Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe

Crunchy Dill Delights: Irresistible Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe

Pickles take center stage in this crispy fried pickles recipe that transforms ordinary appetizers into a crunchy delight.

Southern kitchens have long celebrated these golden, tangy bites that crackle with every bite.

The secret lies in a perfectly seasoned batter that clings to each pickle slice.

Zesty dill pickles get coated in a light, crisp breading that turns them into irresistible morsels.

A simple dipping sauce complements the rich, savory crunch of these addictive pickles.

Anyone who loves bold flavors and textural contrasts will fall head over heels for this crowd-pleasing snack.

Prepare to elevate your appetizer game with these irresistible crispy fried pickle slices that are sure to disappear quickly.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 290 kcal

Servings: 4

What Goes Into Fried Pickles Crispiness

For Coating Layers:
  • All-Purpose Flour: Creates a sturdy base layer for breading, helps seasonings stick to pickles.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds subtle, aromatic flavor without overwhelming the pickle's tanginess.
  • Smoked Paprika: Introduces a deep, smoky undertone that complements the crispy exterior.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Provides optional heat for those craving a spicy kick.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances overall seasoning and brings out pickle's natural zestiness.
For Binding:
  • Eggs, Buttermilk: Creates a sticky, creamy mixture that helps breading adhere perfectly to pickle slices.
For Crispy Exterior:
  • Breadcrumbs, Cornmeal: Delivers a golden, crunchy coating that creates irresistible textural contrast.
For Frying and Preparation:
  • Pickles: Choose crisp, tangy dill pickle chips for best results, patting thoroughly dry ensures maximum crispiness.
  • Vegetable Oil: Provides neutral, high-heat medium for achieving perfect golden-brown crunch.
For Serving:
  • Ranch Dressing: Classic, creamy dipping sauce that balances the pickle's sharp, salty profile.

Set Your Kitchen Up for Fried Pickles

  • Deep Skillet or Pot: Essential for frying pickles with enough depth for oil.
  • Slotted Spoon: Perfect for safely removing fried pickles from hot oil.
  • Baking Sheet or Plate: Helps stage breaded pickles before frying.
  • Thermometer: Crucial for checking oil temperature at 375F.
  • Three Mixing Bowls: Needed for flour, egg, and breadcrumb coatings.
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate ingredient quantities.
  • Paper Towels: Important for draining excess oil and drying pickles.
  • Whisk: Helps blend egg and buttermilk smoothly.

Directions to Fry Pickles Like a Snack Star

  • Prepare Pickle Slices

Pat each pickle slice dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture.

  • Create Coating Stations

Set up three separate bowls: one with seasoned flour, another with egg and buttermilk mixture, and the last with breadcrumb blend.

  • Bread the Pickles

Dunk each pickle slice into flour, then egg mixture, and finally coat completely with breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help coating stick.

  • Heat Cooking Oil

Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet, warming it to 375F until it shimmers and looks ready for frying.

  • Fry in Batches

Carefully lower pickle slices into hot oil, cooking for 2-3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and become wonderfully crispy.

  • Drain and Rest

Transfer fried pickles onto paper towels to remove excess oil and let them cool slightly.

  • Serve and Enjoy

Place crispy pickles on a serving plate and pair with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a delightful snack that’ll make taste buds dance.

Change Things Up with Pickle Breading Ideas

  • Crispy Pickle Perfection: Pat pickles completely dry to ensure maximum crunchiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
  • Temperature Control: Use a cooking thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature around 375F, guaranteeing perfectly golden and crispy pickles every time.
  • Gluten-Free Twist: Swap wheat flour with rice flour or gluten-free all-purpose blend, making these fried pickles accessible for those with gluten sensitivities.
  • Spice Level Adjustment: Modify cayenne pepper quantity to create mild, medium, or extra-hot versions based on personal heat preference – experiment with different pepper intensities.
  • Healthier Baking Option: For a lighter alternative, arrange breaded pickle slices on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 425F for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.

