Crispy Fried Pickles – golden, ultra-crunchy, and addictively tangy, these zesty bites make the ultimate snack or crowd-pleasing appetizer!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These fried pickles are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, making them a mouthwatering combination of textures. Easy to prepare with basic ingredients, they come together quickly and fry up beautifully in just minutes. Customize the flavor with spices or dip them in a bold sauce to make them even more irresistible. They’re also a great vegetarian-friendly option for sharing.
Ingredients
- 16 oz jar dill pickle chips (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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Heat about 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- In a second bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk.
- In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs or panko.
- Dip each pickle chip first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, then into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the coated pickles in batches, about 1–2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- For dipping sauce: Mix together mayo, ketchup, horseradish, and paprika. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
- Serve the fried pickles hot with dipping sauce on the side.
Servings And Timing
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Calories: Approximately 180 kcal per serving
Variations
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne or hot sauce to the buttermilk mixture.
- Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
- Air Fryer Option: Spray breaded pickles with oil and air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
- Sweet Pickle Twist: Use bread and butter pickles for a sweet-savory flavor combo.
- Ranch Dipping: Swap out the zesty dip for classic ranch dressing or blue cheese sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in an oven or air fryer at 375°F until crisp. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as fried pickles tend to lose texture when thawed.
FAQs
Can I Use Pickle Spears Instead Of Chips?
Yes, but you’ll need to fry them slightly longer and may need to cut them in half for easier handling.
What Oil Is Best For Frying?
Vegetable oil, canola, or peanut oil are ideal for frying due to their high smoke points.
Can I Make These Without Buttermilk?
You can substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or vinegar.
Why Are My Pickles Soggy After Frying?
Make sure to pat the pickles completely dry before breading and avoid overcrowding the frying pot.
Can I Make These In Advance?
They’re best fresh, but you can bread the pickles ahead and refrigerate them for a few hours before frying.
Is The Dipping Sauce Necessary?
Not at all! They’re tasty on their own but the sauce adds a nice flavor contrast.
What’s The Best Way To Keep Them Crispy?
Place them on a wire rack instead of paper towels after frying to allow air circulation.
Are These Suitable For Vegetarians?
Yes, as long as your dipping sauce and buttermilk are vegetarian-friendly.
Can I Use Pre-Breaded Pickles From The Store?
Yes, but homemade is fresher and lets you control the flavor.
How Do I Make Them More Flavorful?
Try adding onion powder, dried herbs, or grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture.
Conclusion
Crispy fried pickles are a fun, flavorful appetizer that you can whip up in no time. With their satisfying crunch and tangy taste, they’re sure to be a hit at any gathering. Serve them fresh and hot with your favorite dip, and watch them disappear just as fast as you made them.
Related Recipes to Try Next
- Craving more pickle goodness? Don’t miss these Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles for a crisp and lighter version.
- For cheese lovers, these Crispy Fried Cheese Bites deliver the perfect golden crunch.
- Add a tangy twist to your snack board with Pickle-Marinated Cheese Stacks — bold and savory in every bite.
- Try a carnival-style combo of fun and flavor with our Crispy Pickle Corn Dog.
- Satisfy your sweet-and-savory cravings with Crispy Fried S’mores Bites, a creative twist on a classic campfire treat.
Crispy Fried Pickles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden, and perfectly tangy, these fried pickles make a crowd-pleasing snack or appetizer—easy to whip up at home with pantry staples and served with a zesty dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 16 oz jar dill pickle chips (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
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup plain breadcrumbs or panko
- Vegetable oil, for frying
For Dipping Sauce (optional):
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat about 1 1/2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot to 375°F (190°C).
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
- In a second bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk.
- In a third bowl, place breadcrumbs.
- Dip each pickle chip first into the flour mixture, then into the buttermilk mixture, then into the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
- Fry the coated pickles in batches, about 1-2 minutes per side, until golden and crisp. Use a slotted spoon to transfer to a paper towel-lined plate.
- For dipping sauce: Stir together mayo, ketchup, horseradish, paprika, and season to taste.
- Serve the fried pickles hot with dipping sauce on the side.
Notes
- Ensure pickles are well-dried before breading to prevent sogginess.
- Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch compared to regular ones.
- Serve immediately for best crispness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 35mg