If you’ve never experienced the irresistible crunch of fried pickles, now is the moment. Each golden slice delivers a bold contrast of tangy dill and crispy coating that keeps people reaching for more. They’re the kind of snack that disappears fast at game nights, cookouts, or movie evenings, especially when paired with a creamy dipping sauce. Whether deep-fried or made lighter in an air fryer, this recipe delivers big flavor every time.
Fried Pickles Recipe:
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Vegetable oil | For frying |
| All-purpose flour | 1 cup |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | ¼ teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Garlic powder | ¼ teaspoon |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Large egg | 1 |
| Kosher dill pickles, sliced under ¼-inch thick and patted dry | 3 |
Optional Dipping Sauce (or serve with ranch)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Ranch dressing | 2 tablespoons |
| BBQ sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Ketchup | 1 teaspoon |
| Mayonnaise | 1 teaspoon |
| Tabasco sauce | Dash |
| Ground black pepper | Dash |
Instructions
Heat the Oil
Pour 2–3 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven. Attach a frying thermometer, making sure it doesn’t touch the bottom, and heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). This usually takes about 10 minutes.
Prepare the Breading Station
In one bowl, combine the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. In a second bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until fully blended.
Bread the Pickles
Working with 3–4 pickle slices at a time, coat each slice in the seasoned flour. Dip it into the buttermilk mixture, then return it to the flour for a second coating to build extra crunch.
Fry Until Golden
Carefully place the breaded pickles into the hot oil. Fry for about 90 seconds per side, or until golden brown and crisp. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate and allow the oil temperature to return to 375°F before frying the next batch.
Prepare the Dipping Sauce (Optional)
Mix all dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth and well combined. Serve immediately alongside the hot fried pickles for the best flavor and texture.
