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

A tall 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 recipe includes instructions for classic deep-frying and a lighter air fryer version, plus a zesty dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (16 ounces) dill pickle chips, drained well
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic 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 frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)

Instructions

  1. Place the drained pickle chips between layers of paper towels and press gently to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is key for crispy fried pickles.
  2. Set up a standard breading station with three shallow dishes. In the first dish, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. In the second dish, whisk the eggs and milk together until combined.
  4. In the third dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Working in small batches, dredge the pickle chips first in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
  6. Next, dip the floured chips into the egg mixture, letting any excess drip off.
  7. Finally, press the chips firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, coating them completely. Place the breaded pickles on a clean baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  8. For Deep Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Fry the pickles in batches for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a wire rack or paper towels.
  9. For Air Fryer Fried Pickles: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Lightly spray the breaded pickles with cooking spray or a light coating of oil. Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket, working in batches. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
  10. Serve the crispy fried pickles immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For a Texas Roadhouse Copycat style, add a pinch of onion powder to the flour mixture and serve with a zesty ranch dipping sauce.
  • If you want extra crunchy fried pickles, consider a double dredge: coat in flour, dip in egg, coat in panko, then dip back into the egg, and finally coat again in panko.
  • Make sure your oil temperature is correct for deep frying; if it is too low, the pickles will absorb oil and become soggy.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://savorsensations.com/fried-pickles-recipe-crispy-air-fryer/