Southern Fried Pickle Chips possess tangy goodness in every crispy, crunchy bite. They’re coated in beaten egg, then in a flour and cornmeal mixture before being fried to golden perfection. Served with a side of cool creamy ranch.

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Southern Fried Pickle Chips being dipped in a zesty cool ranch

Frying pickles may seem a bit unusual, but for whatever reason, they’re extremely addicting and very popular in the South.

Why You’ll Love These Fried Pickles

When it comes to finger foods, fried pickles are perfect with burgers, smoked pork, brisket, and anything else you can find at a pub. The combination of crunchy pickles coated in a seasoned, crispy coating is simply irresistible. Pair them with a cool creamy ranch dressing for the best combo.

Ingredient Notes

The star of the recipe is, of course, the dill pickle chips. Flour, cornmeal, and salt give the coating a nice crunch. Additionally, the beaten egg acts as the binding agent to ensure the coating adheres well to the pickle slices. Serve with your favorite ranch dip or make one from scratch, we LOVE Toby’s Ranch!

crispy, crunchy, and perfectly fried souther fried pickle chips

How to Make Fried Pickle Chips:

Prepare the pickles: Drain and pat dry the dill pickle chips. Slice them into quarter-inch rounds, if using whole pickles.

Create the coating: In a bowl, mix flour, cornmeal, salt, and/or your desired spices(optional).

Dip and coat: Dip the pickle slices into the bowl with the beaten egg, allowing any excess egg to drain off, then coat them thoroughly in the flour and cornmeal mixture.

Fry to perfection: Heat about 1-inch of oil in a frying pan or Dutch oven to about 350°F. Fry the pickles until golden brown, working in small batches to allow room to cook evenly. Watch carefully so they do not burn.

Serve with ranch: Remove the pickles and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess oil. Serve them hot with a generous side of homemade ranch dip and a sprinkle of flaky salt.

crispy, crunchy, and perfectly fried souther fried pickle chips with a side of ranch dip

Southern Fried Pickle FAQ:

Can I use other types of pickles?
- While dill pickles are traditionally used, you can experiment with other varieties like bread and butter pickles or even spicy pickles.
Can the pickles be baked instead of fried?
- Absolutely! For a healthier alternative, you can bake the coated pickles in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Spray with a cooking spray before baking.
What kind of ranch is best?
- Our favorite ranch has been Toby’s Ranch for many years now. It tastes like homemade ranch! Making a homemade ranch for these pickle chips is next level! It can be made 2-3 days in advance so it’s ready to go as soon as the pickles are fried.
What kind of oil is best for frying and how much do I need?
- When frying food, a neutral oil is recommended so it will not smoke (like olive oil, for example). Avocado oil the most commonly used one in my kitchen. Other common ones are: canola, vegetable, grape seed, sunflower, safflower, and coconut oil.

What To Pair With Fried Pickles

If you make these Souther Fried Pickle Chips, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I’d love to hear what you think about it, or better yet, see what you’re cooking! Tag me @fettysfoodblog with your creation.