If you’re craving a delicious Southern pickle, fried and delicious, try making crispy Southern fried pickles at home. The recipe is detailed step-by-step, allowing you to make them at home in very easy steps.
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Crispy Southern Fried Pickles: A Crunchy Snack Recipe
Fried pickles are very popular in the South, and are eaten in every household.
These pickles, with their crispy, tangy, golden crust, can be served as an appetizing snack or side dish.
This recipe requires only a few ingredients and can be easily prepared at home.
If you’re a beginner, this article demonstrates the process of making crispy Southern fried pickles in very simple steps, and you’re sure to make excellent crisp pickles.
Finally, some tips and answers to some of your questions are provided to help you correct any mistakes.
All Required Ingredients:
The ingredients listed will make approximately 4 to 5 servings of fried pickles.
Pickle Ingredients:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder, optional
- 1 teaspoon paprika, optional
- 18 to 20 dill pickle slices, according to your preference
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
Batter Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 cup cornmeal, for added crispiness
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional for spiciness
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Frying Ingredients:
- 2 cups vegetable oil or canola oil
Dipping Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon hot sauce, optional
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Pepper and salt To taste
Full instructions for making crispy Southern fried pickles:
1. Preparing the pickles
- Wash all the pickle pieces thoroughly in water and pat them dry with a paper towel, as removing any excess moisture is essential for achieving a crispy coating.
- Use a small bowl and add the ingredients listed in the quantities: garlic powder, salt, pepper, and paprika. Mix them together.
- Now, lightly sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over each pickle piece, creating a rich and wonderful flavor for each bite.
2. Making the batter
- Use another medium-sized bowl and add the ingredients listed in the quantities: cornmeal, baking powder, all-purpose flour, pepper, salt, and paprika. Mix everything thoroughly.
3. Heating the Oil
- Use a frying pan or a deep skillet and add vegetable oil. Check that the oil is 2 inches deep enough to completely submerge the pickles.
- Heat the oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a candy or deep-fry thermometer to accurately check the oil temperature.
4. Coating and Frying the Pickles
- Thickly dip all the pickle slices in the batter and check that they are completely coated.
- Gently place all the coated pickle slices into the hot oil and turn them once every 3 to 4 minutes, ensuring both sides are crispy and golden brown.
- Remove the fried pickles with a slotted spoon and place them on a paper towel plate to drain off any excess oil.
5. Preparing the Dipping Sauce
- Now, using a small bowl, combine the ketchup, mayonnaise, hot sauce, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
- Sprinkle pepper and salt to taste and toss to combine.
- Crispy Southern Fried Pickles can be served with fried pickles for dipping.
Serving and Savoring
- Crispy Southern Fried Pickles can be served hot.
- This recipe is a great and perfect snack for game day or at home.
A few tips for perfect Southern Fried Pickles:
- Always use thick slices, as thin slices break during frying.
- Thick pickle slices hold up better.
- Prepare the pickles by patting them dry with a paper towel first, as moisture can make the batter soggy and prevent crispness.
- Maintain a consistent oil temperature, as 350°F is essential for crispy, golden brown pickles without absorbing too much oil.
- Use cornmeal to create a crispy batter, as the flour and cornmeal mixture is light but still crunchy.
- Serve immediately – This batter is delicious with fresh fried pickles and served hot.
- For a spicy kick, add red chili powder or chili powder to the batter to make spicy fried pickles.
- For a cheesy batter, add two tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese.
- For gluten-free batter, use cornmeal and gluten-free flour.
This recipe is also very useful for crispy Southern fried pickles:
- Crispy round pieces with a spicy pickle taste amazing. The secret to success is:
- Maintaining a consistent cooking temperature.
- Drying the pickles thoroughly.
- Using cornmeal for a crispier bite gives the pickles a crispy exterior and a delicious, juicy interior.
FAQ, Crispy Southern Fried Pickles
What’s a good dipping sauce for fried pickles?
You can use ranch dressing or spicy mayo for fried pickles, as it tastes much better. You can also use mustard, ketchup, or creamy garlic dip.
Can you bake fried pickles instead of deep-frying them?
Yes! Prepare the pickles by coating them first. Then, cover the baking sheet with parchment paper. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 18 to 20 minutes, turning once halfway through to ensure even coloring on both sides.
Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill pickles?
Yes! Sweet pickles have a distinct flavor, and dill pickles are a traditional favorite for their spicy flavor, but sweet pickles add a nice twist and are also a popular choice.
Can I freeze fried pickles?
Yes! Let them cool to room temperature, then place them on the baking sheet and store them in the refrigerator. Transfer them to a freezer-safe container.
To restore their crispness, reheat them in an air fryer or oven.
How long can I store fried pickles?
Fried pickles are best eaten fresh but if leftover, you can keep them in the fridge for up to 2 days, but you will lose the crispiness. For better results, use the air fryer or reheat.
Final Thoughts
Crispy Southern fried pickles are a must-have snack for pickle lovers. They’re so easy to make, with a step-by-step recipe that you’ll be able to easily make them at home. Try this once for a taste of traditional Southern cuisine, and you’ll be hooked.
It’s perfect for parties, game days, or casual snacks, as the fried pickles taste amazing with a creamy dipping sauce.
You can use cheese, spices, or a variety of pickles to make this homemade fried pickle recipe. Serve them hot and crispy, and enjoy them with your family. Believe me, every bite is sure to have a wonderful spicy flavor that’s sure to become everyone’s favorite.