Fried pickles are a fun and crispy snack that everyone loves! These salty, tangy treats are coated in a golden batter and deep-fried to perfection.
They’re perfect for dipping in ranch or your favorite sauce. Trust me, it’s hard to eat just one! Whenever I make them, the whole plate disappears in no time! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickle Chips: These are the star of the dish. I love using classic dill pickles for that sharp, tangy flavor. If you prefer milder flavors, you could use bread and butter pickles instead, but they’ll be sweeter.
All-Purpose Flour: This is the base for your crispy coating. If you want a gluten-free option, you can use almond flour or a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend.
Buttermilk: It adds tang and helps the coating stick. If you don’t have buttermilk, you can easily make a substitute by mixing 1 cup of milk (dairy or non-dairy) with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
Vegetable Oil: This is needed for frying. I prefer using canola or peanut oil for their high smoke points and neutral flavors. Olive oil can burn at high heats, so I wouldn’t recommend it for frying.
How Do You Achieve a Perfectly Crispy Coating?
Getting that perfect crispy texture on fried pickles can be tricky, but with a few simple tips, you’ll nail it!
- Pat the pickle chips dry before coating. This helps the batter stick better and prevents sogginess.
- Double-dip them! After dipping in buttermilk, coat with flour, then dip back in buttermilk and again in flour for extra crunch.
- Temperature matters. Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F). If it’s too cool, the pickles can become oily and soggy.
- Fry in batches. Don’t overcrowd the fryer or pan; this keeps the oil hot and ensures even cooking.
Following these steps will help you create fried pickles that are crispy on the outside and deliciously tangy on the inside, making them a perfect snack anytime!
How to Make Fried Pickles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 16 oz jar of dill pickle chips, drained
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 2 large eggs
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional: Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus around 10 minutes for frying. Total time is approximately 25 minutes from start to finish, which is perfect for a quick snack or appetizer!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pickles:
Start by draining the pickle chips and placing them on paper towels. Pat them dry gently to remove any extra liquid. This step is important to ensure the batter adheres properly!
2. Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This will be your flavorful coating that gives the pickles their crispy texture!
3. Whisk the Wet Ingredients:
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until smooth. This mixture will help the flour coating stick to the pickles.
4. Coat the Pickles:
Take each pickle chip and first dip it into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off. Then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring each piece is well coated. For an extra crunchy finish, you can repeat this step for double-dipped pickles!
5. Heat the Oil:
In a deep fryer or a large, deep skillet, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). This temperature is key for getting that perfect golden color and crunchy texture.
6. Fry the Pickles:
Carefully place the battered pickle slices in the hot oil in small batches. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Be sure not to crowd the pan, as this can lower the oil temperature!
7. Drain and Cool:
Once they’re done frying, use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles from the oil. Place them on paper towels to drain any excess oil.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Enjoy your fried pickles while they’re hot! Serve them with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious, crunchy snack!
Dig in and enjoy your crispy, tangy fried pickles! They’re sure to be a hit at any gathering! 😊
Can I Use Sweet Pickles Instead of Dill Pickles?
Yes, you can use sweet pickles if you prefer a sweeter flavor! Just keep in mind that the taste will be quite different from traditional fried pickles. Sweet pickles work great for a unique twist!
What Can I Use Instead of Buttermilk?
If you don’t have buttermilk on hand, you can easily make a substitute with regular milk! Just mix 1 cup of milk with 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice and let it sit for about 5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How Do I Store Leftover Fried Pickles?
Store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them on a baking sheet in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes to re-crisp them.
Can I Make These in an Air Fryer?
Absolutely! To prepare fried pickles in an air fryer, coat them as directed, then spray lightly with cooking spray. Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden and crispy.
