Description
Southern Fried Pickles are a classic Southern snack featuring tangy pickle chips coated in a seasoned flour and cornmeal batter, then deep-fried to crispy golden perfection. This recipe delivers a crunchy exterior with a flavorful kick, perfect as an appetizer or snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Wet Ingredients
- 1 cup buttermilk
Main Ingredient
- 2 cups pickle chips (dill or bread-and-butter)
Frying
- Oil for frying (vegetable or peanut oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Pickles: Drain pickle chips thoroughly and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring they become crispy when fried.
- Set Up Breading Stations: In three separate bowls, prepare the coating components: one bowl with seasoned flour (combine all-purpose flour, paprika, and garlic powder), a second bowl with buttermilk, and the third bowl with a mixture of flour and cornmeal.
- Coat Pickles: Dip each pickle chip first into the seasoned flour, then into the buttermilk, and finally coat it thoroughly in the flour and cornmeal mixture to build a flavorful, crunchy crust.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a deep pot or fryer to 350°F (175°C), making sure there is enough oil to fully submerge the pickles for even frying.
- Fry Pickles: Fry the coated pickle chips in batches for about 3 to 4 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy, avoiding overcrowding when frying.
- Drain and Serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles from the oil and drain them on paper towels to remove excess oil before serving warm.
Notes
- Patting the pickles dry is essential to help the coating adhere properly and ensure crispiness.
- Maintain the oil temperature at 350°F for optimal frying results and to avoid greasy pickles.
- Frying in small batches prevents the oil temperature from dropping and ensures even cooking.
- Use peanut or vegetable oil with a high smoke point for best frying performance.
- Serve fried pickles with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for added flavor.
