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If you’ve ever had the fried pickles at Buffalo Wild Wings, you understand the obsession.
Now, we’re bringing the restaurant home with this easy copycat recipe!
Buffalo Wild Wings is famous for their delicious buffalo wings, but have you tried their fried pickles?
Once you try these salty, briny little bites with their golden crispy coating, there’s no going back!
What’s in this Fried Pickles Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to create these crispy pickles:
- Dill pickles. The best option is pickle slices, also called dill pickle chips. You can find pickle chips in most grocery stores packaged as “hamburger slices“. If you’re unable to find hamburger slices, slice your own whole pickle into 1/4 inch thick slices.
- All purpose flour. For a gluten free option, substitute a 1-to-1 gluten free flour blend.
- Cornstarch
- Club soda
- Cajun seasoning. Cajun spices typically include cayenne pepper, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder and paprika. Make your own homemade Cajun seasoning or take a shortcut (like I do) and buy a good premade brand.
- Italian seasoning
- Cayenne pepper
How to Make Buffalo Wild Wings Fried Pickles
Prepare the pickles
First, arrange the pickles in a single layer on paper towels. Put another paper towel on top of the pickles and press gently to absorb the moisture.
This is a crucial step towards getting super crispy fried pickles.
Prepare the batters
Grab two bowls. Fill the first bowl with flour and the second bowl with the wet batter.
The wet batter consists of more flour, cornstarch, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper and club soda.
Heat the oil
No need for a deep fryer! All you’ll need is a large frying pan. Pour in enough oil so that the pickles can float, about 1/2 inch of oil.
Heat the pan over medium heat. To see if the oil is ready for frying, put a few drops of water into the oil. If the water sizzles, the oil is ready.
Fry the pickles
Dredge the pickles in the flour, then the wet batter, then put them into the oil.
Fry the pickles until they’re golden brown on both sides. Then, remove them onto a wire rack. This will help to retain the crispy texture.
How to Serve Fried Pickles
These tangy fried pickles are perfect for a game day spread that includes other fun menu items like chicken wings, onion rings and mozzarella sticks.
And whatever you do, don’t skip the dip! Here are some ideas:
- Serve the fried pickles with Buffalo Wild Wings’ signature dipping sauce, which is a Southwestern ranch dressing. It’s got a tangy, slightly spicy flavor. Make this fried pickle sauce by combining 1/2 cup of ranch dressing with 2 Tbsp. of mayo, 1 tsp. of hot sauce, and 1/2 tsp. each garlic powder and onion powder. Squeeze some fresh lime juice in there for extra tang.
- Serve with my favorite dipping sauce, which is a simple mix of ranch dressing and Cajun seasoning. See the recipe card below for exact measurements.
- Pair with your favorite ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing or a sriracha mayo for additional dipping options.
Can you air fry these pickles instead?
For a healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles, try making these pickles in an air fryer.
Air fry the coated pickles at 375°F for 8-10 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
Tips for making the perfect crispy fried pickles
- Start with dry pickles if you want a crispy end result. The best way to dry your pickle slices is to lay paper towels flat on a baking sheet and arrange the pickles in a single layer. Cover them with another paper towel to absorb the excess moisture.
- You don’t need a deep fryer to get restaurant-style results. You only need a skillet that’s at least 2 inches deep, and enough oil that the pickles can float in – about a half-inch. This will mimic the process of making deep-fried pickles.
- Fry your pickles in small batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan.
- Pull your fried pickles out of the oil when they start to turn a golden brown color. They will look darker once they are placed on a cooling rack.
Variations on this Buffalo Wild Wings Fried Pickles Recipe
- Spicy Pickles: Add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the dry ingredients for an extra kick.
- Breaded Pickles: Dip the batter-coated pickles in breadcrumbs or panko before frying for a thicker coating.
- Parmesan Pickles: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the fried pickles while they’re still hot.
How to Store Leftover Fried Pickles
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for several days.
The next time you want to enjoy your fried pickles, reheat them in a single layer in a warm oven for 3-5 minutes.
When you try this Buffalo Wild Wings fried pickles recipe, I’d love to hear about it! Drop a rating or leave a comment below. Enjoy!
For more finger food recipes, try these:
For more Buffalo Wild Wings copycat recipes, try these:
Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe (Buffalo Wild Wings)
Ingredients
- 2 cups dill pickle rounds
- 3/4 cup all purpose flour
- 3/4 cup club soda
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
- vegetable oil for frying
Dipping Sauce
- 1/2 cup prepared ranch dressing
- 1/2 tsp. Cajun seasoning
Instructions
- Arrange pickle rounds between two pieces of paper towels to absorb moisture.
- In a medium sized bowl, whisk 1/4 cup of flour, the cornstarch, Italian seasoning, Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper together. Stir in the club soda.
- In a separate bowl, put the remaining 1/2 cup of flour.
- Heat 1/2 inch of oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Dredge pickles in the flour, then the wet batter. Drop pickles into the hot oil. Fry until golden brown on both sides. Remove to a wire rack positioned over paper towels.
- Combine the dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Serve the dipping sauce alongside the warm fried pickles.
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