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The Ultimate Crispy Fried Pickles: Deep Fried vs. Air Fryer (Plus Texas Roadhouse Copycat Dipping Sauce)

A large mound of golden brown, crispy fried pickles piled high on a white plate.
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Make perfectly crispy, seasoned fried pickles at home using either a deep fryer or an air fryer. This recipe includes instructions for the crunchy pickle chips and a zesty ranch dipping sauce inspired by Texas Roadhouse.

Ingredients

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  • 1 jar (16 ounces) dill pickle chips, drained and patted very dry
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • Vegetable oil, for deep frying (about 3 cups)
  • Cooking spray (for air frying)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the pickles: Drain the pickle chips thoroughly. Place them between several layers of paper towels and press firmly to remove as much moisture as possible. Dry pickles are key to crispiness.
  2. Set up the dredging station: In one shallow bowl, whisk together the flour, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper.
  3. In a second shallow bowl, whisk the eggs and milk together until combined.
  4. In a third shallow bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
  5. Dredge the pickles: Take a handful of dried pickle chips and dredge them first in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip them into the egg mixture, letting excess drip off. Finally, press them firmly into the panko breadcrumbs, ensuring they are fully coated. Place coated pickles on a wire rack.
  6. For Deep Frying: Heat 2-3 inches of vegetable oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer to 375°F (190°C). Carefully drop the pickles into the hot oil in small batches, avoiding overcrowding. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  7. For Air Frying: Preheat your air fryer to 390°F (199°C). Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded pickles in a single layer in the basket (work in batches). Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray. Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crunchy.
  8. Serve immediately with the Copycat Dipping Sauce.

Notes

  • For the best results, chill the breaded pickles on the wire rack for 15 minutes before frying or air frying. This helps the coating adhere better.
  • If making the Texas Roadhouse Copycat Dipping Sauce, mix 1 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tablespoon prepared horseradish, 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Mix well and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
  • Use dill pickle chips for the classic flavor profile.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/fried-pickles-recipe-deep-fry-air-fryer/