This Fried Pickles Recipe makes a perfectly pleasing palatable plate of goodness. Sliced and coated with seasoned flour and deep-fried. Serve them as an appetizer or a fun side dish at your next party, and watch them disappear!

Fried Pickles on a plate

It seems that just about every food known has been fried. Some successful. Others, not so much. Most fried foods, I can take a bite or two, and that’s enough, I can take it or leave it. But there are other fried foods, like mushrooms, onions, or these Fried Pickles have a flavor and texture combination that just seems right. And to take one bite or two isn’t the easiest thing to do. For that reason, we don’t prepare fried foods on a regular basis. Everything in moderation and all of that.

When we do fry something, we make sure that it’s worth the extra calories and fat. These Fried Pickles are worth it in our opinion, or as they refer to tasty things around our area, they’re “good eating.” Of course, don’t forget the Comeback Sauce (very similar to Zax Sauce) for dipping. It’s an essential partner for Fried Pickles. It just is.

How to make fried pickles?

  1. In a medium bowl, add the flour and the Italian seasoning garlic powder, salt, and pepper and mix those. Pour the water and hot sauce in the flour and whisk until creamy.
  2. Cut the pickles on slices, then pat them dry with a paper towel. Add oil into the pan and preheat over medium heat.
  3. Transfer the dried pickles into the batter using a slotted spoon, let the excess drip off. Add the pickles one by one in the preheated oil and fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown.

Pickle chips laid on a sheet fried pickles on a sheet

Tips for Fried Pickles Recipe:

  • One of the most important steps of this recipe is allowing the pickles to dry off. The batter will adhere to them better and reduce spattering too.
  • These Fried Pickles are little on the spicy side—not too hot, but subtly spicy. I think it’s just the perfect amount of kick (it’s a small itsy bitsy teeny weeny kick), but if you’re concerned about the amount of heat, adjust hot sauce amount to preference, or delete the hot sauce altogether, substituting a little pickle juice or water in its place.
  • A thermometer to monitor oil temperature when frying is a must. Guessing when the oil is at the correct temperature isn’t a good idea.
  • The right tools make all the difference in a smooth frying experience or a huge mess. A large spoon strainer or Chinese Spider is so helpful when deep-frying at home.
  • Serious Eats has a great article about wok deep frying. You’ll find some great tips for deep frying at home with a wok that works for any deep frying.

Serving Suggestions

These crispy pickles are one of the most delicious fried treats. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer, added to food boards, or served as a side dish with almost any meal.

As an appetizer, fried pickles can be served with the ultimate go-to comeback sauce. We do love appetizers, especially for entertaining. A few of our favorites, such as simple mustard dipping sauce, easy baba ghanoush recipe made with roasted eggplant, garlic, and tahini, are a great additions to an appetizer spread as well. You can also serve fried pickles as a side dish with sweet and spicy glazed salmon, crispy fried chicken, chicken kabobs, or added into burgers instead of regular pickles. 

Fried Pickles on a plate


More delicious appetizer and snack recipes: 

Perfect Deviled Eggs
Wrapped Pineapple Bites
Polenta Pizzas Recipe 
Cucumber hummus cups
Coq Au Vin Recipe

Fried Pickles Recipe

golden brown fried pickles on a plate

Fried Pickles Recipe

Yield: 4-6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Fried Pickles are a wonderful flavor and texture combination and perfect for an appetizer or side dish.

Ingredients

  • oil for frying (vegetable or peanut)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (Greek seasoning or your favorite seasoning medley may be substituted)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 16 ounces dill pickle slices, drained and dried on paper towels

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 1/2-2 inches oil in a heavy bottomed pot over medium-high heat to 375-degrees F.
  2. In a shallow bowl or rimmed plate, whisk together flour, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt and pepper. Add hot sauce and water and mix until smooth.
  3. Working in batches, add dried pickles to the batter, gently toss to coat. Using a slotted spoon (or Chinese Spider), remove pickles from the batter and let excess drip off. Gently add pickles to the oil one at a time. Fry for about 1 1/2-2 minutes or until golden. Remove and let drain on paper towels. Monitor oil temperature as batches are frying to maintain consistent 375-degrees F.
  4. Serve with Comeback Sauce and/or ketchup.

Did you make this recipe?

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Originally published August 15, 2014.