Crunchy Southern-style Fried Pickles Recipe

Ingredients

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 16 oz jar dill pickles, sliced
  • 2 cups Panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Steps and instructions

  1. Drain the pickles and dry them with a paper towel.
  2. In a bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  3. In another bowl, beat the eggs and buttermilk together.
  4. In a third bowl, place the Panko bread crumbs and salt.
  5. Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 375 degrees Fahrenheit.
  6. Dip each pickle slice into the flour mixture, then the buttermilk and egg mixture, and finally coat it with the bread crumbs.
  7. Fry the pickles in the hot oil until they are golden brown, around 2-3 minutes.
  8. Remove the fried pickles with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
  9. Repeat the process until all the pickle slices are fried.
  10. Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauce.

Tools for making

  • Deep fryer or large pot - This will be used to fry the pickles in hot oil.
  • Paper towels - These will be used to drain the fried pickles and remove excess oil.
  • Bowls - You will need several bowls for various coating and mixing steps in the recipe.
  • Slotted spoon - This utensil will be used to remove the fried pickles from the oil.

Recipe variations

  • Use cornmeal or crushed cornflakes instead of Panko bread crumbs for a different texture.
  • Replace the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version of the recipe.
  • Add dried herbs like dill or thyme to the flour mixture for added flavor.
  • Try using different types of pickles such as bread and butter pickles or spicy pickles.
  • Experiment with different dipping sauces such as ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or honey mustard.
  • For a healthier option, bake the pickle slices in the oven instead of frying them.
  • Create a "pickle chip sandwich" by placing fried pickle slices between two slices of bread with your favorite toppings.
  • Make a vegan version by using a plant-based egg substitute and vegan buttermilk.
  • Add a bit of hot sauce or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Try using pickle spears instead of slices for a different pickle-to-breading ratio.

Recipe overview

Fried pickles are a classic southern treat and a must-try for pickle lovers. They're tangy, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned. This recipe provides a simple, step-by-step guide to achieving perfectly fried pickles at home. You'll first prep your pickles and dip them in a flavorful flour mix, an egg and buttermilk blend, and finally a panko bread crumb coating for that extra crunch. After a quick fry, you'll be left with a delicious and addicting appetizer that's perfect for game day, barbecues, or any casual gathering. Enjoy these on their own, or dip them into your sauce of choice for a flavor-packed snack.

Common questions

  1. Can I use any type of pickles for this recipe?
    Yes, you can use any type of dill pickles for this recipe.
  2. Can I substitute the all-purpose flour with another type of flour?
    Yes, you can substitute all-purpose flour with alternative flours such as gluten-free flour or cornmeal if desired.
  3. Can I make this recipe without a deep fryer?
    Yes, you can use a large pot with enough oil for frying if you don't have a deep fryer.
  4. How do I know when the oil is hot enough for frying?
    You can use a candy thermometer to ensure the oil reaches 375 degrees Fahrenheit, or test it by dropping a small piece of bread crumb into the oil – if it sizzles and browns quickly, the oil is ready.
  5. Can I make the fried pickles in advance?
    While it is best to enjoy fried pickles immediately after frying, you can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven to regain crispness.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Deep fryer - A deep fryer is ideal for frying pickles as it provides consistent heat and helps maintain the oil temperature.
  • Large pot - If you don't have a deep fryer, a large pot can be used instead to fry the pickles.
  • Slotted spoon - A slotted spoon is helpful for removing the fried pickles from the hot oil.
  • Paper towels - Paper towels are necessary for draining the excess oil from the fried pickles.
  • Bowls - You'll need multiple bowls for dipping the pickles in various mixtures.
  • Whisk - A whisk is useful for mixing the eggs and buttermilk together.

Origin stories

Fried pickles, a popular finger food across the United States, were actually first served at the Duchess Drive-In located in Atkins, Arkansas in 1963. Bernell "Fatman" Austin is the man credited with inventing this tangy treat. He originally sold them for 15 cents a basket at the Duchess Drive-In, which was located right across the street from the Atkins Pickle Plant. It's no wonder that fried pickles have since become a staple at fairs and festivals across the South! An interesting tidbit is that these delights are called "frickles" in some regions of the country. The combination of the crispy, fried exterior with the tangy, juicy pickle inside makes fried pickles a unique and appetizing delight, a testament to the culinary inventiveness of the South.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.