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

A large pile of golden brown, crispy Fried Pickles stacked high on a white plate on a wooden surface.

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Learn how to make incredibly crispy, tangy fried pickles at home, including a classic deep-fried version and a lighter air fryer alternative. Serve these perfect game day snacks with a zesty dipping sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 (16 ounce) jar dill pickle chips, drained and patted very dry
  • 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 deep frying (or cooking spray for air fryer)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickles: Drain the dill pickle chips well. Lay them on a layer of paper towels and press another layer on top to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is key for crispy fried pickles.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge the pickles: Take a handful of dried pickle chips and toss them in the flour mixture until fully coated. Shake off any excess.
  4. Dip the floured pickles into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off.
  5. Immediately transfer the wet pickles to the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs onto the pickles firmly to ensure a thick, even coating. Place the coated pickles on a clean, dry baking sheet.
  6. For Deep Frying: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  7. Carefully drop the coated pickles into the hot oil in small batches, ensuring you do not overcrowd the pot. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until they are golden brown and crunchy.
  8. Remove the fried pickles with a slotted spoon and place them on a wire rack lined with paper towels to drain excess oil. Season immediately with a pinch of salt if desired.
  9. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Spray the tops generously with cooking spray.
  10. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  11. Serve your crispy fried pickles immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For Texas Roadhouse copycat flavor, ensure your seasoning blend is generous. The combination of garlic powder and paprika provides that signature taste.
  • If you want extra crunchy fried pickles, consider a double dredge: coat in flour, dip in egg, coat in flour again, then dip in egg, and finally coat in panko.
  • Always pat the pickles completely dry before breading; moisture prevents the coating from sticking.

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