These homemade fried pickles are a crispy, tangy treat you can easily make at home without a deep fryer. With a perfectly seasoned breading and thick-sliced dill pickles, this recipe delivers the ideal crunchy texture and pickle flavor. Ready in about 20 minutes, they’re great for snacking or serving as an appetizer with a zesty dipping sauce.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil (for frying)

• 1 cup all-purpose flour

• ½ teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

• ¼ teaspoon paprika

• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ cup buttermilk

• 1 large egg

• 3 kosher dill pickles, sliced just shy of ¼” thick and patted dry

Dipping Sauce (optional):

• 2 Tbsp Ranch dressing

• 1 Tbsp BBQ sauce

• 1 tsp ketchup

• 1 tsp mayonnaise

• Dash of Tabasco sauce

• Dash of ground black pepper

Directions

1. Heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pan to 375°F (190°C) using a thermometer.

2. In a bowl, whisk flour, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg.

4. Coat pickle slices in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip into the buttermilk mixture, then coat again in the flour mixture.

5. Fry 3-4 pickle slices at a time for about 90 seconds on each side or until golden brown.

6. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on paper towels to drain. Let the oil return to 375°F before frying the next batch.

7. Mix dipping sauce ingredients until combined if using.

8. Serve fried pickles warm with dipping sauce or ranch dressing.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 139 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 20 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Fat: 5 g

• Saturated Fat: 1 g

• Trans Fat: 1 g

• Cholesterol: 31 mg

• Sodium: 607 mg

• Potassium: 111 mg

• Fiber: 1 g

• Sugar: 3 g

• Vitamin A: 223 IU

• Vitamin C: 1 mg

• Calcium: 49 mg

• Iron: 1 mg

Flavor and Texture: The Perfect Combination

The hallmark of great fried pickles lies in the contrast between the crunchy, well-seasoned coating and the tangy, juicy pickle inside. This recipe’s breading is seasoned with a blend of salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne, and garlic powder, which creates a flavorful crust that complements the dill pickles without overpowering them. The slight heat from the cayenne pepper adds a subtle kick, elevating the classic fried pickle experience.

Thick slicing the pickles—just under a quarter inch—ensures they hold their shape during frying and provide a substantial bite that isn’t too soft or soggy. The pickles are patted dry before breading, a crucial step to help the coating adhere and to avoid excess moisture that can make the batter soggy.

Breading and Frying Techniques

The breading technique used here is a double-dip method: the pickle slices are first coated in the seasoned flour mixture, dipped into a buttermilk and egg wash, then coated again in the flour mixture. This double coating creates a thicker, crunchier crust that holds up well during frying. The buttermilk also adds a subtle tang and helps tenderize the batter, enhancing the overall flavor.

Frying at the correct temperature, 375°F (190°C), is essential to achieve that golden crust and prevent the pickles from absorbing too much oil. Frying in small batches ensures the oil temperature stays consistent, which leads to evenly cooked pickles with that perfect crispness. Once fried, the pickles are drained on paper towels to remove excess oil, maintaining their crunch without greasiness.

Making a Zesty Dipping Sauce

While fried pickles are delicious on their own, a dipping sauce adds an extra dimension of flavor. This recipe offers a quick and tangy sauce made from Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, Tabasco, and black pepper. The Ranch dressing provides a creamy base, BBQ sauce adds a smoky sweetness, ketchup brings tanginess, and a dash of Tabasco adds a spicy kick. This combination pairs perfectly with the salty, tangy pickles, making every bite even more satisfying.

This sauce can easily be adjusted to taste, with more or less spice or sweetness depending on your preference. Alternatively, serving the fried pickles with classic Ranch dressing is a simple, crowd-pleasing option.

Nutritional Information and Portion Control

Fried pickles are an indulgent treat, offering a moderate amount of calories and fat per serving. The use of buttermilk and a light coating helps keep the batter relatively light compared to heavier deep-fried foods. However, the pickles themselves contribute a good dose of sodium, so enjoying them in moderation is advisable.

They provide a small amount of protein and fiber, thanks to the flour and pickles, and also offer some vitamins like Vitamin A from the paprika seasoning. As with any fried snack, balancing portions and pairing fried pickles with lighter dishes can help maintain a balanced diet.

Tips for Success and Variations

For the best results, ensure your oil temperature is accurate by using a thermometer, as frying at too low a temperature can cause greasy, soggy pickles, while too high can burn the coating before the pickles heat through. Patting the pickles dry thoroughly before breading is another key step to prevent the coating from slipping off.

If you want to try a variation, swapping out dill pickles for bread-and-butter pickles can give a sweeter contrast to the savory breading. You can also experiment with different spices in the flour mixture, such as smoked paprika or cumin, to give a unique flavor twist.

For a healthier version, consider baking the breaded pickles in the oven or air fryer until crisp, though the texture will differ slightly from traditional frying.

Conclusion

Homemade fried pickles are a deliciously tangy, crispy snack that’s simple to make at home without the need for specialized equipment. Their perfectly seasoned breading and thick-sliced dill pickles create a crunchy texture and classic flavor that appeals to pickle lovers and snack enthusiasts alike. The optional zesty dipping sauce enhances the experience, providing creamy, smoky, and spicy notes that complement the fried pickles beautifully.

With a quick preparation time and straightforward technique, this recipe is perfect for serving at parties, casual get-togethers, or simply as a satisfying snack. While fried pickles are an indulgence best enjoyed in moderation, their nostalgic charm and irresistible crunch make them well worth the treat. Whether paired with the recommended dipping sauce or enjoyed on their own, homemade fried pickles are sure to become a favorite go-to appetizer in your culinary repertoire.