Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Pickle Fries are a fun and flavorful way to enjoy pickles with a satisfying crunch. They’re easy to make, super crispy, and deliver a burst of briny flavor in every bite. Perfect for pickle lovers, they pair well with creamy dips like ranch, aioli, or spicy mayo, and are great for sharing.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dill pickle spears or thick slices
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Milk or buttermilk
- Panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- Optional dips: ranch, spicy mayo, honey mustard, or chipotle aioli
Directions
- Prepare the pickles:
- Pat the pickle spears or slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter stick and prevents splattering.
- Set up breading station:
- In one bowl, place flour seasoned with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
- In a second bowl, whisk eggs with milk or buttermilk.
- In a third bowl, add panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal for extra crunch.
- Bread the pickles:
- Dredge each pickle piece in the seasoned flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
- Fry:
- Heat oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the pickles in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Serve:
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Pickle Fries: Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the flour for a spicy kick.
- Oven-Baked Pickle Fries: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Air Fryer Pickle Fries: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10–12 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Cheesy Pickle Fries: Mix grated Parmesan into the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.
- Sweet Pickle Fries: Try using bread and butter pickles for a sweet-and-savory contrast.
Storage/Reheating
Pickle Fries are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
To reheat, bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven or air fryer for 5–8 minutes until hot and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.
FAQs
Can I use any type of pickle?
Dill pickles are most common, but you can use bread and butter pickles, spicy pickles, or even pickle chips for different flavors and textures.
What’s the best dip for Pickle Fries?
Ranch dressing, chipotle aioli, spicy mayo, honey mustard, or garlic sauce are all great pairings.
Can I make them gluten-free?
Yes. Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and ensure your pickles and seasonings are gluten-free.
Can I bake Pickle Fries instead of frying?
Yes. Bake at 425°F on a greased baking sheet for 20–25 minutes, flipping once. Spray with cooking oil for extra crispness.
How do I keep the coating from falling off?
Dry the pickles well, press the coating gently, and let them rest for a few minutes before frying to help the breading stick.
Can I use pre-sliced pickle chips?
Yes, pickle chips work great and fry quickly. Adjust cook time to about 1–2 minutes per batch.
Are Pickle Fries spicy?
Not unless you add spice to the batter or use spicy pickles. You can easily control the heat level.
Can I use a beer batter instead?
Yes, a light beer batter works well. Just dip pickles in the batter and fry without breadcrumbs for a different texture.
How long should I fry them?
About 2–3 minutes per batch at 350°F, or until golden and crispy.
What meals do Pickle Fries pair well with?
They’re great alongside burgers, hot dogs, grilled meats, or served as a fun appetizer or snack on their own.
Conclusion
Pickle Fries are a crispy, zesty, and totally crave-worthy treat that brings a unique twist to traditional fries. With their golden crunch and bold flavor, they’re perfect for dipping, sharing, or enjoying all on your own. Easy to make and endlessly customizable, they’re a must-try for any pickle fan or anyone looking to spice up their snack game.
PrintPickle Fries
Pickle Fries are crispy, tangy snacks made from battered and fried pickle spears or slices. Perfect as an appetizer or party snack, they deliver a bold, briny crunch and pair beautifully with a variety of dipping sauces.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 8 dill pickle spears or thick slices
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1/4 cup milk or buttermilk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Optional dips: ranch, spicy mayo, honey mustard, chipotle aioli
Instructions
- Pat the pickle spears or slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- Set up a breading station with three bowls: one with seasoned flour (salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika), one with whisked eggs and milk, and one with panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
- Dredge each pickle in the flour, then dip in the egg mixture, and coat with breadcrumbs or cornmeal.
- Heat vegetable oil in a deep fryer or large pot to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry pickles in small batches for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove and drain on paper towels.
- Serve hot with your choice of dipping sauces.
Notes
- For a spicier version, add cayenne or chili flakes to the flour mixture.
- Drying pickles thoroughly helps the coating stick better and prevents splattering.
- Use pickle chips for bite-sized versions; fry for 1–2 minutes.
- Try air frying or baking for a lighter alternative.
- Let breaded pickles rest a few minutes before frying for better adherence.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 6g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
