Homemade Fried Pickle Fries
Crispy and tangy fried pickle fries made easy! Enjoy golden, crunchy dill spears with a customizable spice blend, perfect for snacking or sharing. Choose deep-frying for classic crunch or air frying for a lighter option. Pair with your favorite dips for a delicious treat everyone will love.
Equipment
- 1 Cutting Board Only needed if slicing fresh pickles.
- 1 Knife Optional if using pre-sliced jarred pickles.
- 3 Shallow Bowls or Plates One each for flour mixture, beaten eggs, and cornmeal-panko mix.
- 1 Tongs or Fork For handling pickles during the breading process.
- 1 Plate or Tray To place breaded pickles before frying.
- 1 Deep Pot or Fryer Required for deep-frying; should be heavy-bottomed for even heating.
- 1 Candy Thermometer Essential for monitoring oil temperature during deep-frying.
- 1 Slotted Spoon or Spider Strainer For transferring pickles in and out of hot oil.
- Several Paper Towels To drain excess oil after frying.
- 1 Air Fryer Required for air-frying method; ensure basket fits pickles in a single layer.
- 1 Cooking Spray For lightly coating the air fryer basket.
- 1 Baking Sheet Optional for oven-baking; line with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- 1 Cooling Rack Optional for oven-baking; improves airflow around pickles.
- 1 Platter or Serving Dish For presenting the finished fried pickle fries.
- As Needed Small Bowls or Ramekins For serving various dipping sauces like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo.
Ingredients
- 16-20 dill pickle spears freshly sliced or jarred thick-cut spears
- 1 cup all-purpose flour or gluten-free flour for a gluten-free option
- ½ cup cornmeal fine or medium-grind works best
- 2 large eggs lightly beaten
- 1 tsp smoked paprika for depth of flavor
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs optional, for extra crunch
- Vegetable oil for frying (about 2-3 inches deep in a pot for deep-frying; or use an air fryer with a light spray of oil)
Instructions
Prep Your Pickles
- Start by patting your pickle spears dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—if they’re too wet, the breading won’t stick properly. Once dry, set them aside while you prepare the breading station.
Set Up the Breading Station
- Create a three-step breading process to ensure maximum crunch:
- In one shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour , paprika , garlic powder , onion powder , salt , pepper , and cayenne pepper (if using).
- In another bowl, whisk the eggs until smooth.
- In a third bowl, combine the cornmeal and panko breadcrumbs (if using).
Bread the Pickles
- Working one spear at a time:
- Roll the pickle in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.
- Dip it into the beaten eggs, coating it evenly.
- Finally, press it into the cornmeal-panko mixture, ensuring the entire surface is covered. Place the breaded spear on a plate or tray and repeat with the remaining pickles.
Fry Them Up
For deep-frying :
- Heat about 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully add 4-5 pickles at a time, being cautious of splatters. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs to transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
For air frying :
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
- Arrange the breaded pickles in a single layer, leaving space between each spear. Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden.
Serve and Enjoy
- Once fried, serve your fried pickle spears immediately while they’re still hot and crunchy. Pair them with your favorite fried pickle dipping sauce , like ranch, honey mustard, or spicy mayo, for an unforgettable experience.