Fried pickles are crispy, tangy, and oh-so-fun to eat! These crunchy bites are coated in a tasty batter and fried to golden perfection, making them a great snack or appetizer.
They’re super easy to make, and I love serving them with a side of ranch for dipping. Just be ready for your friends to fight over the last piece! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickles: Choose your favorite brand of dill pickle slices. You can use whole pickles and slice them yourself. If you’re not a fan of dill, try bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist!
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your coating. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. It works just as well!
Cornmeal: It adds a fantastic crunch. If you don’t have cornmeal, you can skip it or replace it with more flour. I find that using a mix helps create the perfect texture.
Spices: The paprika and garlic powder give flavor. Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking! You can add cayenne pepper for extra heat or even some Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Get the Perfect Crunch on Your Fried Pickles?
The crunchiness of fried pickles comes from two main things: the coating and the frying process. Here’s how to achieve that perfect texture:
- First, make sure to dry your pickles well. Excess moisture can make them soggy.
- Coat them in buttermilk first; this helps the flour mixture stick better.
- Heat oil to the right temperature (350°F). If it’s too hot, they’ll burn. If it’s too cool, they won’t get crispy.
- Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much.
Following these steps will give you that irresistible crunch your fried pickles deserve! Enjoy with your favorite dip, and happy frying!
How to Make Fried Pickles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dill pickle slices (about 20-25 slices), drained and patted dry
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal (optional for extra crunch)
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and about 10 minutes of cooking time. Make sure to have everything ready because it comes together quickly and tastes best when served hot!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pickles:
Start by draining the pickle slices well to get rid of excess liquid. Then, use paper towels to pat them dry. This step is crucial to ensure they get crispy when fried.
2. Mix the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal (if you’re using it), paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This will be your coating mix that adds flavor and crunch!
3. Set Up Dipping Stations:
In another shallow bowl, pour the buttermilk. This is what will help the coating stick perfectly to the pickles!
4. Coat the Pickles:
Take each pickle slice and dip it first into the buttermilk, making sure it is well coated. After that, dredge it in the flour mixture, pressing gently to help it stick. When finished, place the coated pickles on a tray. Repeat until all slices are coated.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test if it’s ready by dropping in a little flour; if it sizzles, you’re good to go!
6. Fry the Pickles:
Carefully add the coated pickles to the hot oil in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd them. Fry for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn!
7. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pickles to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. This will help keep them crunchy.
8. Enjoy!
Serve your hot fried pickles with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re best enjoyed fresh and crispy!
Happy frying and enjoy your delicious, crispy, tangy fried pickles!
Can I Use Other Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are traditional, feel free to experiment with bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter version or even spicy pickles for an extra kick. Just make sure to drain and dry them well.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Pickles?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crunchiness. Avoid microwaving, as they can become soggy.
Can I Make the Coating Spicier?
Absolutely! If you love a bit of heat, try adding cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes to your flour mixture. Start with a small amount and adjust to your spice preference!
What Can I Serve with Fried Pickles?
Fried pickles pair perfectly with ranch dressing, but you can also enjoy them with other dips like spicy mayo, blue cheese dressing, or even a tangy BBQ sauce. They make a great appetizer for parties or game day!
