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Crispy Fried Pickles with Easy Ranch Dip

A plate piled high with crispy, golden brown Fried Pickles garnished with dill, served next to a small bowl of ranch dipping sauce.

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Make these perfectly crunchy fried pickles at home. This recipe delivers a golden, seasoned crust and a tangy pickle center, perfect as a game day snack or party appetizer. Serve with a simple homemade ranch dip.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (16 ounces) dill pickle chips or spears, drained well
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for frying
  • For the Ranch Dip: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sour cream, 1/4 cup buttermilk, 1 teaspoon dried dill, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, pinch of salt and pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickles: Lay the drained pickles on several layers of paper towels and pat them very dry. Moisture prevents crispiness.
  2. Set up the dredging station: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  3. In a second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined.
  4. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Coat the pickles: Take a few pickles at a time and dredge them thoroughly in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
  6. Dip the floured pickles into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off.
  7. Press the pickles firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, coating them completely. Place the coated pickles on a clean, dry baking sheet.
  8. Prepare the ranch dip: In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, buttermilk, dill, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth. Cover and chill while you fry the pickles.
  9. Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Use a thermometer to monitor the temperature.
  10. Fry in batches: Carefully lower a small batch of pickles into the hot oil. Do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown and crisp.
  11. Remove the fried pickles with a slotted spoon and place them immediately on a wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain excess oil. Sprinkle lightly with extra salt if desired.
  12. Repeat with the remaining pickles, allowing the oil temperature to return to 375°F (190°C) between batches.
  13. Serve the hot, crispy fried pickles immediately with the chilled homemade ranch dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the best crunch, make sure your oil temperature stays steady at 375°F. If the oil is too cool, the pickles will absorb too much oil and become soggy.
  • If you prefer an air fryer method, spray the coated pickles lightly with cooking spray and air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
  • You can substitute dill pickle spears for chips if you prefer a larger bite.

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