Ingredients:

1 16-oz. jar of sliced pickles
1/2 C. of flour
1 tsp. of onion powder
1/2 tsp. of garlic powder
1/2 tsp. of paprika
1/4 tsp. of black pepper
1 C. of buttermilk
1 box Absolutely Gluten Free Crackers, crushed by hand or in a food processor
Frying oil
Salad dressing for dipping, like ranch or blue cheese

Directions:

1. Place pickles slices into a paper towel-lined cutting board and blot the pickles until dried.
2. Whisk flour with onion powder, garlic powder, paprika and black pepper and place in a shallow bowl. Add pickles and coat and pat to remove excess flour.
3. Place pickles in a bowl of buttermilk until fully coated.
4. Pour crushed crackers in a shallow dish and begin pressing wet pickles until crackers adhere on both sides.
5. Pour oil in a medium saucepan, about 1 inch full, and preheat to 375F using an oil thermometer.
6. Once to temperature, begin frying pickle slices in batches, making sure they don’t touch each other, about 1-2 minutes, turning about halfway through.
7. Allow to slightly cool on paper towel and serve immediately with salad dressing or dip, if desired.

Serves 4

How to Make the BEST Fried Pickles

Fried pickles are brined cucumber slices coated in a crunchy breading and fried until golden. That hot‑crisp shell with a cool, tangy center makes an addictive snack for fairs, pubs, and game nights.

This fried pickles recipe keeps things simple: focus on a well‑dried pickle, a flavorful coating, and a quick, hot fry for shatter‑crisp results.

Why You’ll Love this Easy Fried Pickles Recipe:

• No special deep fryer required—just a pot and thermometer
• Crisp (not soggy) coating with pro tips built in
• About 25–30 minutes from start to finish
• Uses a few pantry staples you likely have
• Tastes great with ranch or your favorite dipping sauce
• Works with chips or spears

Serving Suggestions

Pile fried pickles on a platter with ranch, blue cheese, or spicy mayo. Add celery sticks and carrot ribbons for extra crunch. They’re great beside burgers, pulled chicken, or a game‑day nacho spread. For a lighter twist, pair with a big salad and serve lemon wedges for brightness.

Explore more recipes here.

Experiment with Absolutely Gluten Free Crackers

For an easy fried pickle recipe that really crunches, use AGF crackers as the coating and switch flavors to match your vibe: Original for a clean, balanced bite, Onion for savory depth, or Cracked Pepper when you want gentle heat. Each option keeps the coating gluten‑free and reliably crisp.

Blend flavors, too. Explore our gluten‑free crackers to mix, match, and find your favorite blend.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are fried pickles unhealthy?

Like most fried snacks, they’re an occasional treat. Frying adds calories and fat, and pickles are naturally high in sodium. To lighten up, try air‑frying, use a fine crumb so it browns faster, drain on a rack, and keep portions modest. Pair with veggies and yogurt‑based dips to balance things out.

Can I make fried pickles in the air fryer?

Yes. Arrange breaded slices in a single layer, mist lightly with oil, and air‑fry at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway. Work in batches so hot air circulates. For deeper color, add 1–2 minutes.

How do I make fried pickles crispy?

Moisture and low oil temp cause soggy breading. Start with well‑dried slices, keep oil at 375°F (190°C), and avoid crowding so the temperature stays stable. Use a fine crumb for even browning, rest breaded slices 5 minutes before cooking, and then cool on a wire rack. Serve soon for peak crunch.

Can you freeze this recipe?

Best enjoyed fresh. For make‑ahead, bread the slices, freeze in a single layer until firm, then move to a freezer bag for up to 2 months. Cook from frozen: air‑fry at 400°F (200°C) until hot and crisp, adding a minute or two as needed. Avoid freezing already‑fried pickles, as they may soften.