How to Make Crispy Fried Pickles at Home
Fried pickles are the ultimate crunchy, tangy, and flavorful snack that’s perfect for parties, game nights, or just a tasty treat at home. These bite-sized snacks are surprisingly easy to make with simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to create crispy fried pickles step by step. Whether you’re new to cooking or just want to perfect your recipe, this guide will help you make fried pickles that everyone will love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make crispy fried pickles, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients:
- Pickles: You can use dill pickle slices (rounds) or spears, depending on your preference.
- All-purpose flour: For the coating’s base.
- Cornmeal or breadcrumbs: This creates an extra-crispy texture.
- Eggs: Helps the coating stick to the pickles.
- Buttermilk: Adds flavor and helps the coating adhere better.
- Paprika (optional): For a little smoky flavor.
- Garlic powder (optional): Adds extra seasoning.
- Salt and pepper: To season the coating.
- Vegetable oil: For frying.
- Ranch dressing or any dipping sauce: For serving.
That’s it! Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, so you may already have them ready to go.
Tools You’ll Need
To make fried pickles, you’ll need:
- A bowl for mixing the batter
- A deep frying pan or pot
- A wire rack or paper towels (to drain excess oil)
- Kitchen tongs or a slotted spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Now that we’ve got everything, let’s get started!
Step 1: Prepare the Pickles
First, take your pickles out of the jar and drain off any extra liquid. If you’re using whole pickles, slice them into rounds or spears depending on your preference. Removing excess juice will help the batter stick better to the pickles.
Once drained, lay the pickles on a clean paper towel. Pat them dry with another paper towel. This step is crucial because it prevents the coating from sliding off the pickles during frying.
Step 2: Make the Batter
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the following ingredients:
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- ½ cup of breadcrumbs or cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- A pinch of salt and pepper
Set this dry mix aside.
In another bowl, whisk together 2 eggs and ½ cup of buttermilk. This wet mixture will help bind the dry coating to the pickles.
Step 3: Coat the Pickles
Here’s the fun part! Take your dry pickles and start coating them in layers:
- Dip each pickle slice or spear into the flour mixture, making sure it’s lightly coated.
- Dip the floured pickle into the egg and buttermilk mixture.
- Finally, press the pickle back into the flour mixture again, ensuring it’s evenly covered.
This double-dipping method gives the pickles a thick, crispy coating that holds up during frying.
Step 4: Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot. Add enough oil to submerge the pickles completely while frying. Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread. If it turns golden and crispy within 30 seconds, the oil is ready.
Be careful not to overheat the oil, as this can cause your pickles to burn.
Step 5: Fry the Pickles
Once the oil is hot, carefully place the coated pickles into the pan using tongs or a slotted spoon. Don’t overcrowd the pan—fry in batches if needed. Fry the pickles for about 2-4 minutes or until they’re golden brown and crispy.
When done, carefully remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on a wire rack or a plate lined with paper towels. The paper towels will soak up any excess oil and keep your pickles crispy.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Your crispy fried pickles are ready to be served! They’re best enjoyed fresh and warm, with a side of ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce. Arrange them on a platter and watch them disappear!
Tips for Perfect Fried Pickles
- Don’t skip the drying step: Removing excess pickle juice ensures the batter sticks properly.
- Use breadcrumbs for extra crunch: If you love ultra-crispy fried pickles, swap out cornmeal for panko breadcrumbs in the recipe.
- Keep the oil temperature steady: Use a thermometer or adjust the heat as needed to keep the oil at 350°F throughout the frying process.
- Experiment with seasonings: Add cayenne for a kick of spice or use Italian seasoning for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Making crispy fried pickles at home is easy, fun, and incredibly rewarding. With just a few simple ingredients and steps, you can whip up a snack that’s crunchy on the outside and tangy on the inside. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or sharing with friends and family, fried pickles are guaranteed to be a hit! Give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out—happy frying!
