Fried Pickle Fritters Recipe

Introduction

Fried pickle fritters are a crispy, tangy snack perfect for sharing or enjoying as a unique appetizer. These golden bites combine dill pickles with a flavorful cornmeal batter and are fried to crunchy perfection.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 sweet onion, finely diced
• 4 cups coarsely chopped dill pickles (about 8 pickle halves)
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chopped pickles and diced onion, then toss to coat everything evenly.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg into the buttermilk. Pour this mixture into the pickle mixture and stir until just combined.
3. Step 3: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F. Drop the pickle batter into the hot oil by heaping tablespoonsful.
4. Step 4: Cook the fritters for 4 to 5 minutes, then flip them. Press each fritter flat with the back of a spatula and cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
5. Step 5: Work in batches, adding more oil if needed. Drain the cooked fritters on paper towels and serve hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dip.

Tips & Variations

• Use spicy pickles or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the batter for an extra kick.
• For a gluten-free version, substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free blend.
• Serve with different dips like spicy mayo, blue cheese dressing, or honey mustard for variety.

Storage

Store leftover fritters in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a skillet or oven to maintain their crispiness, rather than using a microwave which can make them soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular pickles instead of dill?

Yes, you can use any type of pickles you like, but dill pickles are recommended for their classic tangy flavor that complements the fritters well.

What if I don’t have buttermilk?

You can make a simple buttermilk substitute by mixing 1/2 cup milk with 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar. Let it sit for 5 minutes before using.

Fried Pickle Fritters Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 93 reviews

Crispy and tangy Fried Pickle Fritters are a delicious appetizer made with chopped dill pickles coated in a seasoned cornmeal batter and fried to golden perfection. These flavorful fritters are perfect for snacking or serving alongside your favorite dipping sauces.

• Author: Elias
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 20 fritters 1x
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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Dry Ingredients

• 1 1/2 cups self-rising cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Veggies

• 1/2 sweet onion, finely diced
• 4 cups coarsely chopped dill pickles (about 8 pickle halves)

Wet Ingredients

• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup buttermilk
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil (for frying)

Instructions

1. Prepare dry mixture: In a large bowl, combine the self-rising cornmeal, all-purpose flour, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Mix well to evenly distribute the seasonings.
2. Add pickles and onion: Add the coarsely chopped dill pickles and finely diced sweet onion to the dry mixture. Toss everything together until the pickles and onion are well coated with the dry ingredients.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In a small bowl, lightly beat the large egg into the buttermilk until combined. Pour this wet mixture into the pickle and cornmeal bowl.
4. Combine batter: Gently stir the wet ingredients into the pickle and dry mixture until just combined. Avoid overmixing to keep the batter light.
5. Heat oil for frying: Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat until it reaches about 350°F (175°C), ready for frying.
6. Fry the fritters: Drop the pickle batter by heaping tablespoons into the hot oil. Fry each side for 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown and crispy, flipping halfway through. Press them flat gently with the back of a spatula for an even crust.
7. Drain excess oil: Remove the cooked fritters from the skillet and place on paper towels to drain any excess oil before serving.
8. Serve: Serve the fried pickle fritters hot with ranch dressing or your choice of dipping sauce for a delicious appetizer or snack.

Notes

• Ensure oil is hot enough before frying to achieve a crispy texture and prevent sogginess.
• Cook fritters in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet, which can lower oil temperature.
• Use paper towels to absorb excess oil after frying for a lighter finish.
• For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the dry mix.

Keywords: fried pickles, pickle fritters, appetizer, fried snacks, southern recipe, crispy fritters, easy appetizer