Crispy Southern Fried Pickles Recipe: Tangy Bites of Joy

Crispy, golden fried pickles offer an unexpected twist on classic snack-time favorites.

Tangy dill spears get a crunchy makeover with a perfectly seasoned coating.

Southern diners have long appreciated this delightful appetizer that brings zesty flavor to any gathering.

Pickle lovers will appreciate the simple yet magical transformation of ordinary slices into irresistible bites.

Coating techniques make all the difference between good and extraordinary results.

Seasoned breadcrumbs and a clever dredging method create an addictive crunch that keeps people coming back for more.

You can become a fried pickle master with just a few easy steps.

FAQs

• What type of pickles work best for this recipe?

Dill pickles are the ideal choice due to their tangy flavor and firm texture. Ensure they are well-drained and patted dry before battering to achieve maximum crispiness.

• How do I prevent the batter from sliding off the pickles?

Pat the pickle slices completely dry with paper towels before dipping. The dry surface helps the batter adhere better, creating a crisp and even coating.

• Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the batter up to an hour before frying. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the ingredients to blend, which helps create a smoother, more consistent coating.

Fried Pickles Crunchy and Tangy Southern Favorite

• Crave-Worthy Crunch: These fried pickles deliver an irresistible crispy exterior that guarantees a satisfying bite every single time.
• Beginner-Friendly Cooking: Novice cooks can master this recipe with simple steps and minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for anyone wanting to explore cooking.
• Quick Party Pleaser: Perfect for game nights, casual gatherings, or unexpected snack cravings, these pickles transform a basic ingredient into a crowd-stopping appetizer that sparks conversation.
• Customizable Flavor Adventure: Experiment with different dipping sauces or spice levels in the batter to create a personalized twist that matches your taste preferences and keeps the recipe exciting.

Ingredients Needed to Make Fried Pickles

Main Ingredients:

• Dill Pickles: Fresh, tangy pickles that form the core of this crispy appetizer.

• All-Purpose Flour, Cornstarch: Provides a light and crispy coating for the pickles.
• Baking Powder: Helps create a light and airy texture in the batter.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the fried pickles.

• Egg, Milk: Binds the batter and adds richness to the coating.

• Vegetable Oil: Used for deep-frying the pickles to achieve a golden and crispy exterior.

• Ranch Dressing, Barbecue Sauce: Creates a tangy and creamy sauce that complements the fried pickles.

How to Prepare Crunchy Fried Pickles

Step 1: Prepare Oil for Frying

Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 370 degrees F. Ensure the oil is at the perfect temperature for achieving a golden, crunchy exterior.

Step 2: Create Crispy Batter

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch
• Baking powder
• Salt
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Cold beer or sparkling water

Stir until smooth and let the batter rest for 5-10 minutes to develop flavor and texture.

Step 3: Dry Pickle Slices

Pat dill pickle chips completely dry using paper towels.

Gently press to remove all moisture, which helps create an extra crispy coating.

Step 4: Coat and Fry Pickles

Dunk each pickle slice into the batter, allowing excess to drip off.

Carefully lower into hot oil, working in small batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes until pickles turn golden brown and become wonderfully crisp.

Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.

Step 5: Whip Up Dipping Sauce

• Ranch dressing
• Tangy barbecue sauce

Serve alongside the hot, crispy pickle chips for a mouthwatering appetizer or snack.

Tips to Nail Fried Pickles Every Time

• Pat pickles completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy, golden coating that doesn't become soggy during frying.
• Monitor oil temperature closely with a kitchen thermometer, keeping it steady at 370 degrees F for perfect, evenly cooked pickles without burning.
• Work in small batches when frying to prevent oil temperature from dropping and maintain a consistent, crunchy texture for each pickle slice.
• Mix ranch and barbecue sauce for a tangy, creamy dipping sauce that complements the salty, crisp pickle chips perfectly.
• Consider using gluten-free flour or cornmeal for the batter to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.

Variations to Refresh Fried Pickless

• Spicy Jalapeño Fried Pickles: Replace dill pickles with jalapeño-infused pickles and add cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Crispy Option: Substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour blend and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for coating, ensuring celiac-friendly crunch.
• Low-Carb Pickle Chips: Swap traditional batter with crushed pork rinds or almond flour mixture, creating a keto-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
• Herb-Infused Ranch Alternative: Mix fresh chopped dill, chives, and garlic into the ranch dressing for a homemade, elevated dipping sauce that complements the pickles' tangy flavor.

Pairings That Complement Fried Pickles

• Blend tangy ranch dressing with smoky barbecue sauce for a flavor explosion that perfectly complements the crispy fried pickles.
• Choose a light, crisp lager or wheat beer to cut through the richness of the fried pickles and refresh your palate between bites.
• Create a cool, crunchy side dish that balances the hot, crispy pickles and provides a refreshing contrast to the deep-fried treat.
• Whip up a creamy, spicy dipping sauce that adds an extra kick and enhances the tangy pickle flavor for adventurous eaters.

Storage Suggestions to Keep Fried Pickles Fresh

• Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Place a paper towel at the bottom to absorb excess moisture and prevent sogginess.
• Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread pickles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 5-7 minutes, flipping halfway through to restore crispiness. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
• Arrange pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Heat at 375°F for 3-4 minutes, shaking halfway to ensure even warming. This method helps maintain the original crunch.

Fried Pickles Recipe

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4.5 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 19 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Southern-style Fried Pickles deliver crispy, tangy goodness straight from Southern kitchens. Crunchy pickle slices coated in seasoned cornmeal batter promise a delightful appetizer you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz (454 g) dill pickle chips
• 1 tsp dried dill
• 1/2 tsp seasoned salt
• 1 tsp baking powder
• 3/4 cup milk
• 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
• 1/2 cup ranch dressing
• Canola oil (for deep frying, 2 inches deep)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the deep-fryer or heavy-bottomed pot, heating the oil to exactly 370°F for optimal frying performance.
2. Whisk the batter ingredients in a medium bowl until smooth, then let the mixture rest for 5-10 minutes to develop proper consistency.
3. Pat the dill pickle slices completely dry using paper towels, applying gentle pressure to remove all moisture and ensure crispy coating adherence.
4. Carefully dredge each pickle slice in the prepared batter, allowing excess to drip off before gently lowering into the hot oil.
5. Fry pickle chips in small batches, ensuring they do not overcrowd the cooking surface, and cook for 3-4 minutes until achieving a deep golden-brown color and crispy exterior.
6. Transfer fried pickles to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil and maintain crunchiness.
7. Combine Ranch dressing and barbecue sauce in a small bowl, creating a tangy dipping sauce that complements the crispy pickles.
8. Serve immediately while hot, presenting the fried pickles alongside the prepared dipping sauce for maximum flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Pat pickles completely dry to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent oil splattering during frying.
• Experiment with different pickle varieties like bread and butter or spicy pickles for unique flavor profiles.
• Use gluten-free flour or cornmeal for a celiac-friendly alternative to standard batter ingredients.
• Maintain consistent oil temperature around 370°F to prevent soggy or greasy fried pickles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 355 kcal
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0.1 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 6 g
• Cholesterol: 25 mg