Deep Fried Pickles
Deep fried pickles offer a crispy, savory snack with tangy pickle slices coated in seasoned batter. The combination of spicy cayenne, garlic, and buttermilk creates a flavorful crust that pairs perfectly with the tang of dill pickles. Ideal for parties, appetizers, or a delicious treat any time.
Ingredients
- 2 eggs ⓘ
- 1 cup buttermilk ⓘ
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon vinegar-based hot pepper sauce ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon seasoning salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder ⓘ
- 1 cup cornmeal ⓘ
- 2-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 3/4 teaspoon ground black pepper ⓘ
- 32 ounces dill pickle slices ⓘ
- 1 cup vegetable oil ⓘ
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine 2 eggs, 1/4 cup of the flour, buttermilk, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, cayenne pepper, seasoning salt, and garlic powder.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, 2 cups of flour, salt, and 3/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
- Preheat oil in a deep fryer or pot to 365°F (185°C).
- Drain pickle slices and dip them into the milk mixture.
- Dredge the coated pickles in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
- Deep fry the pickles until golden brown, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from oil and drain on paper towels. Serve hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra crunch, consider using panko breadcrumbs instead of cornmeal or mixing in some crushed crackers. If you prefer a bit of heat, try adding more cayenne pepper or incorporating a touch of smoked paprika. Ensure your oil is hot enough before frying to achieve that perfect golden brown color. Always keep the pickles chilled before dipping for better coating adherence.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these delicious deep-fried pickles with a side of ranch dressing or spicy aioli for dipping. They make a fantastic appetizer or snack for gatherings and pair well with cold beverages like beer or soda. For a fun twist, consider serving alongside Coconut Shortbread for a sweet and savory experience.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover fried pickles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 10-15 minutes to restore their crispiness. Avoid microwaving, as this can make them soggy.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Deep Fried Pickles contains roughly 257 calories, with 8g protein, 57g carbohydrates, and 4g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), iron (41% of the Daily Value), and calcium (26% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2000mg per serving (87% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use whole pickles instead of slices?
While pickle slices are traditional for deep frying, you can use whole pickles. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as whole pickles will take longer to cook through. Slice them in half if you prefer a quicker frying time.
What type of pickles work best for frying?
Dill pickles are the classic choice due to their tangy flavor, but you can experiment with bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter taste. Choose pickles that are firm to avoid mushiness during frying.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the batter a few hours in advance. Store it in the refrigerator to keep it fresh. However, for the best texture, it's recommended to use the batter right after mixing to ensure a light, crispy coating.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).