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

A close-up of a pile of golden-brown, crispy Fried Pickles served on a white plate.
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Learn how to make perfectly crispy, tangy fried pickles at home. This guide includes instructions for classic deep-fried pickles and a lighter, crunchy air fryer version, complete with a zesty dipping sauce recipe.

Ingredients

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  • 1 (16 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 onion 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: Spread the drained pickle chips on several layers of paper towels. Place more paper towels on top and press gently to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is key for crispy fried pickles.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. 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 any excess. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off. Finally, press them firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. Place the breaded pickles on a clean baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  4. For Deep Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven 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 set over paper towels.
  5. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 380°F (195°C). Lightly spray the bottom of the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded pickles in a single layer (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.
  6. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a Texas Roadhouse copycat flavor, make sure your breading mixture includes a good amount of paprika and garlic powder.
  • If you want extra crunchy fried pickles, you can double-dip the pickles: coat in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, then dip back into the egg, and finally coat again in breadcrumbs.
  • Always dry your pickles thoroughly before breading; excess moisture prevents the coating from sticking and leads to soggy results.

Nutrition

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