If you love the crispy, tangy bite of restaurant-style fried pickles, this easy copycat recipe is for you! With a crunchy, seasoned coating and a bold dipping sauce, these fried pickles are perfect for an appetizer, game-day snack, or party favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy & Crunchy – The seasoned coating gives the pickles the perfect crispiness.
- Zesty & Flavorful – A delicious blend of Cajun spices enhances every bite.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, making them a fast and tasty snack.
- Restaurant-Style – Get the same crave-worthy flavor at home!
- Perfect Dipping Sauce – A creamy, spicy dip complements the fried pickles beautifully.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon horseradish
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- ¼ teaspoon Cajun seasoning
For the Fried Pickles
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon oregano
- ¼ teaspoon basil
- ⅛ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt (to taste)
- 2 cups dill pickles (drained and sliced)
Directions
Step 1: Make the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, horseradish, ketchup, and Cajun seasoning.
- Stir well and set aside.
Step 2: Heat the Oil
- Pour about 1 ½ inches of vegetable oil into a deep frying pan or pot.
- Heat over medium-high heat until the oil reaches 375°F (190°C).
Step 3: Coat the Pickles
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, Cajun seasoning, oregano, basil, cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt.
- Pat the drained pickles dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
- Toss the pickles in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated. Shake off any excess.
Step 4: Fry the Pickles
- Carefully add the coated pickles to the hot oil one at a time, avoiding overcrowding.
- Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
- Repeat with remaining pickles if necessary.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
- Serve the fried pickles hot with the prepared dipping sauce.
- Enjoy immediately for the best crunch!
Servings and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 169 kcal per serving
Variations
- Extra Crispy Pickles – Dip the pickles in buttermilk before coating them in flour for a thicker crust.
- Spicier Version – Add more cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce to the coating.
- Beer-Battered Pickles – Use beer instead of dry flour for a light, crispy texture.
- Gluten-Free Option – Swap the all-purpose flour for gluten-free flour or cornstarch.
- Air Fryer Method – Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
- Reheating:
- Oven: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 5-7 minutes for crispiness.
- Air Fryer: Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes.
- Microwave: Not recommended, as it will make them soggy.
FAQs
1. Can I use different types of pickles?
Yes! You can use whole pickles, spears, or chips, but thinner slices fry more evenly.
2. What’s the best oil for frying?
Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil works best due to their high smoke points.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Fried pickles are best served fresh, but you can prepare the coating mix and sauce ahead of time.
4. How do I keep my pickles from getting soggy?
Pat them dry before coating, and fry them in hot oil at 375°F (190°C) to ensure crispiness.
5. Can I double-coat them for extra crunch?
Yes! Dip the pickles in buttermilk, coat in flour, and repeat for an extra crispy texture.
6. How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Make sure the pickles are dry before coating, and don’t overcrowd the pan while frying.
7. Can I bake them instead of frying?
Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.
8. Can I use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch?
Yes! Mix panko into the flour coating for an added crispy texture.
9. How do I make them less spicy?
Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder flavor.
10. What dipping sauces pair well with fried pickles?
Ranch, honey mustard, spicy mayo, or chipotle aioli are great choices!
Conclusion
This Copycat Fried Pickles recipe is a must-try for anyone who loves crispy, flavorful appetizers. With a crunchy coating, tangy pickles, and a bold dipping sauce, these are perfect for any gathering or snack craving. Try them today and enjoy restaurant-style fried pickles at home!
Print
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Craving crispy, tangy, and flavorful fried pickles? This copycat recipe lets you enjoy the iconic restaurant-style fried pickles at home! With a crispy seasoned coating and a zesty dipping sauce, these make the perfect appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
For the Dipping Sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp horseradish
- 1 tbsp ketchup
- 1/4 tsp Cajun seasoning
For the Fried Pickles:
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/4 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp basil
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 2 cups dill pickles, drained and sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oil to 375°F (190°C) in a deep fryer or wide frying pan with about 1 ½ inches of oil.
- Prepare the dipping sauce by mixing mayonnaise, horseradish, ketchup, and Cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Set aside.
- In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, Cajun seasoning, oregano, basil, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Coat the pickle slices in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Fry in batches, ensuring the pickles don’t overlap, for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel.
- Serve immediately with the dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- For extra crunch, dip the pickles in buttermilk before flouring.
- Use dill pickle chips for an authentic flavor.
- Serve with ranch dressing or spicy mayo for additional dipping options.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-Fried
- Cuisine: American