Crispy Pickle Fries

If you love pickles and crispy, crunchy snacks, you’re in for a treat! Pickle fries are the perfect mix of tangy, salty, and crunchy goodness.
They’re coated in a crispy, flavorful batter and fried to golden perfection. Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a tasty game-day snack, or just something different to try, these pickle fries will hit the spot.
I first tried pickle fries at a summer fair, and I was hooked from the first bite. The combination of the zesty pickles with the crispy coating was just too good!
I knew I had to recreate them at home, and after some trial and error, I found the perfect recipe. Now, they’re one of my favorite snacks to make when I’m craving something crunchy and delicious.
These pickle fries are easy to make, require a few simple ingredients, and can be customized with your favorite seasonings and dips.
Plus, they’re baked or fried, so you can choose how crispy you want them to be. Serve them with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or even ketchup for a flavor-packed snack that everyone will love!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Crispy and Crunchy – The golden, crispy coating pairs perfectly with the juicy pickles inside.
- Easy to Make – With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch in no time.
- Great for Any Occasion – Serve these as a party snack, game-day treat, or a fun side dish.
- Baked or Fried Options – Choose between deep-frying for extra crunch or baking for a lighter version.
- Perfect Dipping Snack – They taste amazing with ranch, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce!
Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make the best crispy pickle fries:
For the Pickle Fries
- 1 jar of dill pickles (spears or slices)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Batter
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
For the Coating
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs (for extra crunch)
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, but adds great flavor)
For Frying (If deep-frying)
- Vegetable oil for frying (enough to fill a pot about 2 inches deep)
For Baking (If baking)
- Cooking spray or a drizzle of oil
Kitchen Tools Needed
Before you start, gather these kitchen tools to make the process smooth and easy:
- Cutting board & knife – If using whole pickles, you’ll need to slice them into spears.
- Paper towels – To pat the pickles dry before coating them.
- Three shallow bowls – For the flour, batter, and breadcrumbs.
- Tongs – To dip and coat the pickles without getting messy.
- Deep fryer or large pot – If frying, you’ll need a deep fryer or a pot for oil.
- Baking sheet & parchment paper – If baking, line a sheet for easy cleanup.
- Wire rack – Helps keep fried pickle fries crispy by draining excess oil.
- Slotted spoon – For removing fries from the oil if deep-frying.
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pickles
- Drain the pickles from the jar and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station
- In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Coat the Pickles
- Dip each pickle spear into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any extra.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered.
- Finally, coat the pickle in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them stick.
Step 4: Cook the Pickle Fries
Option 1: Deep-Fry for Extra Crunch
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully add a few coated pickles at a time and fry for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Option 2: Bake for a Healthier Version
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the coated pickles on the sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the pickle fries cool slightly, then serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, spicy mayo, or ketchup.
More Recipes >>>>>> Homemade Strawberry Soda

