve immediately with Ranch dressing.
Notes
- Air Fryer Directions: Preheat the fryer to 425 degrees F. Bread the pickles as directed, then place in a single layer in the fryer basket and cook for 7–9 minutes. They should be golden brown and crispy. Flip the pickles and cook for an additional 7 minutes on the other side.
- Variations: Feel free to change up the seasonings in the batter for a different flavor. Add some paprika or chili powder to make it a little spicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 g
- Calories: 98
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 888 mg
- Fat: 1 g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: Not Specified
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 19 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 3 g
- Cholesterol: Not Specified
