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Ultimate Crispy Fried Pickles (Classic Deep-Fried & Healthy Air Fryer Options)

A close-up of a tall pile of golden brown, crispy Fried Pickles served on a white plate.
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Make restaurant-style crispy fried pickles at home. This recipe gives you the technique for perfectly seasoned, crunchy dill pickle chips, with options for both deep frying and a lighter air fryer version. Serve with a zesty dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (16 oz) dill pickle chips, drained and patted very dry
  • 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 frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickles: Drain the dill pickle chips completely. Lay them on a layer of paper towels and press firmly with another layer of paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is key for crispy fried pickles.
  2. Set up the dredging station: In one shallow dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second dish, whisk the eggs and milk together. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a third dish.
  3. Coat the pickles: Take a few pickle slices at a time and dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Dip them into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press them firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place the coated pickles on a clean, dry 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 add the pickles in small batches, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack set over paper towels.
  5. For Air Frying (Lighter Fried Pickles): Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the coated pickles in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
  6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • The most important step for achieving restaurant style fried pickles is drying the pickles thoroughly before breading. Excess water prevents the coating from sticking and steaming the breading.
  • If you are making the deep-fried version, use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature; if the oil is too cool, the pickles will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
  • For a copycat Texas Roadhouse Fried Pickles flavor, increase the paprika slightly and ensure your dipping sauce includes horseradish.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastethisplate.com/fried-pickles-crispy-recipe-air-fryer-dip/