Print

Ultimate Crispy Fried Pickles with Zesty Ranch Dip (Deep Fried & Air Fryer)

A mound of crispy, golden brown Fried Pickles piled on a white plate next to a small bowl of creamy dipping sauce.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make perfectly crispy, tangy fried pickles at home using either deep frying or the air fryer method. This recipe delivers a flavor comparable to restaurant favorites, perfect for game day.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 jar (16 oz) dill pickle chips, drained well
  • 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 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying (about 3 cups)
  • Cooking spray (for air fryer)
  • For the Zesty Ranch Dip: 1 cup buttermilk ranch dressing, 1 teaspoon hot sauce, 1/2 teaspoon lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickles: Lay the drained dill pickle chips on several layers of paper towels and pat them completely dry. Moisture prevents crispiness.
  2. Set up the dredging stations: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Dredge the pickles: Take a small batch of dry pickle chips and dredge them first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip them into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press them firmly into the panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. Place the coated pickles on a clean, dry baking sheet.
  4. Prepare the dip: In a small bowl, mix the ranch dressing, hot sauce, and lemon juice until combined. Set aside.
  5. Cook using Deep Fry Method: Pour vegetable oil into a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to a depth of about 2 inches. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C). Working in small batches, carefully drop the breaded pickles into the hot oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once, until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack over paper towels to drain excess oil.
  6. Cook using Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (198°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded pickles in a single layer in the basket (work in batches to avoid crowding). Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
  7. Serve immediately with the zesty ranch dipping sauce.

Notes

  • For the crispiest results, chill the breaded pickles on the baking sheet for 15 minutes before frying or air frying.
  • If you want an extra thick coating, double-dip the pickles: coat in flour, then egg, then flour again, then egg again, and finally coat in panko.
  • Use thick-cut dill pickle chips for the best texture; thin slices can become soggy quickly.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://dishicious.com/fried-pickles-recipe-crispy-easy-appetizer/