Tips and Tricks for Success
- Dry the pickles well – Too much moisture can make the coating fall off.
- Use panko breadcrumbs – They give the crispiest texture compared to regular breadcrumbs.
- Double coat for extra crunch – Dip the pickles in the egg and breadcrumb mixture twice for a thicker, crunchier coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan – Fry in small batches to keep the oil temperature steady and get evenly crispy fries.
- Serve immediately – Pickle fries are best enjoyed fresh and hot for the ultimate crunch.
- Try different seasonings – Add cayenne pepper for spice or ranch seasoning for extra flavor.
Now you’re ready to enjoy the crispiest, most delicious pickle fries! Whether you bake or fry them, they’re guaranteed to be a hit.
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Ingredient Substitutions and Variations
Want to switch things up? Here are some fun ways to customize your pickle fries:
Substitutions
- Pickles – Use bread-and-butter pickles for a slightly sweet taste or spicy pickles for extra heat.
- Flour – Swap all-purpose flour with cornstarch for a lighter, crispier coating.
- Buttermilk – No buttermilk? Mix ½ cup milk with 1 teaspoon vinegar or lemon juice as a substitute.
- Breadcrumbs – Use crushed crackers, cornflakes, or even almond flour for a low-carb option.
Variations
- Spicy Pickle Fries – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the flour mix for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Pickle Fries – Sprinkle extra Parmesan or shredded cheddar into the breadcrumb mix.
- Gluten-Free Pickle Fries – Use gluten-free flour and panko for a gluten-free version.
- Air-Fried Pickle Fries – Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking halfway through.
Serving Suggestions
These pickle fries taste amazing on their own, but here are some fun ways to serve them:
Dipping Sauces
- Ranch Dressing – Classic and creamy, perfect for balancing the tangy pickles.
- Spicy Mayo – Mix mayo with Sriracha or hot sauce for a spicy twist.
- Honey Mustard – A sweet and tangy dip that pairs well with the crispy coating.
- Garlic Aioli – A flavorful, garlicky dip for extra richness.
Meal Pairings
- Serve alongside burgers, hot dogs, or sandwiches for a fun side dish.
- Pair with a charcuterie board for a unique appetizer.
- Add them to a fried food platter with mozzarella sticks and onion rings.
More Recipes >>>>>> Crispy Popcorn Chicken Recipe
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftover pickle fries (which is rare because they’re so good!), store them properly:
- Let them cool completely before storing them.
- Place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
- Do not store them in a sealed bag—it can make them soggy.
Reheating Tips
To keep them crispy when reheating:
- Air Fryer – Reheat at 375°F (190°C) for 4-5 minutes.
- Oven – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes.
- Skillet – Heat in a dry pan over medium heat for a few minutes, flipping once.
- Avoid the microwave – It makes them soggy instead of crispy.
FAQ
1. Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes! Air-fry at 400°F (200°C) for 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
2, Can I use pickle chips instead of spears?
Absolutely! Pickle chips work great and cook even faster—just reduce frying or baking time by a few minutes.
4. How do I prevent my coating from falling off?
Make sure to pat the pickles dry before coating, and press the breadcrumbs firmly onto them. Let them rest for a few minutes before frying.
5. Can I make them ahead of time?
They’re best fresh, but you can coat the pickles in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before frying or baking.
6. What’s the best oil for frying?
Use a neutral oil with a high smoke point, like vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil.
Now you’re all set to make the best pickle fries ever! Whether you bake, fry, or air-fry them, they’re guaranteed to be a crispy, tangy, and delicious treat.
Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!
Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!

Crispy Pickle Fries
Equipment
- Cutting Board & Knife
- Paper Towels
- Three shallow bowls
- Tongs
- Deep fryer or large pot If frying, you’ll need a deep fryer or a pot for oil.
- Baking sheet & parchment paper If baking, line a sheet for easy cleanup.
- Wire rack
- Slotted spoon
Ingredients
For the Pickle Fries
- 1 jar of dill pickles spears or slices
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Batter
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup buttermilk or regular milk
For the Coating
- 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese optional, but adds great flavor
For Frying (If deep-frying)
- Vegetable oil for frying enough to fill a pot about 2 inches deep
For Baking (If baking)
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pickles
- Drain the pickles from the jar and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better.
Step 2: Set Up the Coating Station
- In one shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until smooth.
- In a third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.
Step 3: Coat the Pickles
- Dip each pickle spear into the flour mixture, coating it evenly. Shake off any extra.
- Next, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully covered.
- Finally, coat the pickle in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to help them stick.
Step 4: Cook the Pickle Fries
Option 1: Deep-Fry for Extra Crunch
- Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a deep pot to 375°F (190°C).
- Carefully add a few coated pickles at a time and fry for about 2-3 minutes, until golden brown.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and place on a wire rack or paper towels to drain excess oil.
Option 2: Bake for a Healthier Version
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the coated pickles on the sheet and lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway, until they are crispy and golden brown.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
- Let the pickle fries cool slightly, then serve them with your favorite dipping sauces, like ranch, spicy mayo, or ketchup.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: ~250-350 kcal
- Protein: ~6-8g
- Carbohydrates: ~25-30g
- Fat: ~12-18g (higher for deep-fried, lower for baked)
- Sodium: ~800-1000mg (depending on pickles and seasoning)
- Fiber: ~2-3g
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.