If you and your friends love a snack that’s bursting with flavor and texture, you’re going to adore this Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe. Imagine tangy, crunchy dill pickle slices, perfectly encased in a golden, crunchy crust that offers the ultimate savory bite. Whether it’s game day, a casual get-together, or just a craving moment, these crispy gems are utterly addictive and ridiculously easy to whip up in less than half an hour.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, pantry-friendly ingredients is the secret to making this Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe a breeze and incredibly delicious. Each item plays a crucial role, from the zest of the garlic salt to the crunch from the panko breadcrumbs, coming together to create that perfectly crispy, flavor-packed bite.
- Vegetable oil: The ideal frying medium to get that golden crunch without overpowering flavors.
- 1 (16-ounce) jar dill pickle slices: The star ingredient providing tanginess and a juicy punch.
- ½ cup all-purpose flour: Helps build the light batter that clings beautifully to the pickles.
- 2 teaspoons garlic salt: Adds a garlicky savory depth enhancing every bite.
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: Offers a subtle herbaceous kick making the flavor more complex and delightful.
- ¼ teaspoon pepper: A touch of spicy warmth balancing the tang and saltiness.
- ¾ cup water: Mixes the dry ingredients into a smooth batter for coating.
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs: Crucial for achieving that irresistible crunchy crust that defines this recipe.
How to Make Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Heat the Oil
Start by filling a frying pan with about half an inch of vegetable oil and heating it over medium-high heat until it reaches between 350 and 375 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range is perfect for frying to get that crispy finish without sogginess.
Step 2: Prepare the Pickles
While your oil heats up, drain your pickle slices well and lay them on paper towels. Pat them thoroughly to soak up excess juice, which is essential for keeping your batter crisp and ensuring those pickles fry to perfection without slipping off the coating.
Step 3: Make the Batter
In a shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Gradually add water, whisking until you get a smooth, slightly thick batter that will coat the pickles evenly.
Step 4: Prep the Breadcrumbs
Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow dish. These breadcrumbs will provide that signature crunch everyone loves in a fried pickle.
Step 5: Coat the Pickles
Working in batches, dip each pickle slice first into the batter, making sure it’s completely covered, then immediately coat it thoroughly with the panko breadcrumbs on all sides. This two-step coating process locks in the pickle’s juiciness while building a satisfying crunch on the outside.
Step 6: Fry the Pickles
Carefully place the battered and breaded pickles into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side until they turn a gorgeous golden brown. Remove the pickles and let them drain on paper towels to discard any excess oil. Repeat with the remaining slices, making sure your oil stays within the ideal temperature range for consistent crispiness.
Step 7: Serve Immediately
Don’t wait once your crispy fried pickles are done frying — serve them piping hot with a side of Ranch dressing or your favorite dip. The contrast of the tangy pickle and crunchy coating softened just right by the creamy dip is simply irresistible.
How to Serve Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
For a little extra flair and freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or a pinch of smoked paprika before serving. These garnishes not only add color but also lift the aroma, making your presentation as appetizing as the taste.
Side Dishes
Crispy fried pickles are fantastic as a standalone snack or appetizer, but they also pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides like coleslaw or baked beans. For a heartier meal, serve alongside juicy burgers, crispy fries, or even a tangy slaw for a true Southern-style feast.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your fried pickles stacked in a rustic wire basket lined with parchment paper or arranged on a wooden charcuterie board with an assortment of dips. Another crowd-pleasing idea is to skewer individual fried pickles and serve them as finger food at parties — easy to eat and full of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare!), place your crispy fried pickles in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture. Store them in the refrigerator for up to two days to maintain the best texture.
Freezing
While frying is best done fresh, you can freeze coated, un-fried pickle slices arranged in a single layer on a baking sheet before transferring them to a freezer bag. This way, the coating stays intact. When ready, fry them from frozen, adding a minute or two to the cooking time.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-out-of-the-fryer crispness, reheat your leftover fried pickles in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375 degrees Fahrenheit for about 5 to 7 minutes. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy.
FAQs
Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill for this Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe?
Absolutely! While dill pickles provide that classic tang, sweet pickles add a different flavor profile that works well, especially if you enjoy a sweeter, less briny snack. Just be sure to pat them dry thoroughly before battering.
What’s the best oil to use for frying the pickles?
Vegetable oil or canola oil are your best bets because they have a high smoke point and neutral flavor, allowing the pickle and seasoning flavors to shine through without any off tastes.
Can I bake these instead of frying for a healthier option?
Yes, you can bake the coated pickles at around 425 degrees Fahrenheit for 15 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. While they won’t be quite as crispy as fried, baking is a great alternative if you want to cut back on oil.
How do I make sure the coating sticks well to the pickles?
Patting the pickles dry before dipping is key. Also, dipping first in a wet batter and then coating with panko breadcrumbs creates a sturdy crust that sticks well during frying.
What dipping sauces pair best with Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe?
Classic Ranch dressing is a top favorite, but spicy aioli, blue cheese dip, or even a tangy sriracha mayo can make fantastic partners in crime for these fried delights.
Final Thoughts
There’s something undeniably joyful about biting into crispy, perfectly seasoned fried pickles, and this Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe makes it easy for anyone to create that joy at home. I encourage you to try it — once you do, it might just become your go-to snack for gatherings or whenever a flavorful crunch calls your name!
Print
Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Crispy Fried Pickles are a delicious and crunchy appetizer that combines tangy dill pickle slices coated in a seasoned batter and panko breadcrumbs, then fried to golden perfection. Perfectly crispy on the outside with a juicy, tangy bite on the inside, these fried pickles make a crowd-pleasing snack or starter for any occasion.
Ingredients
Frying and Coating 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 black pepper
- ¾ cup water
- 1½ cups panko breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Heat Oil: Fill a frying pan with ½ inch of vegetable oil and heat it over medium-high heat until it reaches a temperature between 350°F and 375°F, which is ideal for frying to get a crispy texture.
- Prepare Pickles: While the oil is heating, drain the dill pickle slices from their liquid and place them on paper towels. Pat them dry carefully to remove any excess juice which can cause splattering and sogginess when fried.
- Make Batter: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the all-purpose flour, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and black pepper. Gradually add the water and mix until you have a smooth batter with no lumps.
- Prepare Breadcrumbs: Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish, ready for coating the pickles after batter dipping.
- Coat Pickles: Working in batches to avoid overcrowding, dip each pickle slice into the batter, tossing to coat them completely. Then immediately dredge each coated pickle in the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring all sides are fully covered for maximum crunch.
- Fry Pickles: Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot vegetable oil. Fry them in batches for about 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until they turn a beautiful golden brown color and become crisp. Remove them with a slotted spoon and drain briefly on paper towels to absorb excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried pickles immediately while hot and crunchy, accompanied by Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful appetizer experience.
Notes
- Make sure the oil temperature stays between 350-375°F for the best frying results; too low will make pickles greasy, too high will burn the coating.
- Patting the pickles dry thoroughly is essential to avoid oil splatter and soggy coating.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch instead of regular breadcrumbs.
- You can customize the seasoning in the batter by adding cayenne pepper or smoked paprika for an extra kick.
- Serve immediately for best texture; fried pickles tend to lose crispiness if left to sit.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
