Fried pickles

Introduction

Fried pickles are a crispy, salty, and irresistibly delicious snack. They make for a perfect appetizer at parties, game days, or just as a comfort food treat. The secret to a perfect fried pickle is a well-balanced breading that delivers a crunch without overpowering the pickle’s tangy flavor. Serve these golden-brown delights with ranch dressing for an extra layer of indulgence.

Ingredients

• Vegetable oil, for frying
• 2 cups all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 1/2 teaspoons ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 egg
• 16 oz. dill pickle chips, drained and patted very dry
• Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the Oil: Pour about 3/4 inch of vegetable oil into a large cast-iron skillet. Heat the oil until it reaches 375°F on a deep-fry thermometer.
2. Prepare the Breading: In a wide, shallow bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder.
3. Prepare the Buttermilk Mixture: In another wide, shallow bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg until well combined.
4. Coat the Pickles: Working in batches, place one-fourth of the pickle slices in the buttermilk mixture, stirring gently with a fork to coat. Using a slotted spoon, drain the pickles well, then place them into the flour mixture and toss to coat.
5. Fry the Pickles: Carefully add the coated pickles to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2 minutes per batch. Use a clean slotted spoon or spider to transfer the fried pickles to a paper towel-lined plate.
6. Serve: Serve immediately while still hot, alongside a generous serving of ranch dressing for dipping.

Conclusion

Fried pickles are the ultimate crispy, tangy snack that will leave everyone craving more. The key to achieving the perfect fried pickle lies in the right breading and proper frying temperature. Make sure to serve them hot with ranch dressing for the best experience. Enjoy this classic Southern comfort food at your next gathering!