Fried pickles are a fun and crispy snack that everyone loves! They’re tangy, crunchy, and full of flavor, making them the perfect treat for any gathering.
Whenever I make these, I can’t help but munch on a few while they’re still hot. Pair them with ranch dressing, and you’ve got a party in your mouth! 🥳
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickles: Dill pickles give the perfect tangy flavor for frying. If you prefer a milder taste, you can use bread and butter pickles instead. They are sweeter and will give a different twist!
Cornmeal: Cornmeal adds crunch to the coating. If you don’t have cornmeal, try using additional flour or coarse breadcrumbs. Both can still give a satisfying texture.
Buttermilk: It’s key for a good coating, making it stick better. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can mix regular milk with a splash of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for 5-10 minutes to thicken.
Vegetable Oil: For frying, use oil with a high smoke point like canola or peanut oil. They work well and won’t overpower the flavor of the pickles.
How Can I Ensure My Fried Pickles Are Extra Crispy?
To achieve that perfect crunch, start by thoroughly drying the pickle slices. This allows the coating to adhere better and prevents sogginess. Here’s how to make them extra crispy:
- Use a mix of cornmeal and flour for the coating to create that ideal crunch.
- Heat your oil to the right temperature (350°F / 175°C). If it’s too low, the pickles will absorb oil and become soggy.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan while frying; this keeps the temperature stable and helps them cook evenly.
- Drain them on paper towels right after frying to remove excess oil.
Fried Pickles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Fried Pickles:
- 1 cup dill pickle slices, drained and patted dry
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Optional for Serving:
- Ranch dressing or your favorite dip
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 20 minutes to prepare and about 10 minutes to fry. So in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes to enjoy these crispy, tasty fried pickles!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prep the Pickles:
Start by patting the pickle slices dry with paper towels. This step is really important! Removing excess moisture helps the coating stick better, leading to a nice, crispy texture.
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until it’s well combined and evenly mixed.
3. Set Up the Wet Ingredients:
In another shallow bowl, pour in the buttermilk. This will be used to dip the pickles before coating them in the dry mixture.
4. Coat the Pickles:
Take each pickle slice and dip it into the buttermilk, making sure to let any excess drip off. Then, roll it in the flour and cornmeal mixture, pressing lightly to ensure it gets a good coating. Place the coated pickles on a clean plate or tray.
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a little batter—if it bubbles and sizzles, it’s ready!
6. Fry the Pickles:
Carefully add the coated pickles into the hot oil, being sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry them in batches for about 2-3 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don’t burn!
7. Drain and Serve:
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil. This keeps them crispy. Serve warm with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce!
Enjoy your delicious homemade fried pickles! They’re a perfect crunchy snack or appetizer for any occasion!
Can I Use Other Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are traditional, you can also use bread and butter pickles for a sweeter taste or spicy pickles for an extra kick. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly based on your choice!
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Pickles?
To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container once they’ve cooled completely. They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days. While they may lose some crispiness, you can reheat them in the oven or an air fryer for best results.
Can I Make Fried Pickles in Advance?
While fried pickles are best fresh, you can prepare the battered pickles in advance and keep them in the fridge for up to an hour before frying. Just ensure they’re covered so they don’t dry out!
What Can I Serve with Fried Pickles?
Fried pickles are fantastic on their own, but they pair wonderfully with dips like ranch dressing, blue cheese, or spicy aioli. You can also serve them as a side to sandwiches or burgers for a fun twist!
