Crispy Tangy Dill Pickle Spears (Printer-Friendly)

Golden, crispy dill pickle spears with seasoned breading and tangy ranch for dipping.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pickles

01 - 8 large dill pickle spears, drained and patted dry

→ Breading

02 - 1 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 2 tablespoons whole milk
05 - 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)
06 - 1 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1 teaspoon paprika
08 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
09 - ½ teaspoon salt
10 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper

→ For Frying

11 - Vegetable oil, for deep frying

→ To Serve

12 - ½ cup ranch dressing, for dipping

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat oil in a deep fryer or large heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F. Ensure oil depth is approximately 2 inches to fully submerge pickles.
02 - Place flour in a shallow bowl. In another bowl, whisk eggs and milk. In a third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper.
03 - Dredge each pickle spear in flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, then coat thoroughly with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
04 - Carefully lower breaded pickle spears into hot oil in batches. Fry for 2 to 3 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and crisp.
05 - Remove pickles using a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels to remove excess oil.
06 - Serve immediately with ranch dressing on the side for dipping.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • They're ready in under 30 minutes and require nothing more than ingredients most home cooks already have.
  • The contrast between the cool, briny pickle and the crispy, seasoned coating is genuinely addictive.
  • They disappear faster than any appetizer I've ever made—I've learned to always fry a double batch.
02 -
  • Wet pickles will cause the oil to pop dangerously—pat them completely dry before breading or risk a messy, painful situation.
  • Oil temperature is everything; a dropped breadcrumb should sizzle immediately, not float or sink.
  • They're only good hot, so time your frying to finish just as people are ready to eat.
03 -
  • Make a double batch of the seasoned breadcrumb mixture and store it in an airtight container—you'll want to fry these again soon.
  • If the oil temperature drops between batches, wait a full minute for it to recover rather than pushing forward with cooler oil.
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