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

A tall stack of golden brown, crispy fried pickles piled high on a white plate.
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Learn how to make truly crispy, tangy fried pickles at home. This guide gives you the classic deep-fried method and a lighter air fryer alternative for the best game day appetizer.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (24 ounce) jar 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 crunch)
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)

Instructions

  1. Place the drained pickle chips between layers of paper towels and press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is key for crispiness.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  3. In the second dish, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined.
  4. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Working in small batches, dredge the pickle chips first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
  6. Next, dip the floured pickles into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  7. Finally, press the pickles firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, coating them completely. Place the breaded pickles on a wire rack or baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. For Deep Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully lower the pickles into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  9. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the breaded pickles with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. Place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket (work in batches). Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crunchy.
  10. Serve your crispy fried pickles immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a Texas Roadhouse copycat flavor, add a pinch of dried oregano and a dash of onion powder to the flour mixture.
  • If you want truly crunchy pickle chips, chilling the breaded pickles on a baking sheet in the refrigerator for 15 minutes before frying helps the coating adhere better.
  • Make a simple, zesty ranch dipping sauce by mixing 1/2 cup ranch dressing with 1 teaspoon of hot sauce and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savoryskies.com/fried-pickles-2-crispy-ways/