This Deep Fried Pickles Recipe is the perfect recipe for pickle fanatics. The pickles are coated in panko bread crumbs and fried until golden. 

We all know that pickles are having a moment. It seems like every time I turn around there is a new pickle inspired recipe. But you also can’t go wrong with a classic. Thats why I’m throwing it back a little today with this Southern classic recipe: Fried Pickles.

This Deep Fried Pickles Recipe is the perfect recipe for pickle fanatics. The pickles are coated in panko bread crumbs and fried until golden. 

The first time I had fried pickles was actually at the restaurant where I used to work. One my fellow servers who had spent some time in the south, ordered some on her break one day, I tried one and have never looked back. They are AMAZEBALLS.

How do you make homemade fried pickles?

Step 1: Lay pickle slices on a paper towel and pat dry.

Step 2:  In one bowl whisk together egg, milk, a couple drops of hot sauce, Worcestershire and flour. In another, mix together flour, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder and ground pepper.

DES’ TIP: Whenever you’re going to coat things before frying, setting up an assembly line on the counter works best. Place the ingredient to be fried on one plate, the wet ingredients in a bowl and then the dry ingredients on another plate. Finally, a plate to put the coated ingredient on. Doing it this way makes the process quick and efficient! 

How to make fried pickles with Panko.

Step 3: Dip the dried pickle first in the wet batter and then dredge in the seasoned panko.

Step 4: Heat oil to 350 degrees. Use a slotted spoon to add coated pickles (in batches) to the oil and fry until golden brown.

DES’ TIP: Whenever you are frying food, it is important to make sure that you do not overcrowd the pan. If you overcrowd the pan, the food will steam more than fry and it will not be as crispy. This is why most recipes for fried food include instructions to fry “In batches”. 

This Deep Fried Pickles Recipe is the perfect recipe for pickle fanatics. The pickles are coated in panko bread crumbs and fried until golden. 

Tips for making the best fried pickle:

Tip #1: let’s talk pickles. Because obviously. You will want to use any dill pickle. Sweet pickles won’t give you the same zing that dill pickles will. When it comes to shapes, for this recipe I picked pickle chips because I prefer the little bite size pieces. However, pickle spears also work quite nicely.

This Deep Fried Pickles Recipe is the perfect recipe for pickle fanatics. The pickles are coated in panko bread crumbs and fried until golden. 

Tip #2: Use Panko bread crumbs to coat the pickles. The panko bread crumbs will give the pickles a super crunchy exterior. Because let’s be honest, when we’re talking fried food, it’s all about that crunch.

Dipping pickle in ranch dressing.

What is the best dipping sauce for fried pickles?

Finally, every good fried food has got to have a dip to go with it. You may be wondering what you should dip fried pickles in. I personally think that Creamy Ranch Dip is the perfect choice. And since, they are a southern tradition, how about dunking them in a little bit of Alabama White BBQ Sauce?

 Note: this post originally published in 2009. Updated with new photos, tips and a video in 2020.
 
 
Looking for some other crispy fried snacks? Check these out! 
 
 Fried Cheese Curds

Popcorn Shrimp

Popcorn Chicken

Asparagus Fries

Some other favorites using pickles! 

Dill Pickle Chicken Wings 

Dill Pickle Dip

Homemade Tartar Sauce

Deep Fried Pickles
15m
Prep
5m
Cook
20m
Total

Ingredients

  • 15-20 round pickle slices
  • 1 egg
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • hot sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire
  • 1/2 cup flour (divided)
  • 1/4 cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper
  • kosher salt
  • oil for frying (such as canola or vegetable)

Instructions

  1. Lay pickle slices on a paper towel and pat dry.
  2. In bowl whisk together egg, milk, a couple drops of hot sauce, Worcestershire and 1/4 cup flour.
  3. In another bowl mix together remaining 1/4 cup flour, panko bread crumbs, garlic powder and ground pepper.
  4. Dip a dried pickle into batter then dredge into panko mixture to coat completely. Transfer to a plate, repeat with remaining pickles. Allow to sit while the oil heats.
  5. Heat 1 inch of oil in a sauce pan over medium-high heat to 350 degrees. Fry pickles in batches until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes. Transfer to paper towel lined plate. Sprinkle with kosher salt. Serve immediately.

Notes

such as canola or vegetable
Nutrition Facts
Amount per serving
Calories
364
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 30g 38%
Saturated Fat 4g 22%
Cholesterol 43mg 14%
Sodium 645mg 28%
Total Carbohydrate 20g 7%
Dietary Fiber 8g 29%
Total Sugars 3g
Protein 5g
* The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
★★★★★ 5.0 (14 reviews)
Rate this recipe:
Deseree

Whether it is cooking it, eating it, shopping for it or watching TV about it, food is one of my favorite things.

