How to Make Irresistibly Crispy Deep-Fried Pickles
If you’re having a relaxed gathering or want an appetizer for movie night, try these homemade deep-fried pickles.
This recipe uses common ingredients to turn ordinary pickles into a delicious treat. The spices in the coating add plenty of flavor, and the Panko breadcrumbs make them crispy.
We love these dipped in ranch. One of the easiest deep-fried appetizer recipes.
Crispy Deep Fried Pickles
Equipment
- Deep fryer (makes the frying process easier and safer, but you can also simply fry them in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. You'll want to keep an eye on the temperature to ensure they fry up golden and delicious.)
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
- 24 pickle slices – homemade refrigerator pickles are perfect; since they are crisp! (we prefer dill, but any will work)
- 1¾ cup all-purpose flour divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 egg
- ⅓ cup milk
- ¾ cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 quart oil for frying
Instructions
- Prep. Preheat oil to 375 degrees in an electric deep fryer. Pat the pickles dry and set aside.
- Set up the breading station. Combine 1 cup of the flour with the salt, pepper, garlic powder, and cayenne in a medium mixing bowl. Mix the egg and milk in a separate mixing bowl. Combine the remaining flour and Panko in a third bowl.
- Bread the pickles. Working with a few at a time, dip the pickles first in the seasoned flour bowl, then in the milk/egg bowl, then in the Panko/flour bowl.
- Fry. Place the breaded pickles in a single layer in the deep fryer basket. Lower carefully into the hot oil and fry for 3-4 minutes, until golden brown. Drain on paper towels and serve immediately.
Notes
A double dipping technique helps the crispy coating stick to the pickles, so they stay crunchy and don’t lose their coating in the frying process. With just the right blend of seasonings, it makes these addictively tasty. And, it’s quick to make. Deep fryers work fast, and these just need a couple of minutes to cook.
Ingredients
Substitutions
- Beer Batter: For a twist, try using a beer batter instead of the flour mixture.
- Canola Oil: Substitute vegetable oil with canola oil or peanut oil for frying.
- Italian Seasoning: Add Italian seasoning to the flour mixture for extra flavor.
- Hot Sauce: Mix a little bit of hot sauce into the egg wash for a spicy kick.
- Green Beans: Use this same method for frying green beans as a fun side dish.
- Butter Pickles: If you prefer a sweeter taste, use butter pickles.
FAQs
A crisp one! Refrigerator dills are our favorite.
Fried dill pickles are perfect with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. They’re a delicious appetizer for any occasion.
Absolutely! While dill pickle chips are our go-to, pickle spears and sweet pickles can also be used. Just make sure to adjust the frying time as needed.
Yes, in a pinch.
You can still make this pickles recipe! Use a heavy-bottomed pot or frying pan and a candy thermometer to monitor the oil temperature.
Yes, for a healthier option, you can bake the pickles. Arrange them on a baking sheet and bake at 425 degrees until crispy, about 15-20 minutes.
For best results, pat the pickles dry before breading and fry them in small batches to avoid lowering the oil temperature too much.
Deep-fried pickles are a fun and tasty treat that’s easy to make at home. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a crispy, flavorful appetizer that’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear quickly. Whether you enjoy them fresh from the fryer or reheated as leftovers, these pickles are sure to be a hit. Give this recipe a try and add a delightful twist to your snack menu.
By Katie Shaw
Katie lives in Virginia with her husband, three daughters, a chocolate lab, and over thirty chickens. She loves creating simple tutorials for sourdough, bread, and soap. Her recipes, articles, and YouTube videos reach millions of people per year.