If you are looking for a snack with the perfect crunch and tangy bite, this Crispy Deep Fried Pickles Recipe is absolutely a must-try. Imagine biting into a warm, golden crust that gives way to the juicy, zesty pickle inside—each bite bursts with flavor and texture that satisfies every craving. This recipe takes simple pantry staples and transforms them into an irresistible appetizer or snack that will have everyone asking for more. Whether you’re hosting a game day or just want to treat yourself, these deep-fried pickles will become your new favorite indulgence.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these Crispy Deep Fried Pickles Recipe a standout. Each element plays a specific role, from the seasoning that amps up the flavor to the buttermilk that ensures a beautifully crispy coating. The balance between spice, salt, and the signature crunch comes together with these simple but thoughtfully chosen ingredients.
- Pickle spears or chips: The star of the dish, providing that tangy, juicy center that contrasts perfectly with the crispy shell.
- All-purpose flour: The base for the crispy coating that fries up golden and crunchy.
- Garlic powder: Adds a savory depth that complements the acidity of the pickles.
- Onion powder: Enhances the savory profile with a subtle sweetness.
- Paprika: Gives a mild smoky flavor and a beautiful color to the crust.
- Salt: Essential for bringing out the flavors of both the coating and pickles.
- Black pepper: Adds a gentle heat that rounds out the spices.
- Buttermilk: Creates a moist base that helps the flour mixture stick and adds a slight tang.
- Egg: Acts as a binder for the batter, giving the coating strength and texture.
- Vegetable oil: The frying medium that crisps the coating to perfection without overpowering the flavors.
How to Make Crispy Deep Fried Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oil
Start by heating your vegetable oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C). The right temperature is crucial for crispy, non-greasy pickles, so use a thermometer for accuracy to achieve that perfect golden crust.
Step 2: Mix the Dry Ingredients
While the oil heats, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. This combination serves as the flavorful coating that will crisp up beautifully around every pickle slice.
Step 3: Whisk the Wet Ingredients
In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully combined. This mixture ensures the dry coating adheres well to the pickles and adds a subtle tang that complements their natural brininess.
Step 4: Coat the Pickles
Dip each pickle spear or chip first into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. For an extra crispy bite, you can double-dip by repeating this step, but the single coat is perfect for a light, crunchy finish.
Step 5: Fry Until Golden
Carefully place the coated pickles in the hot oil in batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry each batch for about 2 to 3 minutes until they turn a gorgeous golden brown and have that satisfying crunch. Turn them as needed so they crisp evenly on all sides.
Step 6: Drain and Serve
Remove the fried pickles with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. This step preserves their crispiness and prevents sogginess, ensuring each bite stays perfectly crunchy.
How to Serve Crispy Deep Fried Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a light dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over the hot pickles adds an appealing visual pop and an extra layer of flavor that brightens every bite.
Side Dishes
These deep-fried delights pair wonderfully with creamy dipping sauces like ranch, spicy sriracha mayo, or cool blue cheese. Serving alongside crispy fries or a crunchy coleslaw makes for a complete, crowd-pleasing appetizer spread.
Creative Ways to Present
Take your Crispy Deep Fried Pickles Recipe up a notch by serving them skewered on a fun wooden stick platter for parties or as a side alongside sliders and burgers to impress guests with a unique and exciting addition.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To keep the coating from getting soggy, avoid stacking too many pickles on top of each other.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the fried pickles by laying them out on parchment paper on a baking sheet, freezing until solid, and then transferring them to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for up to one month.
Reheating
To bring back their original crispy texture, reheat the pickles in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) on a baking sheet for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use dill pickle chips instead of spears?
Absolutely! Both pickle chips and spears work beautifully for this recipe. Choose your preferred shape to customize the bite size and presentation.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free alternative like rice flour or a gluten-free blend to keep the coating both safe and delicious.
What’s the best oil to use for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great choices because they have high smoke points and neutral flavors that won’t interfere with the seasoning.
Can I bake the pickles instead of frying?
You can bake them for a healthier option, though they won’t be quite as crispy. Use a baking sheet with a wire rack and crisp them at 425°F (220°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
What dipping sauces pair best with crispy deep fried pickles?
Classic ranch dressing is a go-to, but spicy aioli, honey mustard, or even a tangy remoulade highlight the flavors just as well. Experiment to find your favorite!
Final Thoughts
There is something undeniably satisfying about biting into a batch of perfectly crispy deep fried pickles. This Crispy Deep Fried Pickles Recipe is easy enough for a quick snack but impressive enough to serve at gatherings, guaranteed to become a favorite in your kitchen. So grab a jar of your favorite pickles, gather these simple ingredients, and dive into this crunchy, flavorful delight—your taste buds will thank you!
Print
Crispy Deep Fried Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Southern American
Description
Crispy Deep Fried Pickles are a delicious Southern appetizer featuring tangy pickle spears or chips coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and buttermilk batter, then deep-fried until golden and crunchy. Perfectly crispy on the outside with a juicy, zesty bite inside, these fried pickles make a great finger food for snacks, parties, or game day.
Ingredients
Pickles
- 1 jar pickle spears or chips
Batter and Coating
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 egg
Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C) to ensure it is hot enough for frying and will produce a crispy exterior.
- Prepare flour mixture: In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful coating for the pickles.
- Make buttermilk mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully blended to form the wet batter that will help the flour mixture stick to the pickles.
- Coat pickles: Dip each pickle spear or chip first into the buttermilk mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour mixture to cover evenly.
- Fry pickles: Carefully fry the coated pickles in batches in the hot oil for 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and achieve a crispy texture.
- Drain pickles: Remove the fried pickles from the oil using a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil and keep them crispy.
- Serve: Serve the crispy deep fried pickles warm with your favorite dipping sauces, such as ranch or spicy aioli, for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Notes
- Ensure the oil temperature stays between 350°F to 360°F for optimal crispiness and to avoid soggy pickles.
- Drain the pickles well before frying to prevent excess moisture from causing splatter.
- You can use pickle spears or chips depending on your preference.
- Best served immediately for crisp texture; leftovers can be reheated briefly in an oven or air fryer.
- Serve with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or sweet chili sauce for dipping.
