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Crispy Deep-Fried Pickles Recipe Easy Like County Fair Favorite

crispy deep-fried pickles - featured image

This recipe recreates the nostalgic county fair favorite of crispy deep-fried pickles with a light, flavorful batter and juicy tangy pickles inside. Perfect for quick snacks, game days, or casual get-togethers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 16 ounces dill pickle chips, drained well
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1/4 cup cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 large eggs, beaten (room temperature)
  • 1/2 cup whole milk (or dairy-free alternative like oat milk)
  • About 4 cups vegetable or canola oil for frying
  • Optional: Ranch dressing or spicy aioli for dipping

Instructions

  1. Drain the pickles thoroughly by laying them on paper towels and pressing gently to remove extra moisture. Let sit for about 10 minutes.
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, cornstarch, baking powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs with the milk until smooth and combined. Add a tablespoon more milk if batter is too thick.
  4. Heat about 4 cups of vegetable oil in a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (175°C), using a thermometer to monitor temperature.
  5. Working in batches, dip pickle chips into the wet egg mixture, then dredge thoroughly in the dry flour mixture. For extra crunch, double-dip by repeating the egg and flour coating.
  6. Carefully place battered pickles into hot oil using tongs, frying 3-4 at a time to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
  7. Remove fried pickles with a slotted spoon and transfer to a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
  8. Serve warm immediately with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce. Keep warm in a 200°F (93°C) oven for up to 15 minutes if needed.

Notes

Drain pickles well to avoid oil splatter and soggy batter. Maintain oil temperature at 350°F for best crispness. Fry in small batches to prevent temperature drop. Double-dip batter for extra crunch. Reheat leftovers in oven to restore crispness; avoid microwaving.

Nutrition

Keywords: deep-fried pickles, crispy pickles, county fair food, fried snacks, appetizer, game day food, easy snack