Crispy Golden Fried Pickles Recipe: Tangy Snack Magic

Crispy, golden fried pickles always spark joy at gatherings and casual dinners.

Tangy dill slices coated in a crunchy batter create an irresistible appetizer.

Southern kitchens have perfected this delightful snack that brings smiles to everyone around the table.

Pickle lovers understand the magic of deep-fried goodness with a zesty kick.

Salt and crunch combine in a way that makes you want to grab another bite.

Served with a cool ranch or spicy dipping sauce, these pickles turn an ordinary moment into something special.

You’ll want to make extra – trust me on this one.

What Makes Fried Pickles So Addictive

• Elevate your typical pickle into a mouthwatering treat that surprises taste buds with its golden, crunchy exterior and tangy interior.
• Prepare these crowd-pleasing bites in just a few simple steps, guaranteeing a delightful snack that'll have everyone reaching for more.
• Mix and match dipping sauces or spice levels to create a personalized version that suits your flavor preferences and heat tolerance.

The Simple Ingredients for Fried Pickles

• Pickle Slices: Fresh, crisp dill pickle slices are the star of this crunchy appetizer.
• Buttermilk: A tangy liquid that helps tenderize and add flavor to the pickles.
• Vegetable Oil: The perfect medium for achieving a golden, crispy exterior.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornmeal: A crunchy blend that creates a delightful crispy coating for the pickles.
• Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Black Pepper: Spices that add a kick of heat and enhance the overall flavor profile.

• Dipping Sauce: A complementary condiment that adds extra flavor to the fried pickles.

Step-By-Step to Crispy Fried Pickles at Home

Step 1: Prepare Pickle Slices

Pat pickle slices completely dry using clean paper towels.

Remove all excess liquid to ensure maximum crispiness.

Step 2: Buttermilk Bath

Submerge pickle slices in buttermilk, letting them soak for half an hour.

This helps the coating stick better and adds tangy flavor.

Step 3: Create Crunchy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Yellow cornmeal
• Cayenne pepper
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Whisk ingredients together until well blended for a perfectly seasoned breading.

Step 4: Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or heavy-bottomed pan.

Heat oil to 350 degrees Fahrenheit, using a kitchen thermometer for precise temperature.

Step 5: Dredge Pickle Slices

Carefully coat each pickle slice in the seasoned flour mixture.

Shake off excess breading to prevent clumping and ensure an even, crispy exterior.

Step 6: Fry to Golden Perfection

Gently lower breaded pickle slices into hot oil.

Fry in small batches for 3-4 minutes, turning once, until they reach a beautiful golden-brown color.

Step 7: Drain and Serve

Transfer fried pickles to paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.

Serve immediately with ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or your favorite dipping sauce.

Fried Pickle Tips for Maximum Crunch

• Pat pickle slices completely dry before breading to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
• Soaking pickles in buttermilk adds tangy flavor and helps breading stick better, creating a more robust coating.
• Maintain consistent oil heat at 350F to prevent greasy pickles and ensure even golden-brown coloring.
• Avoid overcrowding the skillet by frying in small batches, which keeps oil temperature stable and prevents pickle slices from sticking together.
• Swap wheat flour with gluten-free flour blend or almond flour to make the recipe suitable for those with gluten sensitivities.

How to Keep Fried Pickles Fresh and Tasty

• Place cooled fried pickles in an airtight container, separating layers with parchment paper. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Arrange completely cooled pickles on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer bag. Freeze for maximum 1 month.
• Spread pickles in a single layer, air fry at 375F for 3-4 minutes until crispy. Shake basket halfway through reheating.
• Bake pickles on a wire rack set over a baking sheet at 425F for 5-7 minutes. Flip halfway to ensure even crispiness and prevent sogginess.

What to Serve with Fried Pickles for Crunchy Fun

• Tangy Beer Companion: Pair these crispy fried pickles with a cold, hoppy IPA to complement the zesty pickle flavor and cut through the richness of the fried coating.
• Creamy Dipping Delight: Whip up a quick ranch or spicy remoulade sauce to balance the tangy pickles and provide a cool, creamy contrast to the crunchy texture.
• Southern Comfort Match: Serve alongside pulled pork or fried chicken for a classic Southern-style appetizer spread that celebrates deep-fried goodness and bold flavors.
• Cool Beverage Refresh: Grab an ice-cold sweet tea or sparkling lemonade to cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the salty, crispy pickles.

Fun Flavor Spins for Homemade Fried Pickles

• Gluten-Free Crispy Pickles: Replace wheat flour with gluten-free cornmeal or rice flour for celiac and gluten-sensitive individuals.
• Keto-Friendly Low-Carb Version: Substitute flour mixture with crushed pork rinds or almond flour to reduce carbohydrate content and maintain crunchiness.
• Baked Pickle Chips: For a healthier alternative, arrange coated pickle slices on a baking sheet and bake at 425F for 15-20 minutes, spraying with olive oil for extra crispness.
• Spicy Herb Variation: Add dried herbs like dill, parsley, or oregano to the flour coating and increase cayenne pepper for an extra kick of flavor.

FAQs

• Why soak pickles in buttermilk before frying?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the pickles and creates a tangy base that helps the breading stick better, ensuring a crispier and more flavorful coating.

• Can I use different types of pickles for this recipe?

Yes! While dill pickle chips work best, you can experiment with bread and butter pickles or even whole pickle spears, just slice them consistently for even cooking.

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

Use a cooking thermometer to check it’s at 350F. If you don’t have one, drop a small piece of breading into the oil – it should sizzle and rise immediately without burning.

• What makes the breading extra crispy?

The combination of flour and cornmeal creates a super crunchy exterior. The cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick and helps the coating adhere to the pickles during frying.

Fried Pickles Recipe

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4.8 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Crispy golden Southern Fried Pickles offer a tangy crunch that elevates classic appetizer expectations. Dill pickle chips coated in seasoned buttermilk batter and deep-fried deliver pure Southern comfort you cannot resist.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 16 ounces (454 grams) thick-cut dill pickles (slices or spears)
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) buttermilk
• 1 cup (125 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) cornmeal

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cooking Ingredient:

• Vegetable oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Pat pickle slices thoroughly with paper towels to eliminate residual liquid, ensuring optimal crispiness.
2. Immerse pickle slices in buttermilk, allowing them to marinate for half an hour to enhance flavor absorption.
3. Craft a robust seasoning blend by combining flour, cornmeal, cayenne, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
4. Gradually warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet, monitoring temperature until it reaches a precise 350F (175C) for ideal frying conditions.
5. Meticulously coat each pickle slice in the seasoned flour mixture, gently tapping off surplus coating to prevent clumping.
6. Carefully lower pickle slices into hot oil, working in controlled batches to maintain consistent temperature and prevent overcrowding.
7. Fry each batch for 3-4 minutes, rotating once to achieve an evenly golden, crisp exterior that promises satisfying crunch.
8. Extract fried pickles using a slotted spoon, transferring them to fresh paper towels to absorb excess oil and preserve their crispness.
9. Serve immediately alongside your preferred dipping sauce, ensuring maximum flavor and temperature enjoyment.

Notes

• Blot pickles thoroughly to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
• Buttermilk soak helps tenderize and add tangy flavor, enhancing overall taste profile.
• Adjust cayenne pepper for personalized heat level, making it mild or spicy according to preference.
• Gluten-free option available by substituting regular flour with almond or rice flour for celiac-friendly version.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Southern

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 210
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 5 mg