Fried pickles are crispy, tangy snacks that will make your taste buds dance! These little morsels are coated in a crunchy batter and fried to golden perfection.
They’re perfect for munching during game nights or just because! I love serving them with a side of ranch dressing—so good, you’ll want to share, but maybe keep them all for yourself! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickle Slices: Thick-cut dill pickles work best for frying, as they hold their shape. If you want a different flavor, try bread and butter pickles for a sweeter taste.
Flour: All-purpose flour is a standard choice, but you can use whole wheat flour or a gluten-free blend if you have dietary restrictions. Both alternatives might alter the texture slightly.
Cornmeal: Gives that classic crunch! You can replace it with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a similar crispy effect, but they’ll change the flavor a bit.
Eggs: They help the coating stick. If you’re vegan, a mixture of flaxseed meal and water or aquafaba (the liquid from canned chickpeas) can be a great substitute.
How Do I Get My Fried Pickles Extra Crispy?
To achieve crispy fried pickles, start by drying the pickle slices thoroughly. The moisture can prevent the coating from crisping up nicely, so don’t skip this step!
- Use a mix of flour and cornmeal for a crunchy texture—this combination works wonders!
- For more crispiness, double dip your pickles: first in the egg mixture, then in the flour-cornmeal mix, and back into the egg before coating again.
- Make sure your oil is hot enough (around 350°F). If it’s too cool, the pickles will absorb oil and become soggy.
- Fry in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature, which helps keep them crispy.
Fried Pickles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pickles:
- 1 cup dill pickle slices (preferably thick-cut)
For the Coating:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Egg Mixture:
- 2 eggs
- 1/4 cup milk
For Frying:
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
You’ll need approximately 10 minutes to prepare the ingredients and another 15 minutes to fry the pickles. So, in total, you’ll be enjoying your crispy fried pickles in about 25 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pickles:
Start by draining the pickle slices and use paper towels to pat them dry. This helps remove extra moisture, ensuring they fry up perfectly crisp.
2. Make the Dry Coating:
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined. This will be the crunchy coating for your pickles!
3. Whisk the Egg Mixture:
In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until they are nice and smooth. This helps the coating stick to the pickles.
4. Heat the Oil:
In a deep skillet or fryer, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). When the oil is hot, it will create that crispy texture we love!
5. Dip and Coat the Pickles:
Take each pickle slice and dip it into the egg mixture first, letting any excess drip off. Then, coat it thoroughly in the flour and cornmeal mixture. For an extra crunchy bite, you can dip it back in the egg, then coat it again in the dry mixture!
6. Fry the Pickles:
Carefully add the coated pickles to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy—watch them closely!
7. Drain the Oil:
Once fried, use a slotted spoon to take the pickles out of the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels. This will help drain off any excess oil.
8. Serve and Enjoy!
Enjoy the fried pickles while they are warm, and don’t forget to dip them in ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce!
Enjoy your crispy, tangy fried pickles!
Can I Use Different Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are traditional, you can experiment with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter taste, or even spicy pickles for an extra kick.
What If I Don’t Have Cornmeal?
If you don’t have cornmeal, you can substitute it with crushed crackers or panko breadcrumbs for a similar crunchy texture. Just keep in mind it may alter the flavor a bit.
Can I Make These Ahead of Time?
Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare the batter and coat the pickles in advance. When ready to fry, just heat the oil and cook them up for a quick snack!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers (which is rare!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to regain their crispiness.
