Name: Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup (125 g) all purpose flour; ½ teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon paprika; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; ¼ teaspoon garlic powder; ½ cup (118 ml) buttermilk; 1 large egg; 3 kosher dill pickles, cut into slices just shy of ¼” thick and lightly patted dry; Vegetable oil for frying; 2 tablespoons Ranch dressing; 1 tablespoon BBQ sauce; 1 teaspoon ketchup; 1 teaspoon mayonnaise; Dash Tabasco sauce; Dash of ground black pepper

Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 48 reviews

If you’re anything like me, you know there’s something downright addictive about crispy, crunchy fried pickles. Today, I’m sharing my go-to Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce Recipe that turns simple pickles into the ultimate snack or appetizer. Whether you’re throwing a party or just craving that perfect salty, tangy bite, this recipe is fan-freaking-tastic and pretty straightforward. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through every step so you get those perfect crunchy pickles every single time.

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Why This Recipe Works

Perfect Crunch: The double coating with seasoned flour and buttermilk creates a flaky, crispy crust that clings just right.
Balanced Flavor: A blend of spices—paprika, cayenne, garlic powder—gives a subtle zing that highlights the pickle’s tang.
Quick & Easy: Ready in about 20 minutes, it’s an impressive snack that doesn’t require hours of prep.
Versatile Dipping Sauce: The creamy, smoky sauce adds layers of flavor but you can always reach for good old Ranch if you’re in a pinch.

Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce, easy fried pickle appetizer, crunchy pickle recipe, homemade fried pickles, flavorful dipping sauce - The image shows many small, round, golden-brown fried snacks scattered evenly on a white marbled surface. Each piece has a rough, crispy texture with some darker spots and light seasoning visible. The color ranges from light yellow to golden with hints of green near the edges, showing slight oiliness that gives a shiny finish. The snacks vary in size and shape, but all are thin and appear crunchy without any layers or toppings. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce Recipe relies on simple pantry staples and a few key ingredients that work beautifully together. I’ve found that choosing the right pickles and getting the seasoning balance just right really elevates the whole experience.

Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce, easy fried pickle appetizer, crunchy pickle recipe, homemade fried pickles, flavorful dipping sauce - Flat lay of a small pile of fresh kosher dill pickles sliced just shy of a quarter inch, a small mound of all purpose flour, a few whole brown eggs with clean shells, a small white ceramic bowl of buttermilk, a small white ceramic bowl of vegetable oil, a small white ceramic bowl containing a blend of ground black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, a small white ceramic bowl with creamy ranch dressing, a small white ceramic bowl with glossy BBQ sauce, a small white ceramic bowl with smooth ketchup, a small white ceramic bowl with pale mayonnaise, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Vegetable oil: Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point to get that perfect deep-fry crisp without imparting unwanted flavors.
All purpose flour: The base for the crunchy coating; mixing it with spices brings all the flavor.
Salt: Essential for layering flavor into both the coating and the dipping sauce.
Ground black pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements the tanginess of the pickles.
Paprika: Brings smokiness and color to the breading to make those pickles extra appetizing.
Cayenne pepper: A little kick to keep your taste buds buzzing—feel free to adjust depending on your spice tolerance.
Garlic powder: A must-have for that savory depth in the crust.
Buttermilk: Tenderizes the coating and helps the spices stick to pickles better than plain milk would.
Egg: Helps bind the flour and buttermilk coating for maximum crunch.
Kosher dill pickles: I like slices just shy of ¼” thick for the best balance of crunch and tang without sogginess—drain and pat dry to avoid greasy bites.
Ranch dressing: A creamy base for the dipping sauce that everyone loves, easy to jazz up with BBQ sauce and a dash of Tabasco.
BBQ sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, Tabasco: Adding these elevates the dipping sauce with smoky, sweet and spicy notes that perfectly complement the fried pickles.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of my favorite things about this Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce Recipe is how easy it is to tweak for your personal taste. I always encourage you to experiment a little—after all, a recipe should serve your cravings, not the other way around.

Go spicy: I’ve sometimes added extra cayenne or even a pinch of chili powder to the flour mix for a hotter bite that pairs beautifully with the cooling sauce.
Make it gluten-free: Swap all-purpose flour for a 1:1 gluten-free baking flour for a version that everyone can enjoy.
Different pickles: Have you tried breading fried bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter twist? It’s surprisingly good!
Dairy-free dip: Replace Ranch with a vegan mayo and mustard combo, and add smoked paprika for a smoky tang if you’re avoiding dairy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Get your oil nice and hot

I like to use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven and fill it about 2-3 inches deep with vegetable oil. Attaching a thermometer is a must here—aim for 375°F (190°C). It’ll take about 10 minutes to heat up, so use this time to prep everything else. The key to perfectly crispy pickles is frying at the right temperature; too cool and they get soggy, too hot and the crust burns before the inside warms through.

Step 2: Mix the seasoned flour coating

Whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder in a shallow bowl. This combo creates that deeply flavorful crust that’ll hug each pickle slice like a cozy jacket. I like to double coat my pickles for extra crunch, so this mixture will be used twice during the breading process.

