Hot Fried Pickle Spirals are a crispy, tangy, and addictive snack that combines the zesty flavor of pickles with a crunchy, golden batter. These spirals are sliced pickle chips twisted into fun shapes, then battered and fried to perfection. Each bite delivers a satisfying crunch with the right amount of tang, making them an irresistible appetizer or side dish.
I first made these when I was craving something bold and crispy, and they quickly became a favorite among friends and family. The pickle spirals fried up perfectly, with a golden-brown crust that contrasted beautifully with the tangy pickle inside. The zesty flavor paired wonderfully with a cool dipping sauce, making each bite feel like a mini celebration.
What’s great about Hot Fried Pickle Spirals is how fun they are to make and eat. You can customize the level of spice by adding chili powder or cayenne to the batter, or keep it simple with a classic seasoning. Perfect for game day, parties, or when you’re just in the mood for a crispy, tangy treat, these fried pickle spirals are sure to be a crowd-pleaser every time!
Perfect for:
- Game nights
- Parties
- Appetizer spreads
- Snack time
- Pickle lovers
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here are 10 reasons why these Hot Fried Pickle Spirals will become your go-to snack:
- Crispy and Crunchy: Each spiral delivers the perfect balance of crunch and flavor.
- Bold Flavor: The pickles bring a tangy punch that pairs beautifully with the crispy coating.
- Fun and Unique: Spiralizing the pickles creates a fun twist on traditional fried pickles.
- Easy to Make: With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality snack at home.
- Perfectly Fried: Each pickle spiral is fried until golden brown, creating a satisfying crunch with every bite.
- Ideal for Sharing: Serve these at parties or gatherings for a snack that everyone will love.
- Customizable Dipping Sauce: You can serve these pickles with a variety of dipping sauces, from ranch to spicy mayo.
- Quick and Convenient: This recipe takes little time to prepare and cook, perfect for when you’re short on time.
- Crisp on the Outside, Tender on the Inside: The pickles retain their juiciness while being enveloped in a crispy shell.
- Kid-Friendly: A snack that both kids and adults will enjoy, making it great for family gatherings.
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cooking Time: 20 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories per serving: Approximately 300-350 calories
- Key Nutrients: Protein: 3g, Carbs: 35g, Fat: 18g
Ingredients
For the Fried Pickle Spirals:
- 2 large pickles, spiralized
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko)
- 2 cups vegetable oil (for frying)
For the Dipping Sauce:
- ½ cup ranch dressing
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon dill pickle juice
Ingredient Highlights
- Spiralized Pickles: The spiral shape makes these pickles extra fun and crispy when fried.
- Panko Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs create a light, crispy coating that fries beautifully.
- Buttermilk: Adds richness and helps the batter stick to the pickles.
- Dipping Sauce: A tangy and spicy sauce that complements the crispy pickles perfectly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Pickles:
- Spiralize the Pickles: Use a spiralizer to create thin, curly pickle slices from your whole pickles. If you don’t have a spiralizer, you can also slice them into thin rounds.
- Pat Dry: Gently pat the spiralized pickles dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Prepare the Breading:
- Set Up Dipping Stations: In one bowl, mix flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk. In a third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
- Coat the Pickles: Dip the spiralized pickles first into the flour mixture, then into the egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs, ensuring they’re fully coated.
Fry the Pickles:
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C).
- Fry the Pickles: Carefully add the breaded pickle spirals into the hot oil, frying in batches. Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Drain: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles from the oil and drain them on paper towels.
Make the Dipping Sauce:
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together ranch dressing, hot sauce, and dill pickle juice until smooth.
Serve:
- Serve the Pickles: Arrange the hot fried pickle spirals on a serving platter and serve with the dipping sauce on the side.
How to Serve
Here are 10 serving suggestions for Hot Fried Pickle Spirals:
- As a Game Day Snack: Serve these crispy pickles at your next sports game or party.
- As an Appetizer: Place these fried pickle spirals on a platter for a fun and irresistible appetizer.
- With Different Dips: Try serving them with honey mustard, spicy mayo, or blue cheese dressing.
- As a Side Dish: Pair these pickles with burgers, sandwiches, or grilled meats for an extra crispy side.
- For a Crunchy Snack: Enjoy them as a crunchy afternoon treat or late-night snack.
- For Picnics: Pack these pickles in a container with dipping sauce for a picnic-ready snack.
