Crispy Pickle Paradise: The Crunchy Fried Pickles Recipe

These irresistible crispy and crunchy fried pickles will make you the star of any gathering, turning a simple snack into a crowd-pleasing sensation.

Sliced pickle rounds get coated in a perfectly seasoned batter that crackles with every delectable bite.

Zesty and golden, each morsel promises a delightful crunch that surprises your taste buds.

Southern diners and casual party hosts alike adore this simple yet impressive appetizer.

Crisp breading creates an incredible contrast against tangy pickle interiors, ensuring maximum flavor in every single piece.

Dip them in ranch or spicy aioli for an extra kick that complements the pickle’s natural zinginess.

Jump into this easy recipe and watch how quickly these addictive bites disappear from your plate.

Why Crispy Fried Pickles Are Addictive

• Boost Crunch Factor: Achieve perfectly crispy pickles with a triple-layer coating technique that locks in flavor and creates an irresistible golden exterior.
• Master Quick Appetizer: Prepare these delectable fried pickles in minutes, making them ideal for surprise guests, game day snacks, or spontaneous gatherings.
• Customize Flavor Profile: Experiment with seasoning blends in the flour mixture, allowing you to create a unique taste that matches your culinary preferences.
• Crowd-Pleasing Technique: Impress friends and family with restaurant-style fried pickles that deliver maximum crunch and tangy satisfaction in every bite.

Ingredients In Crispy Fried Pickles

• Pickles: Fresh, crisp cucumbers preserved in brine that provide a tangy base for the fried snack.

• Flour: Creates a dry base layer that helps other ingredients stick to the pickle.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Seasonings that add depth and complex flavor to the flour mixture.
• Eggs, Buttermilk: Liquid binders that help the breadcrumb coating adhere perfectly to the pickle slices.
• Breadcrumbs: Provides a crunchy, golden exterior that creates textural contrast.

• Vegetable Oil: Neutral oil that allows high-heat frying and creates a crisp, even golden-brown coating.
• Digital Thermometer: Ensures precise oil temperature for optimal frying results.

• Salt: Additional seasoning to enhance the final flavor profile of the fried pickles.

How To Make Fried Pickles Crunchy

Step 1: Prepare Pickle Slices

Pat each pickle completely dry using paper towels. Slice pickles into thin, consistent rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick to ensure even cooking and crispy texture.

• Pickles
• Paper towels

Step 2: Create Seasoning Stations

Set up three separate shallow dishes for coating process.

• Flour
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Beaten eggs
• Buttermilk
• Breadcrumbs

Step 3: First Coating Layer

Dredge each pickle slice thoroughly in seasoned flour mixture, covering completely and shaking off any excess powder.

Step 4: Wet Coating Application

Dip the floured pickle slice into egg and buttermilk blend, allowing extra liquid to drip back into dish.

Step 5: Final Breadcrumb Coating

Roll coated pickle slice in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create an even, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Heat Cooking Oil

Warm vegetable oil in deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan until temperature reaches 375°F. Use digital thermometer for precise measurement.

Step 7: Fry Pickle Slices

Carefully lower breaded pickle slices into hot oil. Fry in small batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure consistent browning.

Step 8: Achieve Golden Crispiness

Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until pickle slices become golden brown and develop a crunchy exterior.

Step 9: Drain and Season

Remove fried pickles using slotted spoon. Place on wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil. Sprinkle with additional salt if desired.

Step 10: Serve Immediately

Enjoy hot, crispy pickle slices right away for maximum crunchiness and flavor.

Best Tips For Crispy Fried Pickles

• Slice with Precision: Cut pickles uniformly at 1/4-inch thickness to ensure even cooking and consistent crunchiness in every bite.
• Layer Coating Strategically: Create three separate stations – seasoned flour, egg-buttermilk mixture, and breadcrumbs – for maximum flavor and texture absorption.
• Fry at Right Temperature: Maintain oil at 375°F and use a digital thermometer to achieve perfectly crisp, non-greasy fried pickles that are golden and delectable.
• Drain Smartly: Use a wire rack or paper towels to remove excess oil, keeping your fried pickles crunchy and preventing sogginess.

