Pickle fries are crispy, tangy snacks that will make your taste buds dance! These golden treats have a crunch on the outside and a zesty pickle flavor on the inside—super fun to eat!
These fries are perfect for munching while watching a movie or sharing with friends at a gathering. Trust me, they disappear quickly! Who knew pickles could be this tasty? 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickles: Whole dill pickles work great because they hold their shape well. If you can’t find them, you could use spears or any sour pickle. Just keep in mind that the size may affect the breading process.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These give a light, crispy texture. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, but the final fry might not be as crunchy. For a gluten-free version, try almond flour or crushed gluten-free crackers.
Parmesan Cheese: This adds a nice, rich flavor. If you’re dairy-free, try nutritional yeast or skip the cheese altogether. For a different taste, you could also use Pecorino Romano.
Sriracha Sauce: This gives the dipping sauce a spicy kick. If you prefer milder flavors, you can replace it with ketchup or a mild hot sauce. Or, mix in a little honey for a sweet and spicy combo!
How Do I Get My Pickle Fries Super Crispy?
The secret to crispy pickle fries lies in the breading and baking process. Start by ensuring that your pickles are well-drained and dried; this helps the breading stick better. Here’s a quick overview:
- Set up a complete breading station: flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb mix. This order ensures fantastic coverage.
- Make sure each fry is generously coated in each step. For additional crunch, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb steps for double coating.
- Lightly spray with oil before baking; this helps them crisp up nicely and add color!
- Flip halfway through the baking time for even browning all sides.
Follow these tips, and your pickle fries will turn out crispy and delicious every time!
Crispy Baked Pickle Fries with Spicy Dipping Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pickle Fries:
- 1 large jar dill pickles (whole pickles preferred)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 2 tbsp milk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried parsley flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray or oil for baking
For the Spicy Dipping Sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp sriracha sauce (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes for preparation and 20-25 minutes for baking. So, you’ll be enjoying your crispy pickle fries in about 40-45 minutes total. Perfect for a snack or appetizer while you relax!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While that’s warming up, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or give it a light spray of cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare the Pickles:
Open the jar of dill pickles and drain the liquid. Use paper towels to pat them dry—getting rid of that moisture helps in making them crispy! Next, slice each pickle lengthwise into fries that are about 3-4 inches long and 1/2 inch thick.
3. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Grab three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined. In the third bowl, mix together the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, smoked paprika, parsley flakes, salt, and pepper.
4. Bread the Pickle Fries:
Now it’s time to coat those pickle fries! Working in small batches, take each fry and dip it first in the flour, covering all sides. Next, dip it into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, coat it well in the panko mixture, pressing down gently to ensure a great coating. Repeat until all fries are coated.
5. Bake the Pickle Fries:
Place the breaded pickle fries on your prepared baking sheet in a single layer. If you have any cooking spray or oil, give the tops a light spritz to help them crisp up even more! Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway to ensure they golden brown on both sides.
6. Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
While the fries are baking, let’s whip up that spicy dipping sauce! In a small bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined. Taste it and adjust the sriracha to your spice preference.
7. Enjoy!
Once the pickle fries are golden and crunchy, take them out of the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. Serve them immediately with your delicious spicy dipping sauce on the side. Enjoy every crispy, tangy bite!
Can I Use Sweet Pickles Instead of Dill Pickles?
Absolutely! Sweet pickles will give a different flavor profile and will make the fries sweeter. However, if you’re looking for that classic tangy taste, dill pickles are your best choice.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs as a substitute, but they won’t be quite as crunchy. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or crushed crackers can provide a nice texture as well.
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover pickle fries in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, pop them in the oven to re-crisp at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until heated through.
Can I Make the Dipping Sauce Ahead of Time?
Sure! You can prepare the spicy dipping sauce in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving!
