Fried Pickle Chips are a crispy and tangy snack that’s perfect for parties, game days, or anytime you crave something savory and delicious. These crunchy bites are easy to make and pair perfectly with ranch dressing. Let’s dive into this mouthwatering recipe and learn how to make it step-by-step.
Ingredients
- 1-16 oz. jar dill pickle slices, drained
- 1/3 cup cornstarch
- 3/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3/4 cup whole milk
- 2 tablespoons pickle juice
- Vegetable oil, for frying
- Ranch dressing, for serving
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pickle Chips
- Drain and Pat Dry:
- Drain the dill pickle slices and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating
- Mix Dry Ingredients:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the cornstarch, all-purpose flour, ground mustard (if using), garlic powder, onion powder, sea salt, and ground black pepper.
- Mix Wet Ingredients:
- In another bowl, combine the whole milk and pickle juice.
Step 3: Coat the Pickle Chips
- Coat in Dry Mixture:
- Dredge each pickle slice in the dry mixture, ensuring it is fully coated. Shake off any excess.
- Dip in Wet Mixture:
- Dip the coated pickle slice into the milk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat Again in Dry Mixture:
- Return the pickle slice to the dry mixture and coat it again. This double coating helps create a crispy exterior.
Step 4: Fry the Pickle Chips
- Heat the Oil:
- Pour vegetable oil into a large skillet or deep fryer, about 2 inches deep. Heat the oil to 375°F (190°C).
- Fry the Pickle Chips:
- Working in batches, carefully add the coated pickle slices to the hot oil. Fry until golden brown and crispy, about 2-3 minutes per side.
- Drain and Cool:
- Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickle chips from the oil. Place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve the Fried Pickle Chips hot with ranch dressing for dipping. Enjoy this crispy and tangy snack!
Cooking Notes and Tips
- Pickles: Ensure the pickles are well-drained and patted dry to prevent splattering when frying.
- Oil Temperature: Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature. If the oil is too hot, the pickles will burn; if it’s too cool, they will be greasy.
- Seasoning: Adjust the seasoning in the coating to suit your taste. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.
Variations
Spicy Fried Pickle Chips
- Add Spice:
- Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the milk mixture for extra heat.
Buttermilk Fried Pickle Chips
- Use Buttermilk:
- Substitute the whole milk with buttermilk for a tangier flavor.
Panko-Crusted Fried Pickle Chips
- Add Panko:
- Mix 1/2 cup of panko breadcrumbs into the dry mixture for an extra crunchy coating.
Serving Suggestions
Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing:
- Serve with ranch dressing for a classic pairing.
- Spicy Mayo:
- Mix mayonnaise with a little sriracha sauce for a spicy dip.
- Honey Mustard:
- Combine honey and mustard for a sweet and tangy dipping sauce.
Beverages
- Beer:
- Enjoy with a cold beer for a perfect snack pairing.
- Iced Tea:
- Serve with iced tea for a refreshing non-alcoholic option.
FAQs
Q: Can I make these pickle chips ahead of time? A: Fried pickle chips are best enjoyed fresh and hot. However, you can prepare the coating and pickles ahead of time and fry them just before serving.
Q: How do I store leftovers? A: Store any leftover fried pickle chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain crispiness.
Q: Can I bake these instead of frying? A: Yes, you can bake the coated pickle chips on a parchment-lined baking sheet at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Q: Can I use a different type of pickle? A: Yes, you can use bread-and-butter pickles, spicy pickles, or any other pickle variety you prefer.
Q: Can I use a gluten-free flour? A: Yes, you can substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to make this recipe gluten-free.
Fried Pickle Chips are a crispy and tangy snack that’s perfect for any occasion. With their crunchy coating and savory flavor, these pickle chips are sure to be a hit. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or try one of the variations, Fried Pickle Chips are easy to make and always delicious. Enjoy making and sharing this delightful snack with your family and friends!
