Crunchy Fried Pickles
Today, we're diving into a Southern classic that'll have your taste buds doing a happy dance – Crunchy Fried Pickles with BBQ Ranch Dipping Sauce. Now, if you've never had fried pickles before, you're in for a real treat. These crispy, tangy bites are the perfect appetizer, side dish, or snack to impress your family and friends. So, grab your apron, heat up that oil, and let's get to fryin'!
Servings: 4 people
Ingredients
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 3 kosher dill pickles (cut into slices just shy of ¼” thick and lightly patted dry)
- ½ cup BBQ sauce
- ¼ cup Ranch dressing
- 1 teaspoon ketchup (optional)
- 1 teaspoon mayonnaise (optional)
- Dash of Tabasco sauce (optional)
- Dash of ground black pepper (optional)
Instructions
- Fill a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed saucepan with oil, 2-3 inches deep. Attach a frying thermometer to the side, ensuring it’s in the oil but not touching the bottom. Heat the oil over medium heat until it reaches 375°F (190°C). This will take around 10 minutes.
- In a bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, black pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and egg.
- Once the oil reaches 375°F (190°C), start preparing the pickles in batches of 3-4 slices. Coat each pickle slice in the flour mixture, gently shaking off any excess. Dredge the coated slices in the buttermilk and egg mixture, then coat them again in the flour mixture.
- Carefully transfer the coated pickle slices to the hot oil. Fry 3-4 slices at a time for about 90 seconds on each side, or until golden brown. Use a slotted spoon or strainer to remove the pickles from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate. Ensure the oil returns to 375°F (190°C) before frying the next batch.
- Fried pickles are best enjoyed warm. If desired, serve them with the dipping sauce. To make the dipping sauce, stir together the BBQ sauce, Ranch dressing, ketchup, mayonnaise, Tabasco sauce, and ground black pepper until well combined.
Nutrition
Serving: 1g | Calories: 380kcal