Crispy fried pickles are the perfect appetizer or snack, offering a delightful combination of tangy pickles and a crunchy coating. The crispy, golden exterior gives way to the savory, tangy pickle inside, making each bite a flavorful treat. Served with a creamy and tangy dipping sauce, these fried pickles are sure to be a hit at any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These crispy fried pickles are an irresistible treat with their crunchy, seasoned coating and tangy pickle filling. The hot sauce adds a kick of flavor, while the panko breadcrumbs ensure a crispy texture. The creamy dipping sauce with sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh onions pairs perfectly with the pickles, balancing the crunch and spice. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or snacking on them during game day, these fried pickles are always a crowd-pleaser!
Ingredients
For the Pickles:
- 1 cup sliced pickles
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
For the Dip:
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup minced onions (the finer the better)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
1. Prepare the Pickles:
- Start by draining the sliced pickles and patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating stick better.
- Set up a breading station: In a shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
2. Coat the Pickles:
- Dip each pickle slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated.
- Then dredge the pickle slice in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating.
- Finally, coat the pickle slice in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently again to make sure it sticks well.
3. Fry the Pickles:
- Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be about 2 inches deep for frying.
- Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the coated pickle slices in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
4. Prepare the Dip:
- In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, minced onions, garlic, and dried dill (if using). Stir until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
5. Serve:
- Serve the crispy fried pickles hot with the creamy dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes per batch
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Fried Pickles: Add more hot sauce to the egg mixture or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the pickles for extra heat.
- Cheese-stuffed Pickles: Try stuffing the pickles with a small amount of cream cheese or shredded cheese before breading and frying for a cheesy twist.
- Gluten-Free Fried Pickles: Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free while still keeping the crispy texture.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, place the pickles in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to bring back their crispiness. Avoid microwaving to maintain the crunch.
FAQs
1. Can I use dill pickles for this recipe?
Yes, dill pickles are the classic choice for fried pickles. You can use either bread-and-butter pickles or dill pickles based on your preference.
2. Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the dipping sauce in advance and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just give it a good stir before serving.
3. How do I prevent the batter from falling off while frying?
Ensure the pickles are well-dried before breading them to prevent excess moisture, which can make the batter slip off. Additionally, pressing the breadcrumbs firmly onto the pickles helps the coating stick.
4. Can I bake the fried pickles instead of frying them?
Yes, you can bake the pickles. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake the coated pickles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through. However, frying gives the pickles their signature crispy texture.
5. Can I freeze the fried pickles?
Yes, you can freeze them! After frying, allow the pickles to cool, then place them on a baking sheet in a single layer. Once frozen solid, transfer them to a freezer-safe container or bag. To reheat, bake from frozen at 400°F (200°C) for about 15 minutes or until crispy.
6. Can I use frozen pickles for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh pickles for frying since frozen pickles might become too soggy once thawed.
7. Can I make the fried pickles with other types of vegetables?
Yes, you can try this recipe with other vegetables like zucchini slices or even mushrooms for a variation on the classic fried pickle.
8. Can I add cheese to the dipping sauce?
Absolutely! You can stir in some shredded parmesan or cheddar for a cheesy twist on the dipping sauce.
9. Can I make the batter spicier?
Yes, you can add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the batter if you like your fried pickles with a little more heat.
10. How can I make the fried pickles extra crispy?
For an extra crispy crust, you can double coat the pickles by dipping them in the egg mixture, followed by the flour, then the egg again, and then the breadcrumbs. This will add an extra layer of crunch.
Conclusion
These crispy fried pickles with dipping sauce are a fun and flavorful snack that everyone will love. The crunchy coating and tangy pickle inside create a perfect contrast of flavors and textures. Paired with a creamy dipping sauce, they make an irresistible appetizer or snack for any occasion. Enjoy them fresh and hot for the best results!
Print
Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (approx. 3 pickles per serving)
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy fried pickles with a crunchy, seasoned breadcrumb coating and a tangy pickle center, served with a creamy, flavorful dipping sauce.
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced pickles
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons flour
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Tabasco or your favorite hot sauce)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- For the Dip:
- ¼ cup sour cream
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ cup minced onions (the finer the better)
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Pickles: Start by draining the sliced pickles and patting them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating stick better.
- Set Up the Breading Station: In one shallow bowl, whisk the eggs. In another shallow bowl, combine the flour, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Pickles: Dip each pickle slice into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then dredge the pickle slice in the flour mixture, pressing lightly to ensure an even coating. Finally, coat the pickle slice in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently again to make sure it sticks well.
- Freeze the Mozzarella Sticks: Once all the cheese sticks are coated, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Freeze the mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes, or until firm.
- Fry the Pickles: Heat oil in a deep skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be about 2 inches deep for frying. Once the oil reaches 350°F (175°C), carefully add the coated pickle slices in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown and crispy. Remove the fried pickles from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Prepare the Dip: In a small bowl, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, minced onions, garlic, and dried dill (if using). Stir until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve: Serve the crispy fried pickles hot with the creamy dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch, or try adding some grated parmesan to the breadcrumbs for more flavor.
- If you prefer a healthier option, you can bake these mozzarella sticks instead of frying them.
- For a different dip, try pairing with ranch dressing, garlic butter, or spicy ketchup.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5-7 minutes per batch
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pickles
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 3g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
