Crunchy Fried Pickles Recipe

Crunchy Dill Delights: Irresistible Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe

Sizzling, golden, and irresistibly crunchy, these fried pickles will revolutionize your crispy fried pickles recipe game.

Southern diners and food trucks have long celebrated this addictive appetizer.

Tangy pickle slices get coated in a perfectly seasoned breading that delivers maximum crunch.

Each bite promises a delightful contrast between the sharp pickle interior and its crisp exterior.

The secret lies in the precise breading technique and oil temperature.

Quick to make and impossible to resist, these pickles turn an ordinary snack into a culinary adventure.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing recipe and watch everyone’s eyes light up with the first crispy bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 120 kcal

Servings: 5

Crispy Fried Pickles Ingredient Essentials

For Batter Base:
  • Flour: Creates a smooth, clingy base for the crispy coating that helps breadcrumbs adhere perfectly.
  • Milk: Adds richness and helps bind ingredients for a silky, even batter.
  • Baking Powder: Provides extra lift and creates a lighter, more airy texture.
  • Egg: Acts as a binding agent to help coating stick and create golden crispiness.
For Seasoning and Flavor:
  • Paprika: Adds warm, slightly sweet color and depth to the batter.
  • Black Pepper: Introduces a subtle, spicy kick to enhance overall taste.
  • Dill: Complements pickle flavor with its fresh, herbal notes.
  • Cayenne Pepper: Brings a zesty heat that elevates the entire dish.
For Coating and Crunch:
  • Panko Breadcrumbs: Delivers an ultra-crispy, light exterior that stays crunchy.
  • Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the recipe.
  • Pickles: Tangy, briny stars of the dish that create a delightful contrast with crispy coating.

What You’ll Use to Fry Pickles Crispy

  • Deep Fryer or Large Heavy-Bottomed Pot: Essential for safely heating oil to the right temperature.
  • Thermometer: Crucial for monitoring oil temperature between 360-370°F for perfect crispy pickles.
  • Whisk: Perfect for mixing batter and breadcrumb ingredients smoothly without lumps.
  • Medium and Small Mixing Bowls: Needed for preparing batter, breadcrumb coating, and separating ingredients.
  • Baking Sheet: Useful for placing breaded pickle slices before frying.
  • Paper Towels: Great for drying pickles and draining excess oil after frying.
  • Tongs or Slotted Spoon: Helps safely transfer pickles in and out of hot oil.
  • Plate with Paper Towel Lining: Absorbs excess oil after frying and keeps pickles crisp.

Making Crispy Fried Pickles at Home

  • Pickle Preparation

Pat pickle slices completely dry with clean towels to remove excess moisture and ensure maximum crispiness.

  • Batter Creation

Mix flour, milk, egg, and seasonings in a smooth blend that will perfectly coat each pickle slice with delicious flavor.

  • Breading Station

Set up two separate bowls – one with seasoned flour mixture and another with crunchy breadcrumbs for ultimate texture.

  • Coating Process

Dunk each pickle slice into the liquid batter, then roll gently through breadcrumbs, ensuring complete and even coverage.

  • Oil Temperature

Heat oil to a sizzling hot zone between 360-370°F, creating the perfect environment for golden, crispy exterior.

  • Frying Technique

Carefully drop breaded pickle slices into hot oil, cooking in small batches for 3-4 minutes until they transform into crunchy, golden delights.

  • Final Touch

Remove pickles onto paper towels to drain excess oil, then sprinkle with a touch of salt for enhanced flavor.

  • Serving Suggestion

Plate your crispy fried pickles alongside a creamy ranch dressing or your favorite tangy dipping sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Tips for Crunchier Fried Pickles

  • Swap regular flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make this recipe accessible for those with dietary restrictions.
  • Create homemade dipping sauces like spicy aioli, honey mustard, or sriracha mayo to complement the crispy pickles and elevate the taste experience.
  • Transform this recipe by using an air fryer at 390°F for 5-6 minutes, resulting in a lighter, less greasy version of the classic fried pickles while maintaining their signature crunch.
  • Prepare the battered and breaded pickles ahead of time, storing them on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying to streamline your cooking process.

