Fried pickles are the ultimate comfort food—a perfect combination of tangy, crispy, and savory flavors. Whether you’re looking for a game-day snack, a fun appetizer for gatherings, or just a satisfying treat, fried pickles will never disappoint. This article covers everything you need to know about making the best fried pickles, including different batter options, dipping sauces, and variations to suit your taste.
A Brief History of Fried Pickles
While fried pickles are now a staple in many restaurants and homes, their origins can be traced back to the American South. They were first popularized in the 1960s, with their invention often credited to Bernell “Fatman” Austin, who served them at his restaurant, the Duchess Drive-In, in Atkins, Arkansas. Since then, fried pickles have gained nationwide recognition, appearing on menus at diners, fairs, and even upscale eateries.
Choosing the Best Pickles for Frying
Not all pickles are created equal when it comes to frying. The type of pickle you choose will affect the final taste and texture of the dish. Here are some of the best options:
- Dill Pickle Chips: These round slices are the most commonly used for fried pickles. They are easy to coat in batter and fry evenly.
- Dill Pickle Spears: A great choice if you want a thicker, crunchier bite. These require a slightly longer frying time.
- Bread and Butter Pickles: If you like a sweeter touch to your fried pickles, try these instead of dill pickles.
- Whole Pickles (Sliced to Your Preference): If you want full control over the size and thickness, slice whole pickles into rounds or spears before frying.
Pro Tip: For the crispiest fried pickles, pat them dry with paper towels before dipping them in the batter to prevent excess moisture from making them soggy.
Ingredients for the Perfect Fried Pickles
For the Batter:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal (for added crunch)
- ½ teaspoon baking powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 cup buttermilk (or substitute with regular milk mixed with 1 teaspoon of vinegar)
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (optional, for an extra kick)
For Coating and Frying:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour (for dredging)
- 2 cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch, optional)
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
For Dipping Sauces:
Classic Ranch Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup sour cream
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Spicy Sriracha Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Zesty Cajun Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Fried Pickles
1. Prepare the Pickles
Drain the pickles and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Pat them dry thoroughly to remove excess moisture, which helps the batter stick better.
2. Prepare the Dredging and Batter Mixture
- In a shallow dish, place 1 cup of flour for dredging.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce.
- In another bowl, combine 1 cup of flour, cornmeal, baking powder, salt, black pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Heat the Oil
Pour vegetable oil into a deep pan or fryer, filling it about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Maintaining the right temperature is crucial to ensuring crispy fried pickles.
4. Dredge and Batter the Pickles
- Dip each pickle slice first into the flour dredge.
- Next, coat it in the buttermilk mixture.
- Finally, coat the pickles with the seasoned flour and cornmeal mixture. (For extra crunch, you can roll them in panko breadcrumbs after this step.)
5. Fry the Pickles
Carefully drop the battered pickles into the hot oil. Fry in small batches for 2–3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pickles.
6. Drain and Serve
Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pickles onto a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil.
7. Serve with Your Favorite Dipping Sauce
Fried pickles taste best when served hot with ranch dressing, spicy sriracha mayo, or Cajun dipping sauce.
Tips for the Crispiest Fried Pickles
- Use Cold Pickles: Cold pickles help the batter adhere better and create a crispier texture.
- Double-Coating for Extra Crunch: If you love ultra-crispy pickles, dip them in the batter twice before frying.
- Don’t Skip the Cornmeal: Adding cornmeal to the batter gives fried pickles a satisfying crunch.
- Keep the Oil at the Right Temperature: Frying at 375°F ensures the batter crisps up without absorbing too much oil.
- Avoid Overcrowding the Fryer: Frying in small batches prevents the pickles from steaming and getting soggy.
Baked and Air-Fried Pickles: A Healthier Alternative
If you want a lighter version of fried pickles, try baking or air-frying them instead.
Baked Fried Pickles
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C).
- Follow the same battering process but place the coated pickles on a greased baking sheet.
- Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15–20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
Air-Fried Pickles
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the battered pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray with oil.
- Air-fry for 8–10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Creative Variations of Fried Pickles
- Spicy Fried Pickles: Add cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra kick.
- Cheesy Fried Pickles: Mix grated Parmesan cheese into the batter or sprinkle it on top after frying.
- Buffalo Fried Pickles: Toss the fried pickles in buffalo sauce before serving.
- Sweet and Spicy Pickles: Use bread and butter pickles and add a pinch of cinnamon to the batter.
- Beer-Battered Pickles: Substitute buttermilk with beer for a richer, pub-style flavor.
Pairing Fried Pickles with Other Foods
Fried pickles make a great side dish or appetizer for various meals, including:
- Burgers and Sandwiches: Serve alongside a juicy burger for extra crunch.
- Barbecue Dishes: Pairs well with ribs, pulled pork, or smoked brisket.
- Game-Day Snacks: A perfect addition to wings, nachos, and sliders.
- Seafood Platters: Complements fried shrimp, catfish, or crab cakes.
Final Thoughts
Fried pickles are a delicious and versatile snack that can be customized in many ways. Whether you prefer them classic, extra crispy, or spicy, this recipe ensures you’ll achieve perfectly golden, crunchy fried pickles every time. Try them with different dipping sauces and experiment with unique flavors to make them your own.
So, grab a jar of pickles and start frying—your taste buds will thank you!
