Hooters Fried Pickles – CopyKat Recipes

This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Fried pickle slices

I know what you might be thinking, fried pickles do not sound so great, they sound weird. I promise if you try these, you will soon fall in love with these delicious tart snacks.

Best of all you don’t need to go out to make these Hooters Fried Pickles from scratch. For this recipe, you will need a jar of dill pickle slices. I like Del Dixie, but this is a brand in the Houston area.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Achieves that perfect Hooters-style crunch
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Ready in under 40 minutes
• Perfect game day appetizer
• Cheaper than restaurant versions
• Customizable heat level

Ingredients

Here’s a list of what you need:

• Vegetable oil – for frying – chosen for its high smoke point
• Dill pickle chips – the foundation of the dish – choose thick-cut for best results
• Buttermilk – tenderizes and adds tanginess while helping coating adhere)
• Whole-wheat flour – creates texture complexity and nutty flavor
• All-purpose flour – provides the base for the crispy coating
• Salt – enhances overall flavor
• Paprika – adds color and subtle smoky flavor
• Cayenne pepper – brings subtle heat

Ingredient Notes

I drain the number of pickles that I want to cook. You can save the pickle juice it is always good to use in a DIY potato salad or even egg salad.

For me, the buttermilk is what makes this recipe extra special. It seems to counteract the tartness of the pickles perfectly.

We are also using a mixture of flour. We are using white and whole wheat flour. I really think the two types of flour make a difference in the final product. The whole wheat flour and the white flour fry at different levels so the taste is complex.

How to Make Hooters Fried Pickles

1. Heat oil to 350 degrees in a large pot or deep fryer.
2. Cover a platter with a few layers of paper towels.
3. Drain the pickles in a colander.
4. Place the pickles in a medium bowl and cover with buttermilk.
5. Stir the flours, salt, paprika, and cayenne together in another bowl.
6. Take about a handful of the pickles out of the buttermilk and dredge in the seasoned flour.
7. