The Best Fried Pickles Recipe
Discover the Ultimate Fried Pickles
If you’ve ever craved the crispy, tangy delight of fried pickles, you’re in for a treat. This best fried pickles recipe elevates your favorite snack with a crunchy, flavorful batter that wraps around the tangy pickles in the most satisfying way.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fried pickles are a versatile choice, whether you’re looking for a standout appetizer, a fun finger food for parties, or a tasty snack. The combination of a crunchy coating and the tartness of dill pickles makes these a crowd-pleaser every time.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1-2 minutes per batch
- Servings: Makes about 20-25 pickle slices
Ingredients for Fried Pickles
- 1/2 cup shortening
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt
- 2 cups sliced dill pickles, drained (Vlasic Garlic Pickles are a favorite)
Instructions for Perfect Fried Pickles
- Prepare the Oil: Heat 1 inch of shortening in a large pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F. The amount of oil needed will vary depending on your frying pan size.
- Mix the Batter: In a small bowl, combine flour, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Whisk in 1/2 cup water until smooth.
- Prepare the Pickles: Pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels. Add half of the pickle slices to the batter, tossing to coat evenly. For best results, work in small batches.
- Fry the Pickles: Using a slotted spoon, lift pickles from the batter, letting excess drip off. Fry pickles in hot oil one at a time, cooking until golden brown and crispy (1 to 2 minutes; spears may take longer). Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Repeat: Return oil to 375°F and repeat with the remaining pickles and batter. Serve immediately for the best experience.
Delicious Dipping Sauce
For an extra burst of flavor, pair your fried pickles with this quick dipping sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions: Mix all ingredients in a bowl until smooth. Cover and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
Expert Tips for the Best Fried Pickles
- Dry Pickles: Pat pickles dry thoroughly to ensure the batter adheres well and to minimize grease splatter.
- Adjust the Spice: Customize the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce or using alternatives like Sriracha or chili powder.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to maintain the oil at a steady 375°F for perfectly crispy pickles.
- Use a Mesh Spoon: To minimize mess, use a mesh spoon or strainer for frying and draining pickles.
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FAQs
Q: Can I use any type of pickle for this recipe?
A: While dill pickles are the classic choice, you can experiment with different types of pickles such as bread and butter pickles or spicy pickles. Just be sure to drain them well before battering to prevent excess moisture.
Q: Can I make this recipe in advance?
A: Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh and crispy. However, you can prepare the pickles and batter ahead of time. Store the pickles in the refrigerator and the batter in an airtight container. When ready to fry, ensure the oil is heated to the correct temperature.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftover fried pickles?
A: To store leftover fried pickles, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate. They can be reheated in an oven or air fryer to regain some of their crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make them soggy.
Q: Can I use a different type of oil for frying?
A: Yes, you can use other oils with a high smoke point, such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil. Just make sure the oil is hot enough (375°F) to get that crispy texture.
Q: What can I serve with these fried pickles?
A: Fried pickles are great on their own but can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with ranch dressing, barbecue sauce, or even a spicy aioli for added flavor.
Q: How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
A: To make gluten-free fried pickles, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend. Ensure that all other ingredients, such as seasonings, are gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze fried pickles?
A: Fried pickles can be frozen, but they may lose some of their crispiness upon reheating. To freeze, place the cooled pickles in a single layer on a baking sheet, freeze until solid, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven to restore some of the crunch.
Q: How can I adjust the spice level in the batter?
A: If you prefer less spice, reduce the amount of cayenne pepper or hot sauce in the batter. For more heat, increase the amounts or experiment with other spicy seasonings like paprika or chili powder.
Q: What should I do if my batter is too thick or too thin?
A: If your batter is too thick, add a little more water to achieve the desired consistency. If it’s too thin, add a bit more flour. The batter should be thick enough to coat the pickles but not so thick that it becomes clumpy.
Q: Can I use pickle spears instead of slices?
A: Absolutely! Pickle spears can be used instead of slices. Just keep in mind that they may take a bit longer to cook through. Ensure the oil temperature is maintained to avoid soggy pickles.
Fried Pickles Recipe
Discover the best fried pickles recipe that’s crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside. Perfect for any occasion, from casual snacks to party appetizers. Dive into this easy recipe and elevate your fried pickle game!
Ingredients
- Crisco
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1¾teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt
- 2 cups sliced dill pickles, drained
Instructions
- Fry the pickles: Heat 1 inch Crisco in a pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F.
- Combine the flour, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, ½ teaspoon salt.
- Whisk into dry mixture, ½ cup water in a large bowl until smooth.
- Spread the pickles on paper towels and pat dry.
- Add half of the pickles to the batter and toss to coat. Remove from the batter using a slotted spoon, letting the excess drip off, and add to the oil one at a time.
- Fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Return the oil to 375 degrees F and repeat with the remaining pickles and batter.
- Serve immediately
Notes
Expert Tips for the Best Fried Pickles
- Dry Pickles: Pat pickles dry thoroughly to ensure the batter adheres well and to minimize grease splatter.
- Adjust the Spice: Customize the heat level by varying the amount of hot sauce or using alternatives like Sriracha or chili powder.
- Monitor Oil Temperature: Use a candy thermometer to maintain the oil at a steady 375°F for perfectly crispy pickles.
- Use a Mesh Spoon: To minimize mess, use a mesh spoon or strainer for frying and draining pickles.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 35Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 783mgCarbohydrates: 7gFiber: 1gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information may not be accurate