Name: Fried Pickles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 1 (16 oz) jar sliced dill pickles; 1 cup all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; ¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided; ½ teaspoon black pepper; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ cup buttermilk; 2 large eggs; 2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs; 4 cups canola oil, for frying; Ranch or blue cheese dressing, for serving

Why I Love This Recipe

I enjoy making fried pickles because they’re quick to prepare and deliver a satisfying combination of flavors and textures. The contrast between the juicy pickle interior and the crunchy exterior makes them irresistible. Plus, they’re a fun way to elevate a simple jar of pickles into a crowd-pleasing appetizer.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 (16-ounce) jar sliced dill pickles
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
¾ teaspoon kosher salt, divided
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ cup buttermilk
2 large eggs
2 cups Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
4 cups canola oil, for frying
Ranch dressing or blue cheese dressing, for dipping

Directions

Drain the pickles from the jar and lay them out in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with a clean towel or paper towels. Add a second layer to the top of the pickles and press down on them, drying them very thoroughly.
In a bowl, whisk together the flour, Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs.
Place the seasoned breadcrumbs in a third bowl.
Working in batches, coat the pickle slices in the flour mixture, then dip them into the buttermilk-egg mixture, and finally coat them with the breadcrumbs.
In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, heat the canola oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
Carefully add the breaded pickles to the hot oil in batches, frying them for 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
Sprinkle the fried pickles with the remaining ¼ teaspoon of salt and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

This recipe yields approximately 4 to 6 servings. Preparation time is about 15 minutes, with a cook time of 15 minutes, totaling around 30 minutes from start to finish.

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for a spicy version.
Different Pickles: Try using pickle spears or bread-and-butter pickles for a different flavor profile.
Alternative Coatings: Use crushed saltine crackers or cornmeal instead of breadcrumbs for a unique texture.

Storage and Reheating

I store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them on a baking sheet in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until they’re heated through and crispy.

FAQs

Can I use pickle spears instead of slices?

Yes, I can use pickle spears, but I ensure to adjust the frying time accordingly, as spears may take slightly longer to cook through.

What oil is best for frying pickles?

I prefer using canola oil due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor, but vegetable or peanut oil also work well.

Can I make these in an air fryer?

Yes, I can prepare fried pickles in an air fryer by spraying them with cooking oil and air frying at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

I make sure to pat the pickles dry thoroughly before breading and press the coating onto the pickles to help it adhere better.

Can I prepare them ahead of time?

While fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, I can bread them ahead of time and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before frying.

Conclusion

Fried pickles are a delightful appetizer that combines the tanginess of pickles with a crispy, flavorful coating. They’re easy to prepare and sure to be a hit at any gathering. Whether I serve them with ranch dressing or blue cheese dip, these fried pickles are always a crowd-pleaser.