Southern Fried Pickles
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Fried pickles—love ‘em, hate ‘em, or just feeling meh about them? For the longest time, I, too, was in the “meh” camp. The idea of pickles being fried didn’t exactly excite me. I mean, come on—pickles, fried? It seemed like a bit of a stretch.
I’d tried a few here and there at different restaurants, but they never really wowed me enough to order them again or even consider making them at home. Does that sound familiar?
Well, everything changed when I was pregnant with Ethan. Suddenly, I was all about anything fried or crispy, and fried pickles started to sound like a dream. So, I gave them another shot at a restaurant but still wasn’t impressed. That’s when I decided to take matters into my own hands and make them at home. And let me tell you, it was a game changer!
These homemade Southern Fried Pickles are incredibly addictive. I thought my love affair with them might end after my pregnancy, but nope, they remain one of my favorite appetizers—when done right, of course. By “right,” I mean they’ve got to have that perfect southern-style breading. I want them to look like mini fried chickens, with a coating that’s flavorful, crispy, and golden.
In my recipe, I skip the buttermilk or beer marinade some folks use. Instead, I go straight for a good dredging through an egg-buttermilk mixture and a generous coating of seasoned flour. The secret? Make sure to dry those pickles well by pressing them between paper towels. This helps the coating stick perfectly.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of crispy, crunchy snacks with a flavor punch, you’ll fall head over heels for these fried pickles. They’re the perfect blend of tangy and spicy, with a coating that delivers a satisfying crunch every time. Plus, they’re so easy to make at home, you’ll wonder why you haven’t been doing it all along!
Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need
- Deep-fry thermometer
- Large pot or deep fryer
- Slotted spoon
- Mixing bowls
- Paper towels
Ingredients
For the sauce:
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon drained horseradish
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
For the pickles:
- Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 3/4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Kosher salt
- 2 cups sliced dill pickles, drained
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, horseradish, ketchup, and Cajun seasoning. Set aside.
- Fry the pickles: Heat 1 inch of peanut oil in a pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer reads 375 degrees F.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the flour, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 cup water until smooth.
- Spread the pickles on paper towels and pat dry.
- Add half of the pickles to the batter and toss to coat. Use a slotted spoon to remove them, letting the excess batter drip off, and add them to the oil one at a time.
- Fry until golden brown, about 1 to 2 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels.
- Return the oil to 375 degrees F and repeat with the remaining pickles and batter.
- Serve immediately with the prepared sauce.
Tips for Success
- Ensure the oil is hot enough before frying to get that crispy texture.
- Dry the pickles thoroughly to help the batter stick better.
- Fry in small batches to maintain the oil temperature.
Additional Tips and Variations
- Try using different seasonings in the flour mixture for a unique twist.
- For a spicier kick, add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the batter.
Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)
- Calories: 150
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 2g
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Can I use a different type of pickle?
A: Absolutely! While dill pickles are traditional, you can experiment with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter taste.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
A: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, pop them in the oven or air fryer to restore some crispiness.
Conclusion
These Southern Fried Pickles are a must-try for anyone who loves a good crunchy snack. They’re easy to make and perfect for any occasion, from game day to casual get-togethers. I hope you give this recipe a try and fall in love with them just like I did. If you do, be sure to share your experience and any tweaks you made to the recipe!
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