Crispy Fried Pickles Snacks Recipe

Fried pickles are a Southern U.S. staple that has made its way into the hearts of snack lovers nationwide. These tangy, salty dill pickle slices, coated in a seasoned crispy batter and fried to golden perfection, are the perfect crunchy snack or appetizer. Paired with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo, they deliver the ultimate flavor punch!

Why I Love This Recipe

• That crunchy coating combined with the juicy, tangy pickles creates an addictively bold contrast.
• It’s a quick, easy, and crowd-pleasing snack — perfect for parties, game days, or indulgent snacking.
• The recipe is easily adaptable to suit your flavor preferences — from spicy to cheesy.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• It’s a fun and unique twist on classic fried snacks.
• Loved by both kids and adults.
• It uses pantry staples and can be made in under 30 minutes.

Prep Time & Cooking Time:

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: Approx. 250–300 kcal per serving (varies based on oil absorption and dipping sauce)

Ingredients:

For the Pickles:

• 1 jar (16 oz) sliced dill pickles (chips or rounds), drained
• 1 cup buttermilk

For the Coating:

• ¾ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ cup cornmeal (or use more flour for extra smooth coating)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Frying:

• Vegetable oil for deep frying (canola or peanut oil recommended)

For Dipping (Optional but recommended):

• Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or chipotle aioli

Step-by-Step Preparation Method:

Step 1: Prep the Pickles

• Drain the pickle slices and pat them dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
• Soak the pickles in buttermilk for about 10 minutes. This helps the coating stick and adds flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Coating

• In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

Step 3: Heat the Oil

• Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan or deep fryer.
• Heat to 350°F (175°C).

Step 4: Coat the Pickles

• Remove pickles from the buttermilk (let excess drip off) and dredge in the seasoned flour mixture.
• Press lightly to ensure an even coating.

Step 5: Fry the Pickles

• Carefully place a few coated pickles into the hot oil.
• Fry for 2–3 minutes per side, or until golden and crispy.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan.

Step 6: Drain and Serve

• Remove pickles with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain excess oil.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

How to Serve Fried Pickles

• Serve hot and crispy, right after frying.
• Great with a side of ranch, honey mustard, spicy sriracha mayo, or chipotle dip.
• Can be served as an appetizer, snack, or side dish with burgers and sandwiches.

Additional Tips & Variations:

Tips:

• Dry the pickles well before dredging to prevent soggy coating.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
• Keep your oil hot between batches to maintain crispiness.
• Double-dip: For extra crunch, dredge, dip back into buttermilk, then dredge again.

Variations:

• Spicy Fried Pickles: Add chili powder or hot sauce to the batter.
• Beer-Battered Pickles: Use a beer and flour batter for a pub-style taste.
• Vegan Option: Replace buttermilk with a plant-based milk and vinegar mixture.

Freezing and Storage:

• Storing leftovers: Place cooled fried pickles in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to crisp them up.
• Freezing: Not recommended for best texture. However, you can freeze breaded (unfried) pickles in a single layer, then fry from frozen.

Special Equipment Needed:

• Deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pan
• Slotted spoon or spider strainer
• Thermometer (to monitor oil temperature)
• Paper towels or cooling rack

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Q: Can I bake or air fry fried pickles?

A: Yes! For a healthier version, spray the breaded pickles with oil and bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes or air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes.

Q: What type of pickles work best?

A: Dill pickle chips (slices) are the most common. You can also use spears for a larger snack.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?

A: Yes! Use a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch, and make sure your pickles and seasonings are gluten-free.

Q: Why is my coating falling off?

A: Make sure pickles are dry before dipping and press the coating firmly. Chilling the breaded pickles for 10 minutes before frying helps too.

Conclusion

Fried pickles are a crispy, crave-worthy snack that combines bold flavor and satisfying texture. Whether you’re hosting a party, watching the big game, or simply indulging in some comfort food, these golden bites are guaranteed to impress.

So go ahead, grab a jar of pickles and a hot skillet, and treat yourself to this Southern classic with a crunch!