Serve Fried Pickles That Get Noticed

  • Dipping Delights: Pair these crispy fried pickles with a variety of zesty dipping sauces like spicy sriracha mayo, tangy blue cheese, or classic honey mustard for an extra flavor punch.
  • Party Pleaser Platter: Arrange the fried pickles on a large wooden board with small bowls of different dipping sauces, creating an eye-catching appetizer spread perfect for game nights or casual gatherings.
  • Culinary Companion: Serve alongside juicy burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, or as a crunchy side dish to complement grilled meats and barbecue favorites for a complete meal experience.
  • Pickle Bar Adventure: Set up a DIY pickle station where guests can choose their own dipping sauces and toppings, making the crispy fried pickles an interactive and fun food experience.

Storing Fried Pickles After Cooking

  • Quick Batch Preparation: Make extra crispy pickles and store them in an airtight container for quick snacks during the week. Perfect for game nights or unexpected guests dropping by.
  • Refrigeration Strategy: Store uncooked battered pickles on a parchment-lined tray in the refrigerator for up to 2 hours before frying. This helps the coating adhere better and maintains crispiness.
  • Freezer-Friendly Option: Arrange uncooked breaded pickle slices on a baking sheet, freeze individually, then transfer to freezer bags. They'll stay fresh for 1-2 months and can be fried directly from frozen state.
  • Reheating Technique: Revive leftover fried pickles in a preheated oven at 375°F for 5-7 minutes. This method restores crunchiness far better than microwave heating, keeping the exterior crisp and texture enjoyable.
Print
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Crunchy Fried Pickles Recipe

Crunchy Fried Pickles Recipe


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4.8 from 15 reviews

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

Description

Crispy fried pickles deliver a tantalizing Southern appetizer with zesty dill flavor and crunchy golden coating. Pickle enthusiasts and casual snackers will devour these irresistible bites that showcase classic comfort cuisine.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 sandwich-sliced dill pickles (about 12 slices)
  • 12 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup milk (240 ml)
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp dill (optional)
  • Oil for frying

Instructions

  1. Prep Pickles: Meticulously blot pickle slices with paper towels to eliminate moisture, guaranteeing a crisp, crunchy coating.
  2. Craft Batter: Whisk flour, milk, baking powder, egg, paprika, black pepper, and chopped dill in a mixing bowl until achieving a silky, uniform consistency. Let the mixture rest for 5 minutes to harmonize flavors.
  3. Breading Setup: Establish two coating stations – one with seasoned Panko breadcrumbs (cayenne pepper and salt), another with plain Panko. Immerse each pickle slice completely in the batter, then roll gently in seasoned breadcrumbs to create a uniform, textured exterior.
  4. Frying Preparation: Heat oil to a precise 360-370°F, ensuring temperature stability for optimal frying performance. Carefully lower breaded pickle slices into the oil in small batches, rotating periodically to achieve a uniform golden-brown color and maximum crispiness.
  5. Finishing Touches: Extract fried pickles using a slotted spoon, allowing excess oil to drain on paper towels. Sprinkle with a light salt dusting for enhanced flavor profile. Serve piping hot accompanied by ranch dressing or preferred dipping sauce, creating an irresistible appetizer experience.

Notes

  • Moisture Management: Thoroughly pat pickle slices dry to prevent soggy breading and ensure maximum crispiness.
  • Batter Resting Technique: Let batter sit for 5 minutes to improve coating adhesion and develop deeper flavor complexity.
  • Oil Temperature Precision: Maintain oil between 360-370°F for perfect golden-brown exterior without greasy residue.
  • Batch Frying Strategy: Cook pickles in small batches to prevent oil temperature drop and guarantee uniform crispiness.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Southern American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 120
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 480 mg
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Saturated Fat: 1 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 3 g
  • Cholesterol: 25 mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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