33 Reviews

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  3. Yolanda Rodriguez June 9, 2019

    Mission sofa I brought 20 years ago & recently threw it out due to fire. Anyways I couldn’t sit on it because cushions to soft. Brought a blue leather sofa, sat on it first @ Livonia showroom & I was able to get off it without a problem. The one I received however the center cushion sinks in & I have a had time getting up. I need your company to fix this or return it. Y does this occur?

  4. Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert May 8, 2019

    These would disappear in our house!

  5. Amy @ Little Dairy on the Prairie May 7, 2019

    Always a great appetizer choice! I have to give yours a try!

  6. Deseree May 7, 2019

    Wooooot! Fried pickles twice in one week?? I like the way you roll! :)

  7. Allyson Zea May 7, 2019

    I never tried fried pickles until I moved to the south and now I eat them all the time! So good dipped in RANCH!

  8. Beth Pierce May 7, 2019

    These are so fun and one of my favorite southern recipes! I will definitely make these for Memorial Day; they are always a hit!

  9. Steph May 7, 2019

    These were the best! I’ve already made them twice this week!

  10. Katerina @ diethood .com May 7, 2019

    Oh my, these look SO good!!

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  12. Deseree October 17, 2018

    You’re welcome Sam! So happy you enjoyed it!

  13. Sam October 17, 2018

    Delicious! The video really helped too, super easy to make. Thanks for sharing!

  14. Jamielyn September 18, 2018

    Fried pickles are a favorite! So yummy!

  15. Abeer September 18, 2018

    I wouldn’t be able to stop snacking on these fried pickles!

  16. Melanie Bauer September 17, 2018

    So good! Looks so crunchy and tasty, can’t wait to try this awesome recipe!

  17. Chrissie Baker September 17, 2018

    Oh how delicious this recipe looks! I really like. It’s just incredible. Thank you!

  18. Dan Zehr September 17, 2018

    Oh YUM! Love everything about this recipe! Sounds fabulous!

  19. Amanda September 17, 2018

    This is my all time favorite treat and everyone cannot get enough of them!

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  21. melissakisses August 18, 2011

    i just made this minus the worchestershire sauce i didnt have any..BUt i had worchestershire flavored pepper…so i used it and it came out finger lickin goood…YUM. my hubby is so picky and he loves em..crunchy and delish

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  23. Dave February 19, 2010

    I absolutely love this recipe! I first tried fried pickles at a restaurant in Michigan a few years ago and have always wanted to make them for myself. The only problem I have is that the breading tends to fall off very easily when I’m eating them! Any idea how to fix this? Thanks!!

  24. Mojo November 27, 2009

    I love fried pickles, and so does the wife. We’re from AR/TX and can’t find any up here in NJ. I’ve tried several recipes over the years with less than satisfactory results.

    This recipe, however, scratched us right where we itched! Great ratio of breading to pickle, nice flavor. Didn’t come out greasy or gummy. After a couple of test pickles I realized I didn’t need the extra salt tossed on at the end though. Great recipe, thanks!!

  25. Deseree November 9, 2009

    Thanks Soma!

  26. Soma November 9, 2009

    who could have thought about this! what an idea. Sounds fabulous.

  27. megan November 2, 2009

    OMG, I had these on a recent trip to North Carolina! To.Die.For! Thanks for sharing!

  28. redkathy November 1, 2009

    My son just loves fried pickles. I have never tried them though. I have starred this in my reader. I’m definitely going to try these. Thanks for sharing.

  29. Deseree October 31, 2009

    Jenn- Haha I won’t take it the wrong way. I would’ve never thought to serve them along side milk shakes, that sounds like an interesting combo. But I’m sure I’d love it :)
    Neeta- LOL you’ll be going through a lot of pickles.
    Thanks Christiane! I know people tend to be skeptical but always wind up loving them.
    I hope you and your husband enjoy it Mrs. L!

  30. Mrs. L October 30, 2009

    I LOVE deep fried pickles but any that I’ve tried in restaurants around here pale to the good stuff. I think I need to try this (and I think my husband will be very happy to try this with me).

  31. Christiane October 30, 2009

    OH, deep fried pickles are the best! I’ve served them at dinner parties and although I usually get a “Huh?” from most people, they absolutely love them!
    Great recipe!

  32. Neeta October 30, 2009

    Oooooo, deep fried pickles are the best appitizers on the menu! I can’t wait to make them at home and may be serving them as a main course night after night!

  33. Jenn October 29, 2009

    Please don’t take this the wrong way.. but OMG I think I love you!! hehe I LOVE deep fried pickles. I use to order them with milkshakes when I was in college..and I wonder why I gained the freshman 40 and then some! LOL Thanks for posting this recipe!

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