This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see the disclosure for more information.
I can’t remember when it was that we discovered deep-fried pickles. A few years ago, I think. They’ve quickly become a favorite appetizer for us. We enjoy the crunchiness. And that great pickle pucker. They’re simple and yummy, just like this homemade version of a copycat recipe for Hooters fried pickles. Make sure you make a double batch because they’ll disappear in no time.
Serve these little delicious bites with your favorite dipping sauce. For us, that’s Ranch salad dressing. A good Ranch. No point in going through the trouble of making the crazy good pickles only to serve them with mediocre dressing.
Season ‘Em Up Your Way
Although I just sprinkled these copycat Hooters fried pickles with sea salt, you can get adventurous and use Cajun seasoning, fresh ground black pepper, or even Italian seasonings. Old Bay is a great seasoning for fried foods too. I love it on my French fries and tater tots… and fried pickles. People aren’t expecting that flavor on their pickles. This recipe makes for fantastic pickles. You can put whatever you want on them, though.
Be Gentle
The batter on the pickles sticks, but it’s delicate. It’s important that you dry the pickles as much as possible before dunking them into the batter. Any kind of moisture on the surface will prevent the batter from sticking well. But, you can only dry them so much. So be careful with them. Don’t go stirring them around like a boat paddle while they’re deep-frying. Just let them get golden brown and delicious on their own.
I get out my big deep fryer when it’s time to fry a large batch of food. It comes to temperature quickly and it maintains that temperature perfectly. It has a built-in oil filter and storage unit so I can re-use the oil several times.
- FAST-HEATING & FAMILY-SIZE: This powerful…
- ADJUSTABLE TEMPERATURE & VERSATILE COOKING: With…
These fried pickles are the perfect side dish for my copycat of Hooter’s Asian chicken wings.
Also try my Nashville hot pickles.
Hooters Fried Pickles (Copycat Recipe)
Equipment
Ingredients
- vegetable oil for frying
- 1 16 ounce dill pickle chips drained
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg beaten
- 4 dashes hot sauce or more
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Preheat 2″ of oil to 350 F in a deep fryer or Dutch oven.
- Dry the pickles as much as possible.
- In a shallow bowl, beat together the buttermilk, egg and hot sauce.
- Combine the remaining ingredients in another shallow bowl.
- Working in batches, stir pickles in egg mixture until well coated.
- Shake off any excess and then toss the pickles into the flour mixture, coating well.
- Fry for 3-5 minutes or until golden brown.
- Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate to drain for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional values are approximate.
