Fried Pickles

Fried Pickles is a easy American recipe that serves 4. 150 calories per serving. Recipe by Justincooksgood on YouTube.

Prep: 15 min | Cook: 5 min | Total: 30 min

Cost: $5.49 total, $1.37 per serving

Ingredients

  • 10 pieces Large Dill Pickles (Whole, biggest size you can find; keep the brine for later if desired)
  • 1 cup All-Purpose Flour (Sifted)
  • 1/2 cup Cornstarch (Provides extra crispness)
  • 1 tsp Paprika (Smoked paprika works well)
  • 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (Adjust for heat preference)
  • 1 tsp Sea Salt
  • 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (Freshly ground)
  • 1 cup Soy Milk (Unsweetened, any brand)
  • 1 piece Large Egg (Room temperature)
  • 1 tbsp Hot Sauce (Optional, for extra spice in wet mix)
  • 2 cups Vegetable Oil (For deep‑frying; use a high smoke‑point oil)
  • 1/2 cup Vegan Ranch Dressing (For serving; any dip works)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Pickles

    Select the largest dill pickles you can find, give them a quick rinse and pat dry with paper towels. Set aside on a clean plate.

    Time: PT3M

  2. Make Dry Mix

    In a mixing bowl combine 1 cup all‑purpose flour, 1/2 cup cornstarch, 1 tsp paprika, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Whisk until evenly distributed.

    Time: PT3M

  3. Make Wet Mix

    In a second bowl whisk together 1 cup soy milk, 1 large egg, and 1 tbsp hot sauce (optional).

    Time: PT2M

  4. Coat Pickles – First Dry

    Toss the dried pickles in the dry mix, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Shake off excess flour.

    Time: PT2M

  5. Coat Pickles – Wet

    Dip the flour‑coated pickles into the wet mix, turning to cover all sides.

    Time: PT2M

  6. Coat Pickles – Second Dry

    Return the pickles to the dry mix for a second coating. Press gently so the batter adheres well.

    Time: PT2M

  7. Heat Oil

    Fill the deep fryer or pot with 2 cups vegetable oil, attach the thermometer, and heat to 350‑375°F (175‑190°C).

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350‑375°F

  8. Fry Pickles

    Working in small batches, gently lower the coated pickles into the hot oil using tongs. Fry for about 2‑3 minutes per side, or until golden‑brown and crisp.

    Time: PT5M

    Temperature: 350‑375°F

  9. Drain and Serve

    Remove the fried pickles with tongs, place on paper towels to drain excess oil, then transfer to a serving plate. Serve immediately with vegan ranch or your favorite dip.

    Time: PT2M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
150
Protein
3g
Carbohydrates
12g
Fat
9g
Fiber
1g

Dietary info: Vegetarian, Contains soy

Allergens: Egg, Soy

Last updated: April 19, 2026

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Fried Pickles

Recipe by Justincooksgood

A quick, crunchy Southern‑style snack: large dill pickles are coated in a light soy‑milk batter, double‑dredged, and fried to golden perfection. Serve with vegan ranch or your favorite dipping sauce.

EasyAmericanServes 4

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Source Video
16m
Prep
10m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
36m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$5.49
Total cost
$1.37
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Double‑dredging (dry‑wet‑dry) to achieve crispness
  • Maintaining oil temperature between 350‑375°F
  • Not overcrowding the fryer

Safety Warnings

  • Hot oil can cause severe burns; keep children and pets away from the stove.
  • Never leave heating oil unattended.
  • Use a thermometer to avoid overheating oil beyond its smoke point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of fried pickles in Southern American cuisine?

A

Fried pickles originated in the American South as a bar snack in the 1970s, combining the region’s love of pickled cucumbers with the popularity of deep‑fried foods. They quickly became a staple at diners and sports‑bars, celebrated for their tangy‑crunch contrast.

cultural
Q

What regional variations of fried pickles exist within United States Southern cuisine?

A

In the Deep South, dill pickles are most common, while some Texas bars use bread‑and‑butter pickles for a sweeter bite. Some chefs add cornmeal to the dry coating, and others serve them with a spicy remoulade instead of ranch.

cultural
Q

How are fried pickles traditionally served in Southern bars and restaurants?

A

They are typically presented on a small plate with a side of ranch, blue‑cheese dressing, or a spicy aioli. The pickles are served hot, still sizzling, and often accompanied by a cold beer.

cultural
Q

During which occasions are fried pickles commonly enjoyed in Southern culture?

A

Fried pickles are popular at casual gatherings such as tailgate parties, game‑day bar nights, and family picnics. They are also a frequent appetizer during Southern brunches and holiday pot‑luck spreads.

cultural
Q

What authentic ingredients are essential for traditional Southern fried pickles versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Traditional recipes call for dill pickles, all‑purpose flour, corn‑starch, paprika, cayenne, and a buttermilk or egg‑based batter. Substitutes like soy milk (as used in this recipe) work well for a dairy‑free version, and corn‑starch can be swapped with potato starch without losing crispness.

cultural
Q

What other Southern dishes pair well with crispy fried pickles?

A

Serve them alongside fried chicken, onion rings, or a classic shrimp po’ boy. A side of coleslaw or a tangy BBQ sauce also complements the salty, acidic flavor of the pickles.

cultural
Q

What makes this crispy fried pickles recipe special in American Southern cuisine?

A

The double‑dredge technique (dry‑wet‑dry) creates an ultra‑light, crunchy crust, while the soy‑milk batter keeps the dish slightly lighter than traditional buttermilk batters. Adding hot sauce to the wet mix gives a subtle heat that sets it apart.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making crispy fried pickles at home?

A

Common errors include not drying the pickles enough, overcrowding the oil, and frying at too low a temperature. Each of these results in a soggy coating or greasy pickles.

technical
Q

Why does this recipe use a soy‑milk and egg wet mix instead of a traditional buttermilk batter?

A

Soy milk provides a dairy‑free alternative while still creating a thin, adhesive batter. The egg adds structure, and the combination yields a crisp crust without the heaviness of buttermilk.

technical
Q

Can I make crispy fried pickles ahead of time and how should I store them?

A

Yes, you can coat the pickles and keep them refrigerated for up to 2 hours before frying. After cooking, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and reheat in a hot oven to restore crunch.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Justincooksgood specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Justincooksgood focuses on quick, approachable home‑cooking tutorials that emphasize simple techniques, everyday ingredients, and tasty results for busy cooks.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Justincooksgood's approach to Southern comfort food differ from other cooking channels?

A

Justincooksgood blends classic Southern flavors with modern twists—like using soy milk for a lighter batter—while keeping recipes under 30 minutes, which sets it apart from channels that often require longer prep or more specialty ingredients.

channel

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