Why You’ll Love These Fried Pickles
If you’ve never tried fried pickles before, you’re in for a treat that’ll make your taste buds dance with joy. These crunchy morsels offer the perfect balance of tangy and savory, with a golden coating that shatters delightfully with each bite.
I love how the cornmeal adds extra texture while the spice blend creates layers of flavor that complement the pickles’ natural acidity.
They’re addictively crispy outside, yet juicy inside—nature’s perfect appetizer.
Best part? They’re surprisingly easy to make at home. No need to wait for your next restaurant visit when you can fry up these crowd-pleasers in your kitchen.
What Ingredients are in Fried Pickles?
To make these irresistible fried pickles, you’ll need a handful of pantry staples plus those tangy dill pickles that bring the magic. The combination creates that perfect crispy exterior while maintaining the juicy pickle goodness inside.
I’m always amazed at how such simple ingredients transform into something so craveable—it’s like kitchen alchemy at its finest.
- 1 cup dill pickle slices (about 20-24 slices)
- 1 cup buttermilk made with Halal milk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup yellow cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 large egg
- Vegetable oil for frying
When selecting your ingredients, the pickle quality matters tremendously—they’re the star of the show, after all.
Look for firm, crisp dill pickle slices rather than sweet ones for that classic tangy flavor. The cornmeal is what gives these fried pickles their distinctive crunch, so don’t be tempted to skip it.
And about that cayenne? It’s listed as optional, but even a little pinch adds a wonderful warmth that complements the vinegary pickles without overwhelming them.
Feel free to adjust the spices to match your heat preference.
How to Make These Fried Pickles
Making fried pickles is all about that perfect contrast between crispy coating and juicy pickle. Start by draining 1 cup of dill pickle slices really well on paper towels. Trust me, this step is essential—excess moisture is the enemy of crispiness. I like to give them a gentle pat and let them sit for a few minutes while I prepare everything else.
Next, set up your dredging station, which sounds fancy but is actually super simple. In one shallow bowl, whisk together 1 cup of buttermilk (made with Halal milk) and 1 large egg until well combined. In another bowl, mix 1 cup all-purpose flour, ½ cup yellow cornmeal, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper if you’re feeling spicy. The cornmeal gives these pickles their signature crunch, while the spices create layers of flavor that perfectly complement that tangy pickle taste.
Now for the fun part—cooking them up! Pour vegetable oil into a deep skillet or pot until it’s about 2 inches deep, then heat it over medium-high until it reaches 350°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test by dropping a pinch of flour in; it should sizzle immediately but not burn.
Working in small batches (crowding is a no-no), dip each pickle slice into the buttermilk mixture, let the excess drip off, then thoroughly coat it in the seasoned flour mixture. Carefully slide them into the hot oil and fry for about 1-2 minutes per side until they’re beautifully golden brown.
Remove with a slotted spoon to a paper towel-lined plate, and try your hardest not to eat them all before they make it to the table.
Fried Pickles Substitutions and Variations
While the classic fried pickles recipe is absolutely delicious, you’ve got plenty of room to play around with ingredients based on what’s in your pantry.
No buttermilk? Regular milk with a splash of vinegar works perfectly. I’ve used panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal for extra crunch, and it’s a game-changer.
You can swap dill pickles for bread and butter if you prefer sweeter bites. For spice lovers, double the cayenne or add hot sauce to your wet mixture.
And don’t feel limited to slices—pickle spears create heartier snacks. My personal favorite twist? Adding a tablespoon of ranch seasoning to the dry mix.
What to Serve with Fried Pickles
What pairs perfectly with those crispy, tangy fried pickles you’ve just pulled from the oil? I love serving mine with ranch dressing—that cool, herby flavor balances the heat and acidity beautifully.
A spicy remoulade or aioli kicks things up a notch when I’m feeling fancy.
For a meal, these golden bites shine alongside burgers, hot dogs, or pulled pork sandwiches. They’re my game day MVP, nestled between wings and nachos on the coffee table.
Sometimes I’ll arrange them on a platter with other fried goodies—mozzarella sticks, onion rings—creating what I call my “guilt board,” a savory counterpoint to charcuterie.
Final Thoughts
After perfecting these crispy, tangy delights in my kitchen over the years, I’ve learned that fried pickles aren’t just a side dish—they’re an experience.
The contrast between the crunchy exterior and the juicy, briny center creates a flavor explosion that never fails to impress guests.
Whether you’re serving them for game day or as a unique appetizer at your next gathering, these golden-brown circles of goodness always disappear quickly. Trust me, you’ll want to make extra.
The beauty of fried pickles? Their versatility.
Pair them with different dips, adjust the spice level, or try various pickle shapes. Pure comfort food magic.
Crispy Fried Pickles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Drain pickle slices well on paper towels and pat dry.
- In a shallow bowl, whisk together buttermilk and egg until well combined.
- In another bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using).
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet or pot to 350°F (about 2 inches deep).
- Working in small batches, dip pickle slices in buttermilk mixture, let excess drip off, then coat thoroughly in the seasoned flour mixture.
- Carefully fry pickles for 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towel-lined plate.
