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The Ultimate Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe (Restaurant-Style & Air Fryer Options)

A large pile of golden brown, crispy Fried Pickles stacked high on a white plate.
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Learn how to make perfectly crispy, tangy fried pickles at home. This guide covers the classic deep-fried version and a lighter air fryer alternative, complete with a zesty dipping sauce recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (16 oz) dill pickle chips, drained well
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickles: Lay the drained pickle chips on several layers of paper towels. Place more paper towels on top and press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is key for crispy fried pickles.
  2. Set up the dredging station: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl.
  3. Coat the pickles: Working in small batches, dredge the dry pickles first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip them into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press them firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place coated pickles on a clean baking sheet.
  4. For Deep Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully drop the pickles into the hot oil in a single layer, ensuring not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crunchy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
  5. For Air Frying (Healthy Fried Pickles): Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated pickles in a single layer in the basket (work in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a Texas Roadhouse Copycat flavor, ensure your seasoning blend is heavy on the garlic powder and paprika.
  • The secret to crunchy fried pickles is drying the pickles thoroughly before breading.
  • If you want a thicker coating, double-dip the pickles: flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then repeat the egg and breadcrumb dip.
  • Pair these with a simple Spiced Ranch Dipping Sauce for the best game day fried pickles experience.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookerykings.com/fried-pickles-ultimate-crispy-recipe/