Crispy Gluten-Free Fried Pickles (Dairy-Free)

What are Fried Pickles?

There’s nothing more delicious than a crispy appetizer or snack to munch on when you’re feeling a little hungry, or to watch a game with.

And if you haven’t tried fried pickles, you’re in for a tasty treat!

Sometimes also called ‘frickles‘, fried pickles are a common appetizer or side dish in Southern US that made their appearance in the 1960s.

Made by deep-frying dill pickle slices that have been coated in batter (usually a combination of flour, beaten eggs and/or breadcrumbs), fried pickles are often served with ranch dressing or some other creamy dip, contrasting well with their crunch exterior.

Are Pickles Gluten-Free?

Most pickles are gluten-free (especially pickles brined in distilled vinegars such as corn vinegar or apple cider vinegar).

But if you are Celiac or gluten-intolerant, make sure to check the ingredients and avoid pickles brined in malt vinegar (which contains gluten). To be extra-safe, make sure to buy pickles that are labeled gluten-free.

Are Fried Pickles Gluten-Free?

Most fried pickles sold in restaurants or stores are made with wheat flour or breadcrumbs made with wheat or other gluten-containing grains.

As such, they are usually not safe for those with Celiac disease or gluten intolerance, unless they are specifically labeled gluten-free.

Today, I’m sharing a recipe for gluten-free and dairy-free fried pickles that you’re going to love!

Why This Recipe Works:

• Simple Ingredients: The main ingredients required for this gluten-free fried pickles recipe are easily accessible at the local grocery store.
• Easy to Make: These gluten-free fried pickle chips are very easy to make, and while there is quite a bit of hands-on activity required for this delicious appetizer, the steps are really not complicated at all!
• Totally Gluten-Free and Dairy-Free: The best part is that these fried dill pickle chips are 100% gluten-free and dairy-free, which means that even those with Celiac disease or gluten or lactose intolerances can enjoy these snacks without issues!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

Here’s a visual overview of the ingredients required for this gluten-free fried pickle recipe.

(For exact measurements, please scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.)

Recipe Notes + Substitutions

• Gluten-Free Panko Breadcrumbs: I used plain gluten-free panko bread crumbs to keep this recipe gluten-free. However, if you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal panko or regular bread crumbs instead.
• Parmesan Cheese: I used dairy-free Parmesan cheese to keep this recipe dairy-free. You can also use nutritional yeast if you prefer. However, if you are not lactose-intolerant, feel free to use normal Parmesan cheese instead.
• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: This recipe uses gluten-free all-purpose flour for dredging the pickles. If you are not Celiac or gluten-intolerant, feel free to use normal wheat flour instead.
• Egg: The egg helps to bind the ingredients together. If you are allergic to eggs, feel free to use acquafaba or an egg-replacer instead.
• Pickles: Pickles are the highlight of this recipe, so I wouldn’t substitute them for anything else! I used dill pickles, but you can also use any type of pickles you have on hand (whether you use pre sliced pickles or slice a whole pickle is up to you).
• Oil: I recommend using a neutral vegetable oil for frying, such as sunflower oil, corn oil, peanut oil, avocado oil or olive oil.

How to Make Gluten-Free Fried Pickles (Step by Step)

1. Mix Parmesan and Panko

Combine the dairy-free parmesan cheese and gluten-free panko bread crumbs together in a small bowl and mix well.

2. Dry Pickle Slices

Lay out the pickle slices out on a paper towel and pat them dry of any excess moisture.

3. Prepare Dipping Stations

Lay out your dipping stations for the pickles in this order: gluten-free flour, egg, and Parmesan-panko mixture.

4. Dip Pickle in Flour

Dip a pickle slice into the flour, coating both sides.

5. Dip in Egg

Then dip to flour-coated pickle in beaten egg, coating both sides.

6. Coat with Parmesan-Panko Mixture

Place in the parmesan-panko mixture and coat with that patting the mixture into the pickle for a thick coating, then place back on your plate or cutting board.

7. Repeat

Repeat steps 4, 5, and 6 for the rest of the pickles. Lay the breadcrumb-coated pickles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

8. Heat Up Oil

Heat some vegetable oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Test the oil with a pinch of the parmesan-panko mixture to see when it’s hot.

9. Cook Pickles Until Golden Brown

When the oil is ready place the coated pickles in, cooking for about 2-3 minutes total. Be sure to move the pickles around, flipping them over if needed for an even golden brown color all around.

10. Remove From Pan and Drain Excess Oil

Remove from the frying pan and place on paper towels or a wire rack to let any excess oil drain off.

11. Serve and Enjoy

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce.

Dish by Dish Tips/Tricks:

• Make Your Own Breadcrumbs: If you want, feel free to make your own gluten free bread crumbs at home!
• Make These Low Carb: If you prefer a low-carb option of these crispy fried pickles, simply swap out the gluten-free all-purpose flour for coconut flour and substitute the breadcrumb mixture with an almond flour mixture.
• Optional Seasonings: Feel free to add more flavor to the breadcrumb mixture by adding your favorite seasonings (such as ground cayenne pepper, ground red chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, Cajun seasoning, ground black pepper).
• Fried Pickles Without Eggs: If you wish to make gluten-free vegan fried pickles, simply substitute the eggs with acquafaba or an egg-replacer.
• Storing: To store any leftovers (which I doubt will be the case), place the gluten-free fried pickles in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes until crispy again before serving.
• Make Air Fryer Pickles: If you prefer not to deep-fry your pickles but want to use an air fryer instead, spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray, and preheat the air fryer to 400F. Brush the coated pickles with oil on both sides, then place them in a single layer in the preheated air fryer basket and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, flipping the pickles over halfway through, until the fried pickles are crispy and golden brown on both sides.
• Make Fried Jalapeños: Alternatively, you may also use pickled jalapeños instead of pickles.

Recipe FAQs:

Favorite Dips to Accompany Gluten-Free Fried Pickle Chips:

• Easy Garlic Aioli (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Creamy Hummus (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Baba Ganoush (Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free)
• Homemade Sriracha Chili Sauce (Gluten-Free, Vegan)
• Spicy Salsa Fresca (Pico de Gallo)
• Spinach Dip (Gluten-Free, Vegan)

Other Gluten-Free Appetizers You’ll Enjoy: