Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe: Simple Snack Everyone Will Love

Crispy fried pickles reinvent an ordinary snack into a tantalizing culinary adventure that beckons with irresistible crunch and zesty flavor.

Unexpected textures and bold taste sensations dance together in this beloved appetizer that surprises food enthusiasts.

Southern kitchens first popularized these delectable morsels, sparking a widespread craze for deep-fried pickle delights.

Crisp, golden exteriors give way to juicy, briny interiors that create an unparalleled sensory experience for hungry guests.

Perfectly seasoned breading adds layers of complexity to the humble pickle, elevating it from simple condiment to star attraction.

Achieving that ideal balance between crisp coating and tender pickle requires careful technique and a dash of culinary creativity.

You’ll find these addictive bites disappear faster than you can plate them, making them a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why Crispy Fried Pickles Are the Ultimate Crunchy Snack

• Crunch into Flavor Explosion: These crispy fried pickles deliver an irresistible texture with a satisfying crackle that makes every bite a delightful sensory experience.
• Spice Up Your Snack Game: The blend of cayenne pepper, paprika, and black pepper creates a bold, zesty kick that transforms ordinary pickles into an exciting appetizer.
• Quick and Easy Party Pleaser: With just 15 minutes of prep and 4 minutes of frying, these pickles are a hassle-free crowd-pleaser perfect for game nights, gatherings, or impromptu snack cravings.
• Customize Your Crunch: The versatile recipe allows for personal touches like different dipping sauces or adjusting spice levels, making it a flexible dish that suits various taste preferences.

Tips for Crispy, Tangy Fried Pickles at Home

• Pat Dry Perfectly: Remove excess moisture from pickle slices using paper towels to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent soggy breading.
• Rest Batter Wisely: Allow batter to sit for at least 5 minutes to thicken and help coating adhere better to pickle slices.
• Coat Carefully: Gently press Panko breadcrumbs onto pickles, ensuring an even and crunchy exterior that stays put during frying.
• Fry in Small Batches: Keep oil temperature consistent by not overcrowding the pan, which helps maintain crispy texture and prevents oil temperature drop.
• Season Immediately: Sprinkle salt right after frying while pickles are hot to enhance flavor and create a perfect seasoned crust.

How to Keep Fried Pickles Tasting Fresh After Frying

• Refrigerate: Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Place a paper towel underneath to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Reheat in Oven: Preheat oven to 375°F. Arrange pickles on a wire rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes until crispy and heated through, turning once midway to ensure even warming.
• Crisp Restoration: Avoid microwaving, which makes breading soggy. Instead, use the oven method to restore original crunchiness. Serve immediately after reheating for best texture and flavor.

Dips and Mains That Pair with Fried Pickles

• Sip a Cold Beer: Crispy fried pickles pair perfectly with a light, refreshing beer like a pilsner or wheat ale that cuts through the richness and complements the tangy pickle flavor.
• Dunk in Zesty Ranch: The classic ranch dressing brings creamy coolness and herbal notes that balance the crispy, spicy coating of the pickles, making each bite more enjoyable.
• Match with Spicy Cocktail: A bloody mary or michelada adds a bold, zesty kick that harmonizes with the cayenne and black pepper in the pickle breading, creating a flavor explosion.
• Create a Southern Combo: Serve alongside pulled pork or fried chicken for a quintessential Southern appetizer spread that celebrates crispy, savory comfort foods.

Fun Twists to Shake Up Fried Pickle Night

• Spicy Ranch Pickle Bites: Swap the dipping sauce by mixing ranch dressing with hot sauce for an extra kick of heat.
• Herb-Crusted Pickle Chips: Add fresh chopped herbs like parsley, chives, and thyme to the Panko breadcrumb mixture for a fragrant coating.
• Gluten-Free Pickle Crunch: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe celiac-friendly.
• Buttermilk Tangy Version: Substitute milk with buttermilk in the batter to create a tangier, more complex flavor profile and enhance the pickle's natural zestiness.

