Crispy Fried Pickle Spears

I must confess—fried pickle spears are my absolute favorite.

There’s just something about that crispy, golden crunch giving way to the juicy, tangy bite of a dill pickle that makes my taste buds do a happy dance. 

A Crunchy, Tangy Treat

If you’ve never tried fried pickles before, I’m about to change your life. If you have, get ready for a version that’s perfectly seasoned, ultra-crispy, and paired with a dipping sauce that’ll have you licking your fingers.

Whether you’re looking for a fun appetizer, a game-day snack, or just an excuse to fry something delicious, this recipe is for you. I’m using kosher dill pickle spears (because they hold up beautifully when fried), a perfectly seasoned panko breadcrumb coating, and a homemade dipping sauce that takes everything to the next level. 

When it comes to fried pickles, the balance of textures and flavors is everything.

Dill Pickle Spears—I use kosher dill pickle spears from a jar because they have the right level of tanginess and crispness. When fried, spears hold up better than pickle chips, giving you that juicy inside with a crispy exterior.

Delmas Seasoning – This blend adds just the right amount of flavor and warmth to the coating without overpowering the pickle’s natural tang.

Homemade Dipping Sauce – A mix of ranch dressing, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Jacmel seasoning creates a creamy, tangy, slightly smoky sauce that pairs perfectly with the crispy pickles.

Ingredient Substitutions

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy ingredient swaps to customize your fried pickle spears:

Pickles: If you prefer a crunchier bite, use homemade pickles instead of jarred ones.

Panko Breadcrumbs: If you don’t have panko, you can use crushed crackers (like Ritz or saltines) or cornmeal for a different texture.

Flour: Swap all-purpose flour for cornstarch for an even crispier coating or use gluten-free flour if you’re avoiding gluten.

Seasoning: No Delmas seasoning? Try your favorite poultry seasoning blend. You can also use this seasoning to make this Louisiana Fried Chicken

Dipping Sauce: No ranch? No problem! Mix sour cream and mayo for a creamy base, or try spicy honey mustard or a smoky chipotle sauce for variety.

How Do I Keep The Coating From Falling Off?

• A few key tricks help:
• Pat the pickles dry before breading to remove excess moisture.
• Make sure to fully coat each spear in flour before dipping it into the egg mixture—this creates a sticky base.
• Press the panko firmly onto the pickles to ensure it adheres well.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know About Fried Pickles

If you love crispy, crunchy snacks with a tangy punch, these fried pickle spears are going to be your new obsession. 

The combination of a well-seasoned, ultra-crispy coating and the juicy, briny bite of a kosher dill pickle is truly unbeatable. And don’t skip the dipping sauce—it’s the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and just a little smoky.

How to Store Leftovers

If you somehow manage to have leftovers (which is rare in my house), you’ll want to store them properly so they stay as crispy as possible. Here’s how:

Refrigerating Leftovers

Let the fried pickles cool completely before storing them—this prevents steam from making them soggy.

Place them in an airtight container, layering them between paper towels to absorb excess moisture.

Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, but if you must save them, don’t wait too long to eat them.

Reheating for Maximum Crispiness

Fried pickles lose their crispness when stored, but you can bring them back to life with the right reheating method:

Air Fryer: The best way! Preheat to 375°F and heat for 3-5 minutes until crispy.

Oven: Bake at 400°F for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Stovetop: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat and fry for a minute or two on each side until hot and crispy.

Microwave (not recommended): Microwaving will make them soggy, so only use this if you’re in a rush.

Serving Suggestions

Fried pickles are an incredible snack, but they’re even better when paired with the right dishes. Here are some tasty ideas:

Appetizer Spread

Serve your fried pickle spears with a mix of other crispy bites for the ultimate appetizer table:

Japanese Fried Chicken or Chipotle Chicken Wings

Mozzarella sticks

Loaded nachos or potatoes

Sliders or burgers

Drinks That Pair Well

Balance out the fried goodness with a refreshing drink:

Iced Sweet Tea – The Southern classic!

Haitian Lemonade or this Mango Lemonade – A bright, citrusy contrast to the salty, crunchy pickles.

Beer – A light lager or wheat beer complements the tanginess perfectly.

Spicy Margarita – The heat pairs surprisingly well with fried pickles.

It warms our hearts to see the recipes you make from this site, and we’d especially love to know if you tried this recipe.

Also, we would appreciate it if you could give it a star rating!

Crispy Fried Pickle Spears Recipe

Mirlene

These fried pickle spears will become your new favorite if you enjoy crunchy, crispy treats with a sour kick. This recipe can be used as a game-day snack, an entertaining appetizer, or just a reason to fry something tasty.

5 from 8 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 5 minutes mins

Total Time 15 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 6 Servings

Calories 497 kcal

Equipment

• Cast-Iron Skillet

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

For the Fried Pickle Spears:

• 4 cups vegetable oil for frying
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 ½ tsp. Delmas seasoning
• 2 eggs beaten
• ½ cup water
• 1 tsp Delmas seasoning for the egg wash
• 12 kosher dill pickle spears patted dry
• 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs
• ½ tsp Delmas seasoning for the breadcrumbs

For the Dipping Sauce:

• ½ cup ranch dressing
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• ½ tsp Jacmel seasoning

Instructions

 

• Make the Dipping Sauce:

  Before you start frying your pickles, whisk together the ranch dressing, white wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and Jacmel seasoning in a small bowl. This sauce is tangy, creamy, and slightly smoky—the perfect complement to the crispy fried pickles.

  Set the dipping sauce aside.
  
• Prep the Pickles: First things first—drain your jar of kosher dill pickle spears and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because too much moisture can cause the coating to slip off while frying.

  Set Up Your Breading Station: You’ll need three bowls for dredging:

  Bowl 1: Combine the all-purpose flour and 2 ½ tsp Delmas seasoning.

  Bowl 2: Whisk together the eggs, water, and 1 tsp Delmas seasoning.

  Bowl 3: Mix the panko breadcrumbs with ½ tsp Delmas seasoning.
  
• Coat the Pickles: Working one at a time, dredge each pickle spear in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, dredge it again in flour mixture, then back in the egg mixture. Finally, roll it in the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the breadcrumbs adhere well.

  Heat the Oil: Pour 4 cups of vegetable oil into a cast-iron skillet, deep frying pan, or Dutch oven. Heat over medium-high heat until it reaches 375°F (you can check with a thermometer or drop in a few breadcrumbs—if they sizzle, you’re good to go).
  
• Fry Until Golden: Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil, working in batches of 3 so you don’t overcrowd the pan. Fry for 30 seconds to 1 minute, turning occasionally if needed, until they are golden brown and crispy. Remove them with a slotted spoon or tongs and drain on a paper towel-lined plate.

  Serve and Enjoy! Plate up your golden, crunchy fried pickle spears with a side of that delicious dipping sauce. They’re best enjoyed hot, so don’t wait too long!
  

Notes

**** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred).

**** This post may contain affiliate links. See our full Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation by clicking on the links and or making a purchase.

Calories are estimated per serving.

Nutrition

Serving: 6ServingsCalories: 497kcalCarbohydrates: 49gProtein: 19gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 10gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 342mgSodium: 1741mgPotassium: 532mgFiber: 4gSugar: 6gVitamin A: 16IUVitamin C: 171mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Keyword Fried Pickle Spears

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Tag us on Instagram or Facebook so we can see your beautiful dish.