Fried pickles are a savory snack that has taken the food world by storm. These crunchy, tangy bites are the perfect combination of salty and crispy, making them an irresistible treat for pickle lovers everywhere.
Whether you’re hosting a party, whipping up a snack for game night, or simply indulging in a guilty pleasure, fried pickles are guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to make the perfect fried pickles at home, along with some tips, variations, and FAQs to help you along the way.
Why Fried Pickles Are So Popular
Fried pickles have become a staple appetizer at many restaurants and bars, and for good reason! The tanginess of the pickles combined with the crispy breading creates an addictive flavor profile. Plus, they’re incredibly versatile—you can experiment with different seasonings, dipping sauces, and types of pickles to suit your taste. Best of all, they’re surprisingly easy to make at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make fried pickles, you don’t need a long list of complicated ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Vegetable oil: For frying.
- 1 (16-ounce) jar of dill pickle slices: These are the star of the show! Choose your favorite brand or go for homemade pickles if you prefer.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: For the batter base.
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt: Adds a punch of flavor.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: For a hint of herbal goodness.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: To balance the flavors.
- ¾ cup water: To create the batter.
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs: For that extra crispy coating.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making fried pickles at home is easier than you might think. Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy results:
1. Prepare Your Oil
Fill a frying pan with about ½ inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches 350–375°F. Use a thermometer for accuracy—this temperature range ensures your pickles fry evenly without becoming greasy.
2. Drain and Dry the Pickles
Drain the jar of pickles and place the slices on paper towels. Pat them dry to remove any excess juice. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating, as too much moisture can make the batter soggy.
3. Make the Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Gradually add water while whisking until the mixture is smooth and free of lumps.
4. Prepare the Breadcrumbs
Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow dish. These will give your fried pickles their signature crunch.
5. Coat the Pickles
Working in batches, dip each pickle slice into the batter, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then transfer it to the dish of breadcrumbs and press gently to coat all sides evenly with breadcrumbs.
6. Fry the Pickles
Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil using tongs or a slotted spoon. Fry them in batches for 1–2 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan to maintain an even cooking temperature.
7. Drain and Serve
Once fried, transfer the pickles to a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce—Ranch dressing is a classic choice!
Air Fryer Directions
If you’d prefer a healthier alternative or don’t want to deal with frying oil, you can make fried pickles in an air fryer:
- Preheat your air fryer to 425°F.
- Bread the pickles as directed above.
- Place the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket (you may need to work in batches).
- Cook for 7–9 minutes until golden brown and crispy, then flip them and cook for an additional 7 minutes on the other side.
Air fryer fried pickles are just as delicious as their deep-fried counterparts but with less oil!
Tips for Perfect Fried Pickles
- Dry Your Pickles Thoroughly: Excess moisture can prevent the batter from sticking properly and make your fried pickles soggy. Pat them dry with paper towels before coating them in batter.
- Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs work too, but panko breadcrumbs provide that extra crunch that makes fried pickles so satisfying.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying too many pickles at once can lower the oil temperature and result in unevenly cooked snacks. Fry in small batches for best results.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Add paprika, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to the batter for a spicy kick, or try onion powder for added depth of flavor.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about fried pickles is their versatility! Here are some fun variations to try:
- Spicy Fried Pickles: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the batter for a bit of heat. Serve with spicy mayo or sriracha aioli for an extra kick!
- Cheesy Fried Pickles: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist on this classic snack.
- Pickle Spears: Instead of slices, use pickle spears for a heartier bite. Adjust frying time accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through.
- Sweet and Spicy: Use bread-and-butter pickles instead of dill pickles for a sweet-and-savory flavor combination.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use other types of pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickle slices are traditional, you can use pickle spears, bread-and-butter pickles, or even spicy pickles for a unique twist on this recipe.
2. Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Simply substitute gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs for their regular counterparts to make this recipe gluten-free.
3. What dipping sauces go well with fried pickles?
Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but you can also try honey mustard, spicy mayo, blue cheese dressing, or even barbecue sauce for variety!
4. How do I store leftovers?
Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat them in an air fryer or oven to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
5. Can I bake these instead of frying?
Yes! To bake fried pickles, preheat your oven to 425°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a wire rack. Place breaded pickles in a single layer and bake for 10–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Final Thoughts
Fried pickles are a fun and flavorful snack that’s easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Whether you deep fry them or use an air fryer for a healthier option, these crunchy bites are sure to be a hit with friends and family alike. So grab your favorite jar of pickles and start frying—you won’t regret it!
PrintFried Pickles Recipe
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