Everything You Need for the Perfect Fried Pickle Coating

Main Ingredients:

• Pickles: Tangy, crisp cucumber pickles that provide the base for this crunchy snack, best when using dill pickle slices.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and airy Japanese-style breadcrumbs that create an extra crispy exterior for the fried pickles.
• Flour: Helps create a smooth batter and ensures the breading sticks to the pickles.

• Milk: Adds moisture and helps bind the batter ingredients together.
• Egg: Provides structure and helps the batter adhere to the pickles.
• Baking Powder: Gives a light and airy texture to the batter.

• Cayenne Pepper, Black Pepper, Paprika: Blend of spices that adds heat and depth of flavor to the breading.
• Dill: Enhances the pickle flavor and complements the overall taste.
• Salt: Balances and heightens the flavors of the fried pickles.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.
• Ranch Dressing: Classic dipping sauce that pairs perfectly with crispy fried pickles.

How to Fry Pickles Without Getting Soggy

Step 1: Prepare Seasoned Breading

Mix Panko breadcrumbs, cayenne pepper, and salt in a shallow bowl. Set aside.

Step 2: Create Batter Magic

Whisk flour, milk, baking powder, egg, paprika, black pepper, and dill in a medium bowl until smooth. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to develop flavor.

Step 3: Dry Pickle Slices

Use paper towels to gently pat pickle slices until completely dry. This helps breading stick better.

Step 4: Coat Pickles

Dip each pickle slice into the prepared batter, then roll in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs. Place coated pickles on a baking sheet and let them sit for a few minutes.

Step 5: Heat Oil

Warm vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy pot to 360-370°F. Use a thermometer to ensure correct temperature.

Step 6: Fry to Perfection

Carefully drop breaded pickles into hot oil in small batches. Fry for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 7: Drain and Season

Transfer fried pickles to a paper towel-lined plate. Sprinkle immediately with extra salt.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Plate crispy pickles with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Serve hot and watch them disappear!

Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Crispy fried pickles bring Southern comfort straight to your plate with a crunchy exterior and tangy pickle center. Zesty dill pickles coated in seasoned buttermilk batter create an irresistible appetizer you’ll want to share with friends.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 12 sandwich-sliced dill pickles (about 12 slices)
• 1–2 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup milk
• 1 egg

Spices and Seasonings:

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon dill (optional)

Cooking Ingredient:

• Oil for frying

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat pickle slices with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring a crisp coating.
2. Create a zesty batter by combining flour, milk, baking powder, egg, paprika, black pepper, and chopped dill in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until the mixture reaches a smooth, consistent texture.
3. Allow the batter to rest for 5 minutes, which helps the ingredients meld and creates a more cohesive coating.
4. Prepare two separate breading stations: one with seasoned Panko breadcrumbs mixed with cayenne pepper and salt, and another with plain Panko breadcrumbs.
5. Dunk each pickle slice into the prepared batter, ensuring complete coverage.
6. Carefully transfer the batter-coated pickle to the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs, gently rolling to create an even, crispy exterior.
7. Place breaded pickle slices on a baking sheet, allowing them to rest briefly so the coating adheres securely.
8. Heat oil to a precise temperature between 360-370°F, maintaining consistent heat for optimal frying.
9. Fry pickles in small batches, turning occasionally to achieve an even, golden-brown color and maximum crispiness.
10. Remove fried pickles with a slotted spoon, draining excess oil on paper towels.
11. Immediately season with a light sprinkle of salt for enhanced flavor.
12. Serve hot alongside ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer.

Notes

• Ensure pickles are thoroughly dried to achieve maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
• Let batter rest for at least 5 minutes to develop better texture and help coating adhere more effectively to pickle slices.
• Maintain oil temperature between 360-370°F for perfect golden-brown exterior and crisp coating without greasy results.
• Work in small batches while frying to prevent overcrowding and maintain consistent oil temperature for even cooking.
• Use paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil and keep fried pickles extra crispy after cooking.
• Serve immediately with ranch or preferred dipping sauce to enjoy maximum crunchiness and flavor.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 280
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 7g
• Cholesterol: 30mg