A savory, golden-brown snack perfect for gatherings, these crispy fried pickle chips offer a satisfying crunch and tangy bite. Sliced dill pickles are cloaked in a robustly seasoned coating, fried to perfection, and paired with a bold dipping sauce. Ideal for entertaining or indulging your cravings for something salty and crisp.
Approximately 20 to 24 round dill pickle cutsdrained
1cupcultured buttermilk or whole dairy milk
1large whole egg
1cupplain white flour
½cupfinely ground yellow cornmeal
1teaspoonsweet paprika
1teaspoongarlic granules
½teaspoonpowdered onion
½teaspoonfine sea salt
¼teaspooncracked black pepper
¼teaspooncayenne powderoptional, for added spice
Frying oilsuch as vegetable or canola, enough for 2-inch depth in pan
Instructions
Lay the pickle slices on absorbent paper towels, pressing gently to eliminate as much surface moisture as possible. This step ensures optimal crispness during frying.
In a shallow dish, beat the egg into the buttermilk until smooth. In a separate container, blend the flour, cornmeal, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using), ensuring even distribution of the spices.
Individually immerse each pickle slice into the milk-and-egg blend, allowing any surplus liquid to drip off. Immediately transfer to the dry mix, pressing gently so the coating adheres thoroughly on all sides.
Fill a heavy-bottomed skillet or saucepan with oil to a depth of approximately 2 inches. Warm the oil over medium-high heat until a thermometer registers 350°F (175°C).
Working in small groups to avoid overcrowding, place coated pickle slices into the hot oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes on each side, or until the coating achieves a deep golden color and a crisp texture.
Carefully extract the fried pickles using a slotted utensil and place on fresh paper towels to absorb excess oil. Serve promptly while hot, alongside ranch dressing or a spicy mayonnaise-based dip.