Fried Pickle Flavor Variations

• Gluten-Free Crispy Pickles: Replace flour with rice flour or cornstarch, use gluten-free breadcrumbs, and maintain the same coating technique for a celiac-friendly version.
• Spicy Jalapeño Pickle Chips: Add diced jalapeños to breadcrumbs or mix cayenne pepper into the flour mixture for an extra kick of heat.
• Air Fryer Method: Skip deep-frying by coating pickles and cooking in an air fryer at 390°F for 8-10 minutes, turning halfway through for even crispiness.
• Herb-Infused Pickle Rounds: Mix dried herbs like dill, oregano, or thyme into the breadcrumb coating for an aromatic flavor enhancement.

Fried Pickle Pairings You’ll Enjoy

• Pair with Zesty Ranch Dip: Creamy, tangy ranch dressing complements the crispy, salty pickle chips perfectly, cutting through the richness with its cool herbs and spices.
• Refresh with Cold Beer Pairing: Light lager or hoppy IPA provides a crisp, refreshing contrast to the deep-fried pickles, balancing the salty crunch with its bubbly brightness.
• Match with Spicy Aioli: Homemade garlic aioli spiked with sriracha or cayenne pepper adds a bold, creamy kick that enhances the pickle's crunchy texture and amplifies overall flavor complexity.
• Complement with Southern Coleslaw: Crisp, slightly sweet coleslaw with a vinegar-based dressing offers a cool, crunchy side that rounds out the deep-fried pickle's intense taste profile.

Storage Tips For Fried Pickles

• Transfer cooled fried pickles to an airtight container, layer with parchment paper between slices to prevent sticking, and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Arrange completely cooled pickles on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for maximum 1 month to maintain crispy texture.
• Preheat oven to 425°F, place pickles on wire rack over baking sheet, bake for 7-10 minutes until crispy and heated through. Avoid microwave to prevent soggy coating.

Fried Pickles FAQ Section

• Why use buttermilk in the egg mixture?

Buttermilk helps create a tangier flavor and provides extra tenderness to the coating, making the breading more flavorful and crisp.

• Can I use different types of pickles?

Dill pickle chips work best, but you can experiment with kosher dill or bread and butter pickles for slightly different flavor profiles.

• How do I know the oil is at the right temperature?

Use a digital thermometer to ensure the oil reaches exactly 375°F. If you don’t have one, drop a breadcrumb into the oil – it should sizzle immediately but not burn.

• What makes the coating extra crispy?

The three-step dredging process – flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs – creates a thick, crunchy exterior that seals in moisture and provides maximum crispiness.

Crispy And Crunchy Fried Pickles Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

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

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Description

Crispy and Crunchy Fried Pickles deliver a Southern-style snack that tantalizes taste buds with golden-brown goodness. Zesty pickle slices coated in seasoned breading offer irresistible crunch, perfect for dipping and sharing with friends at any gathering.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 medium pickles
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 large eggs
• 1 cup breadcrumbs

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp paprika

Frying Ingredients:

• 2 cups vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup buttermilk

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly pat dry pickles with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy coating adherence.
2. Prepare three separate shallow dishes: one with flour mixed with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika; second with beaten eggs and buttermilk; third with breadcrumbs.
3. Slice pickles into uniform, thin rounds approximately 1/4-inch thick for consistent cooking.
4. Dredge each pickle slice first in seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage and shaking off excess.
5. Dip floured pickle slice into egg-buttermilk blend, allowing excess to drip back into dish.
6. Roll coated pickle slice in breadcrumbs, pressing gently to create an even, adherent crust.
7. Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F, checking temperature with a digital thermometer.
8. Carefully lower breaded pickle slices into hot oil, working in small batches to prevent overcrowding.
9. Fry for 2-3 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy on both sides.
10. Remove fried pickles using a slotted spoon, placing on wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
11. Sprinkle with additional salt if desired and serve immediately while hot and crunchy.

Notes

• Always choose crisp, cold dill pickles for maximum crunch and flavor intensity.
• Ensure pickles are completely dry before breading to prevent soggy coating and promote better adhesion.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crispiness and lighter texture compared to traditional breadcrumbs.
• Create gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or rice flour and using gluten-free breadcrumbs.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 250
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 27g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 5g
• Cholesterol: 70mg