Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are a popular snack or appetizer, often found at Southern and American-style restaurants. They are typically made by coating pickle slices or spears in a seasoned batter or breadcrumb mixture, then deep-frying them until golden and crispy. The tangy flavor of the pickles contrasts nicely with the crispy coating, making them a favorite among many.

Here’s a simple recipe to make fried pickles at home:

Ingredients:

• 1 jar of dill pickles (sliced or spears, depending on your preference)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup cornmeal (optional, for extra crunch)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 egg, beaten
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• Vegetable oil for frying

Instructions:

1. Drain the Pickles: Remove the pickles from the jar and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick better.
2. Prepare the Coating: In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, cornmeal (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. Set up a Dipping Station: In another bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
4. Coat the Pickles: Dip each pickle slice into the egg mixture, then dredge it in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s well-coated. Repeat until all the pickles are coated.
5. Fry the Pickles: Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot (around 350°F or 175°C), carefully add the coated pickles, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden and crispy.
6. Drain and Serve: Remove the fried pickles with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Serve hot with a dipping sauce like ranch, sriracha mayo, or spicy ketchup.

Enjoy your crispy, tangy fried pickles!