Step 3: Combine the wet mix

In a separate bowl, whisk the buttermilk with one large egg until smooth. The buttermilk is a little thicker and tangier than regular milk, which helps tenderize the crust and add a subtle tang that pairs perfectly with the zesty pickles.

Step 4: Bread your pickles

Working in small batches (3-4 slices at a time), first coat each pickle slice lightly in the dry flour mixture and shake off the excess. Next, dunk it into the buttermilk-egg bowl and then back into the flour mixture, pressing gently so each slice is well-coated. This double dredging is what creates that addicting crispy shell without making the pickles soggy.

Step 5: Fry those pickles

Carefully lower the coated pickles into the hot oil. Fry each batch for about 90 seconds per side or until golden brown and perfectly crispy. Use a slotted spoon or spider strainer to fish them out, then set them on paper towels to drain excess oil. Remember to let the oil return to 375°F before frying the next batch to keep the cook consistent.

Step 6: Whip up the dipping sauce

In a small bowl, just stir together Ranch dressing, BBQ sauce, ketchup, mayonnaise, Tabasco, and a little black pepper. This sauce brings a creamy, smoky, sweet, and spicy punch—the perfect partner to your crispy bites. Honestly, sometimes I serve these pickles with plain Ranch and it’s just as dreamy.

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Pro Tips for Making Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce Recipe

Use a thermometer: I can’t stress this enough—keeping oil at a constant 375°F means evenly fried pickles every time without greasy or undercooked spots.
Pat your pickles dry: I learned the hard way that wet pickles = soggy coating; a light pat with paper towels ensures your crust stays crispy and sticks well.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying a few at a time keeps the oil temperature stable and avoids clumping or uneven cooking.
Drain well before serving: Let those pickles rest on paper towels to soak up extra oil and keep that crunch front and center.

How to Serve Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce Recipe

Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce, easy fried pickle appetizer, crunchy pickle recipe, homemade fried pickles, flavorful dipping sauce - A white plate filled with many round, golden brown fried snack pieces that look crispy and slightly uneven in shape and texture, with some darker spots showing they are well cooked. The snacks are piled up high, overlapping and stacked in a casual way. The background shows a white marbled surface with a blurred white bowl in the top right corner, adding depth to the image. The lighting highlights the crispy texture and warm color of the fried pieces, making them look fresh and appetizing photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra freshly cracked black pepper or a pinch of smoked paprika over the fried pickles before serving—they look more inviting and the extra fragrance is a winner. A few chopped fresh parsley or chives on top of the dipping sauce adds a nice fresh pop too.

Side Dishes

If I’m making these for a casual gathering, I often serve them alongside classic Southern sides like coleslaw, baked beans, or some crispy fries. They also pair beautifully with burgers or even a fresh salad to balance out the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

For game day or parties, I love arranging these pickles in a rustic wooden bowl or stacked on a platter lined with parchment paper. You can even serve them skewered on toothpicks for easy snacking—just make sure to put the dipping sauce front and center for the dipping craze!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers (and I hope you do!), place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to soak up any excess moisture. I find they keep well in the fridge for up to 2 days, but they’re best enjoyed fresh for peak crispiness.

Freezing

I’ve tried freezing fried pickles and honestly, they’re better fresh. But if you want to prep in advance, freeze them on a tray individually, then transfer to freezer bags. When you’re ready to eat, reheat in a hot oven or air fryer to restore some crunch.

Reheating

To reheat without losing that signature crunch, pop the pickles in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes or use an air fryer for 3-5 minutes. Avoid microwaves—they tend to make the crust soggy and sad.

FAQs

Can I use regular sliced pickles or do they need to be kosher dill?

You can use regular dill or bread-and-butter pickles; just keep in mind the flavor profile will change. Kosher dill pickles have a firm texture and tang that works really well for frying, but experimenting with different types can be fun too.
Is it necessary to double coat the pickles?

Double coating with flour-buttermilk-flour ensures a thick, crunchy crust that sticks well during frying. If you skip a step, the batter might be too thin and fall off quickly.
Can I bake the fried pickles instead of frying?

You can bake them for a slightly healthier version but the texture will be less crispy and more delicate. To get the best bake, spray pickles with cooking oil and bake at a high temperature (around 425°F) until golden.
What other dips go well with this recipe?

Besides the dipping sauce I suggest, spicy mayo, blue cheese dressing, or even a smoky chipotle aioli all pair beautifully with crispy fried pickles. Feel free to get creative!
How do I know when the oil is ready?

The best way is to use a deep-fry thermometer to get it to 375°F (190°C). If you don’t have one, drop a pinch of flour into the oil—if it sizzles and bubbles immediately, you’re close.

Final Thoughts

This Crispy Fried Pickles with Dipping Sauce Recipe is one of those little kitchen triumphs that never fails to get rave reviews. The combination of that golden, crunchy coating with tangy pickles and a creamy, spicy dip? It hits all the right notes every time. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it with friends over casual get-togethers or game nights. Trust me—you’ll want these pickles in your regular rotation!