- For Taco Night: Serve alongside tacos for a unique and tasty side.
- With a Side of Fries: Serve alongside crispy French fries for a fun and hearty meal.
- As Party Food: These are perfect for sharing at parties or gatherings with friends and family.
- For a Twist on a Classic: Serve with fried chicken for an added punch of flavor.
Additional Tips
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Fry the pickles in batches to ensure they cook evenly and get crispy.
- Use a Thermometer: Keep an eye on the oil temperature to avoid soggy pickles or burnt batter.
- Adjust Spice Level: Add more hot sauce to the dipping sauce for extra heat or a milder version for kids.
- For Extra Crunch: Double-coat the pickles by dipping them in the flour, egg, breadcrumbs, and repeating the process.
- Keep Warm: If making in advance, keep the fried pickles warm in a low-temperature oven (around 200°F).
Recipe Variations
- Spicy Fried Pickle Spirals: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the flour mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheese-Stuffed Pickles: Stuff the pickle spirals with cheese before battering and frying for a gooey surprise.
- Zesty Dipping Sauce: Use a combination of ranch dressing and sriracha sauce for an added kick.
- Beef Bacon-Wrapped Fried Pickles: Wrap each pickle spiral with beef bacon before frying for an irresistible smoky flavor.
- Gluten-Free Option: Substitute the flour and breadcrumbs with a gluten-free alternative for a gluten-free version.
- Battered Pickles: Skip the breadcrumbs and dip the pickles in a batter made with flour, cornstarch, and baking powder for a different texture.
- Parmesan Crust: Add grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mixture for an extra layer of cheesy flavor.
- Sweet Pickles: Try using sweet pickles for a sweet-and-sour flavor profile.
- Vegan Option: Use plant-based milk and egg replacer for a vegan-friendly snack.
Special Equipment
- Spiralizer: For creating the fun, curly pickle shapes.
- Skillet or Deep Fryer: For frying the pickles evenly and achieving a crispy texture.
- Meat Thermometer: To check the oil temperature for frying.
- Slotted Spoon: For removing the fried pickles from the oil.
- Tongs: For safely turning the pickles in the hot oil.
- Paper Towels: For draining excess oil from the fried pickles.
- Mixing Bowls: To coat and bread the pickles before frying.
FAQ Section
- Can I use regular pickle slices instead of spirals?
Yes, you can use regular pickle slices if you don’t have a spiralizer. - How long will these fried pickles last?
These pickles are best served fresh, but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 1-2 days. - Can I freeze fried pickles?
Yes, freeze the fried pickles on a baking sheet and then transfer them to a freezer bag. Reheat in the oven when ready to serve. - Can I use a different type of pickle?
Absolutely! Dill, bread-and-butter, or sweet pickles can all work well depending on your flavor preference. - Can I make these in an air fryer?
Yes, you can make these in an air fryer at 375°F for about 10 minutes, flipping halfway through. - What’s the best way to reheat fried pickles?
Reheat in a preheated oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain their crispiness. - Can I double the recipe?
Yes, simply double the ingredients and fry in batches. - How do I prevent the batter from falling off the pickles?
Ensure the pickles are well-dried before breading to prevent the batter from sliding off. - Can I skip the dipping sauce?
Yes, but the sauce adds a great extra layer of flavor. - Can I use homemade pickles?
Absolutely! Homemade pickles can add a fresh and unique flavor to the fried pickles.
Conclusion
Hot Fried Pickle Spirals are a crunchy, tangy, and spicy treat that takes the classic fried pickle to a whole new level. These crispy, spiralized pickle slices are battered and deep-fried to golden perfection, delivering a delightful crunch with every bite. The twist on the traditional pickle fry is the spiral shape, making them even more fun to eat! Paired with a creamy dipping sauce, these Hot Fried Pickle Spirals are the perfect snack or appetizer for any occasion, especially when you’re craving something savory with a bit of heat.
The key to making these spirals extra special is the batter—seasoned just right to complement the tang of the pickles, while the frying process creates a crispy, golden exterior that gives way to the tartness of the pickle inside. You can make them as spicy as you like, by adding a bit of cayenne pepper to the batter or serving them with a spicy dipping sauce.
I can’t wait to see how your Hot Fried Pickle Spirals turn out! Snap a photo and share it on Instagram, tagging me so I can admire your crispy creation. Don’t forget to leave a comment and let me know how you spiced them up—I’d love to hear about your personal twist!