Homemade Crunchy Fried Pickles

Instructions

1. Prepare the Pickles

• Drain the jar of pickles and pat each piece dry with paper towels. This step is important to ensure the coating sticks to the pickles.

1. Set Up the Coating Stations

• In a small bowl, mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper.
• In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs until well combined.
• In a third bowl, combine the cornmeal, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, and paprika. Mix well to ensure an even coating.

1. Coat the Pickles

• Begin by dipping each pickle slice or spear into the flour, coating it thoroughly.
• Next, dip the floured pickle into the buttermilk and egg mixture, allowing any excess liquid to drip off.
• Finally, dredge the pickle in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing down lightly to help the coating adhere.

1. Heat the Oil

• In a deep skillet or large pot, heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a thermometer to maintain the temperature for optimal frying.

1. Fry the Pickles

• Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil, frying in small batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until the pickles are golden brown and crispy.
• Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.

1. Serve Immediately

• Serve the hot, crispy fried pickles with a side of your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy while still warm for the best texture and flavor.

Tips for the Perfect Fried Pickles

• Dry the Pickles Well: Ensuring the pickles are dry before coating them helps the batter stick better.
• Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Panko gives the pickles an extra crunchy texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
• Maintain the Oil Temperature: Keep the oil at a steady 350°F to avoid soggy pickles. If the oil is too cool, the coating will absorb excess oil.
• Fry in Small Batches: This helps prevent the oil temperature from dropping and ensures even frying.

Dipping Sauce Ideas

Pair your homemade crunchy fried pickles with these dipping sauces for an added burst of flavor:

• Ranch Dressing: Classic and creamy, ranch is a perfect match for the tangy pickles.
• Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a bit of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy, honey mustard adds a delicious contrast to the fried coating.

Conclusion

Homemade crunchy fried pickles are easy to make and bring a restaurant-quality appetizer right to your kitchen. Whether you prefer them as slices or spears, these fried pickles deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite. Serve them up at your next gathering, and watch them disappear in no time!