These fried pickles are coated in a seasoned beer batter, then deep fried until crispy and golden brown. A unique and unexpected appetizer option that’s sure to get rave reviews!
In my opinion, you can never go wrong when it comes to pickles. I’ve been known to enjoy dill pickle dip, bacon wrapped pickles, and these irresistible deep fried pickles.
Whenever I go to a restaurant, I look for fried pickles on the appetizer menu. I’ve learned to make this fun snack at home, and I think my version is even better than what you’d get at a restaurant!
Who invented fried pickles?
Fried pickles started as a Southern snack that has spread across the United States. Most people think that the fried pickle started at a formerly operating restaurant called Duchess Drive-In located in Atkins, Arkansas. This restaurant is claimed to be the first to sell fried pickles. The restaurant was located near a pickle factory so one day pickles were battered and placed in the fryer. Unfortunately, the Duchess Drive-In is closed and the only place to have that version is at a booth during Picklefest in Atkins, Arkansas. If you can’t make it to Picklefest, you can give this recipe a try.
How do you make fried pickles?
Make fried pickles by preparing a batter made of beer, flour, and seasonings. The ingredients should be mixed until they form a smooth batter. Slice up pickles and dip the slices in flour. Once coated in flour, the slices get dipped in the batter and placed in hot oil. After a few minutes, the pickles will turn golden brown. Remove the pickles from the oil and cook up the next batch. When all the pickles are done, give them a sprinkle of parsley and serve them hot.
Tips for the perfect pickles
- I prefer to cut my own pickle slices from whole pickles instead of using the store-bought pickle chips. The store bought sliced pickles tend to be too thin to stand up to the batter. I cut my pickles into 3/4 inch slices for the best results.
- Fried pickles are best when served immediately after being cooked. However, they can be refrigerated and reheated. You can reheat them and crisp them up in a 400 degree F oven.
- For some extra spice, mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the batter.
- When you fry the pickles, keep the bowl of batter close to the pot of oil so that you can easily transfer the battered pickles into the oil.
- Be sure to use a frying thermometer to ensure that the oil is at the correct temperature.
WHAT BEER SHOULD I USE FOR BEER BATTER?
Choose a beer should that has lighter color. Lagers work well for a mild flavored batter to let the pickles really shine. You can try a lighter colored ale if you want a more complex taste. I like to use a Belgian style wheat ale. Belgian style wheat ale makes a delicious batter that cooks up flavorful with great results every time.
These fried pickles are a must-try recipe. It is amazing how the humble pickle can become a real crowd pleaser with the right treatment!
More appetizer recipes you’ll love
Fried Pickles
Ingredients
- 2 cups sliced pickles I like to cut 3/4 inch thick slices from whole pickles
- 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour divided use
- 1 1/4 cups beer
- 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 3/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- oil for frying
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
Instructions
- Heat 3 inches of oil in a deep pot to 375 degrees F.
- Coat the pickles in 1/2 cup flour, shaking off any excess.
- In a medium bowl, mix together the remaining cup of flour, beer, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder.
- Coat each pickle slice in batter, letting the excess batter drip back into the bowl.
- Fry 8-10 pickle slices at a time until golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
- Repeat the process with the remaining pickles.
- Sprinkle with parsley, then serve immediately.
Jamie says
Does it matter what beer you use?
Sara says
I typically use a mild, lighter beer such as a lager.
Angie Smith says
I’ve never made anything with beer due to my 13 year old. He loves pickles. Does the batter taste like beer and onion/garlic? Would love to cook this as an appetizer in 2 days for a smaller dinner celebrating a family member’s birthday. Thank you
Sara says
You can use seltzer water if you prefer, this batter tastes like a standard beer batter so there’s a hint of the malty flavor, but all the alcohol cooks off. I don’t like beer but I love this batter!
Marla says
Super fun and tasty treat!
Susan says
I come from a family that has enjoyed all sorts of pickles: dill, sweet, bread and butter, love them all. I also come from a part of the country that never heard of “fried pickles”, if you can believe it! I never heard of them until I was dining at THE steakhouse in Snook, Tx. There I fell in LOVE. I am curious, however, if Fried Pickles are always dill pickles. Your recipes does not state.
Sara says
I’ve only had them as dill pickles, but I think you could do it with bread and butter pickles if you prefer that!
Daphne says
I love fried pickles! And these look delicious. I am not a drinker so I know nothing about beers. Could you substitute the beer for something else? I mean I’ve made things with 7up or seltzer water to get the bubbly effect. Also there is a dip shown in the picture.that you didn’t mention. Can you tell me what it is? Thank you😁
Sara says
Seltzer would be fine! The dip shown is ranch.
Caroline says
These look so wonderfully golden and crispy – I bet they are pretty addictive!
Krissy Allori says
Fried pickles!!! I love these so much. I made them for our last game night and they were gobbled up faster than I could make them.
Veena Azmanov says
A unique way to making this fried pickles. Beer sounds interesting. These looks delicious and crunchy. Amazing snack as well.
Elaine says
These are too good to miss them. The type of an appetizer I get really excited about. Can’t wait to make a big match of these at home – yum!
Deanne says
I’ve only had these in restaurants so it was such a treat to make these for our family at home!
Jacque Hooper says
Quite possibly the best way to enjoy pickles! These were not only easy, but delicious too!
Vik says
These were really tasty! Made a great lunch
Beth says
I never knew this was a thing but totally glad it exists! Definitely going to give these a try for our next game day party! Such a fantastic idea!
Erin says
These fried pickles are mouth watering!
Kim Seghers says
Such an amazing recipe for fried pickles. I love that you use beer in the recipe. Nothing better than fried pickles and ranch dip for snack!