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

A pile of golden brown, crispy Fried Pickles served on a white plate next to a small ramekin of creamy dipping sauce.
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Learn how to make perfectly crispy, tangy fried pickles at home, including a deep-fried restaurant-style version and a lighter air fryer alternative. Serve these crowd-pleasing snacks with a zesty dipping sauce.

Ingredients

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  • 1 jar (16 ounces) dill pickle chips, drained well
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
  • Vegetable oil, for frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)
  • For Dipping Sauce: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1 tablespoon hot sauce, 1 teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

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, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge the pickles: Working in small batches, coat the pickle chips 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, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the breaded pickles on a clean, dry baking sheet.
  4. Prepare the dipping sauce: Whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, hot sauce, lemon juice, and smoked paprika until smooth. Set aside.
  5. 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, being careful not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack lined with paper towels.
  6. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded 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 crunchy.
  7. Serve immediately with the zesty dipping sauce. These crunchy dill fried pickle chips are best eaten hot.

Notes

  • For a Texas Roadhouse copycat flavor, you can add a pinch of chili powder to the flour mixture.
  • If you want extra crispy fried pickles, you can double-dip the pickles: flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then repeat egg and breadcrumbs again.
  • If you are making air fryer fried pickles, do not skip spraying the tops with oil; this helps them brown properly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastytribune.com/fried-pickles-recipe-crispy-air-fryer-options/