Serve Fried Pickles With Crowd-Pleasing Style

  • Party Platter Presentation: Arrange crispy fried pickles on a large wooden board with small dipping sauce bowls scattered around for easy sharing during game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Appetizer Extravaganza: Stack pickles vertically in a tall glass or wire basket lined with parchment paper, creating a visually appealing tower that guests can grab and enjoy quickly.
  • Flavor Boosters: Sprinkle finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley over the fried pickles for added color and a burst of fresh herbal notes that complement the tangy pickle flavor.
  • Sauce Pairing Adventure: Create a mini dipping sauce station with ranch, spicy aioli, honey mustard, and sriracha mayo to let guests mix and match their favorite flavor combinations.

Fried Pickle Storage That Works

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container within the refrigerator for maximum freshness, consuming within 2-3 days for optimal taste and texture.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Restore crispiness by warming pickles in a preheated oven at 375F for 5-7 minutes, ensuring they regain their crunchy exterior without becoming soggy.
  • Advance Preparation Hack: Bread the pickle slices ahead of time, separating layers with parchment paper, and refrigerate up to 4 hours before frying to streamline cooking process.
  • Freezing Method: Place uncooked breaded pickle slices on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags for storage up to one month, allowing flexible meal planning.
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Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe

Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe


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4.7 from 34 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Southern classic fried pickles deliver crispy, tangy perfection from classic dill rounds coated in seasoned cornmeal batter. Crunchy pickle slices offer irresistible appetizer delight you’ll savor with zesty ranch dipping sauce.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (16 oz / 454 g) dill pickle chips or slices, drained and patted dry
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp smoked paprika
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • Ranch dressing or spicy mayo (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Prep Pickle Base: Drain pickle slices thoroughly and pat completely dry with paper towels to guarantee a perfectly crisp coating.
  2. Create Seasoned Flour Blend: Whisk flour with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper in a wide container to develop robust flavor profiles.
  3. Develop Dredging Stations: Prepare three distinct stations – seasoned flour, egg-buttermilk mixture, and breadcrumb-cornmeal coating – positioning them strategically for efficient breading process.
  4. Coating Technique: Methodically dredge each pickle slice through flour, then egg mixture, and finally roll in breadcrumb-cornmeal blend, ensuring complete and uniform coverage for maximum crunchiness.
  5. Preheating Oil: Warm vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 375F, using a cooking thermometer to maintain precise temperature for optimal frying conditions.
  6. Frying Process: Gently lower breaded pickles into hot oil in small batches, rotating occasionally to achieve uniform golden-brown exterior, typically cooking for 2-3 minutes until crisp and delectable.
  7. Finishing Touch: Remove fried pickles with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towel-lined plate to eliminate excess oil, and serve immediately alongside ranch dressing for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

  • Drain Thoroughly: Remove excess moisture from pickle slices using paper towels to guarantee maximum crispiness and prevent soggy coating.
  • Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep oil consistently at 375F using a cooking thermometer to ensure even, golden-brown frying without burning or undercooking.
  • Prevent Overcrowding: Fry pickles in small batches to maintain oil temperature and allow each slice space for proper browning and crisp texture.
  • Customize Seasonings: Experiment with different spice blends in flour mixture like smoked paprika, cayenne, or herbs to personalize flavor profile and match dietary preferences.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 267
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 530 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 36 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 6 g
  • Cholesterol: 62 mg
Jenna Hartley

Jenna Hartley

Founder & Recipe Creator

Expertise

  • Recipe development with a focus on single-dish meals.
  • Fusion of traditional and modern Australian cuisines.
  • Food styling and photography for digital platforms.​

Education

Box Hill Institute, Melbourne

  • Degree: Advanced Diploma of Hospitality Management
  • Focus: Specialized in practical food and beverage service, responsible alcohol and hygiene compliance, legal risk management, and hands‑on experience in a simulated restaurant environment.

William Angliss Institute, Melbourne

  • Program: Certificate IV in Patisserie
  • Focus: Specialized in pastry and bakery techniques, cookery and specialty food preparation, recipe planning and costing, commercial kitchen operations, sustainable and inclusive work practices, food safety and hygiene compliance, and workplace health and safety.

Jenna is the heart of Picture Perfect Meals, turning simple ingredients into beautiful, easy‑to‑make dishes. 

Growing up around family meals in Melbourne, she trained at Box Hill Institute and then perfected her pastry skills at William Angliss Institute. She loves mixing classic Australian flavors with fresh ideas to keep cooking fun and stress‑free.

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