Fried Pickles

You may have had various kinds of pickles with your main dishes, like carrot pickles, mixed pickles, etc. But have you ever tried fried pickles? If you haven’t, you’re missing out big time. This is the best fried pickles recipe​​​​​​​ I’ve come across and recreated yet!

These delicious easy fried pickles for beginners are pickles made with vinegar, brine, and additional ingredients. They are then left to ferment for a while.

Whether you love ordering fried pickles when you’re out to eat or if you’re searching for a quick fried pickles recipe that the whole family will enjoy—this one is it! Once you try these fried pickles, you can also change the ingredients as you wish to make a healthy fried pickles version for the whole family. From adding different spices and seasonings to trying brand-new breading options, you can have fun with this recipe while enjoying an array of new flavors.

When dill pickles are deep-fried after dipping in a batter of flour and chicken broth, a culinary sensation is produced, which you know by the name fried pickles. Ever since their origin in the 1960s, these fried pickles have been seen as a side dish on every American table.

Let’s make these yummy appetizers together!

Scroll to bottom for printable recipe card.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This simple fried pickles meal is one of my favorite savory snacks. This side dish goes so well with any dish I make, and it gets ready in less than 15 minutes. 
• Most of the ingredients used in these family friendly fried pickles can be found as staples in your pantry. Yes, I’m serious!
• Anyone can make these pickles, even if you’re searching for homemade fried pickles ideas for the first time.
• You can serve these as a snack or make them for game day or a special occasion, such as a holiday.

Ingredient Notes & Substitutions

Dill pickle chips: I highly advise using traditional dill pickle chips for the ultimate flavor burst with these fried pickles. However, you can also swap the pickle chips for bread and butter or hot and spicy pickle chips, depending on your preferences and who you’re preparing the fried pickles for (whether your family or for a potluck). This dish is perfect for any type of outing or gathering.

All-purpose flour: AP, or all-purpose flour, is a standard ingredient in making a variety of fried foods. However, if you’re looking for a low-carb, healthy alternative, you can swap the AP flour for almond and/or coconut flour. You may also want to try an unflavored protein powder with your own added seasonings for a zero-carb take on this dish!

Chicken broth: You can omit the chicken broth from this recipe if you want to use oil or even chicken bouillon cubes. Pay attention to the level of salt in this recipe if you choose to go the route of using chicken bouillon cubes.

Salt and pepper: While this recipe calls for simple seasonings including just salt and pepper, feel free to add your own. From smoky paprika to a blackened seasoning salt, the options are endless and up to you.

How to Make It

Step 1. Heat oil to 350 degrees on your stove using a deep-sided skillet. Keep an eye on the temperature of the oil as to not cause it to smoke. I highly recommend investing in a kitchen thermometer to ensure this process goes as smoothly as possible, especially if you’re new to making fried foods at home.

Step 2. Mix the flour, chicken broth, egg, and salt and pepper to taste (and until the batter is smooth). The batter should resemble a thick pancake-like batter.

Step 3. Dip the pickle slices in the batter. I recommend patting the pickle slices you are planning to cook with paper towels to absorb any additional moisture that may be leftover on the pickles from their original brine. Once your pickles are dried off and ready to be fried, place them into the oil. Fry for 3-5 minutes, or until the pickles are golden brown and crunchy!

Step 4. Drain the pickles on a piece of paper towel once they’re done frying. This will allow the extra oil to absorb, leaving them extra crunchy to enjoy with ranch or another one of your favorite dipping sauces!

PIN this recipe on Pinterest for later 🙂

Tips for Success

• Keep a watch on the temperature of the frying oil. Cold oil can lead to the soggy texture of fried pickles.
• During frying, don’t overcrowd the frying pot. Too many pickles at once can drop the temperature, leading to soggy fried pickles.
• Dry pickles pick up batter way more efficiently than moist ones. So keep your pickles as dry as possible before dipping them in the batter.

Storage and Reheating

Wrap your fried pickles in a paper towel. The paper towel will help absorb any excess oil. Let them cool down completely, then put them in an airtight container. Now, you can place your fried pickles in the refrigerator for up to 3 days!

The best way to reheat your already-fried pickles is to toast them slightly in a frying pan on a stove. However, you can also microwave them for 10–15 minutes. An air fryer is also ideal to preserve the crunchiness of these pickles. Air fry leftovers at 350–400 degrees Fahrenheit for approximately 5–8 minutes.

Serving Suggestions

You can serve these homemade fried pickles with almost everything. You can make a charcuterie board with homemade fried pickles, some deviled eggs, some egg salad, a variety of cookies and biscuits, a bunch of assorted fruits, and your favorite condiments and sauces!

When serving these at a dinner or party, wrap your pickles in softened cream cheese and ham, and enjoy pop of flavor! You can also serve these on their own with a creamy homemade ranch dressing! Try pairing these pickles with other barbecue foods, such as slow roasted pulled pork or smothered hamburger steak!

FAQs

Can I make these fried pickles ahead of time for a gathering?

It’s best to make these fried pickles on the spot. However, you can store them for a few days before they get soggy and lose their flavor.

Do You Eat Fried Pickles Hot Or Cold?

I like to eat my homemade fried pickles warm. The flavors feel extra rich when warm. You can eat these however you like.

Notes

Deep-fried pickles are the perfect balance of crunch, flavor, and aroma. These are no less than my all-time favorite Jalapeno poppers, and they just pop up the flavor of every meal I have on my table. And it’s not just a good side dish; it also makes a perfectly well-balanced snack on its own if you’re craving something savory.

Related Recipes You Might Enjoy

Did you enjoy this recipe? If you did, you’re going to love these side recipes too.

Best Homemade Salsa Ever – The Best Homemade Salsa Ever will be the star of your next party!

No Mayo Loaded Baked Potato Salad – This No-Mayo Loaded Baked Potato Salad recipe is a delicious and hearty side dish perfect for any occasion.

KFC Coleslaw – This classic KFC Coleslaw recipe is a delicious and simple side dish perfect for any meal.

Cucumber, Tomato, Avacado Salad – This Cucumber, Tomato, Avocado Salad is a light, refreshing dish perfect for warm summer days.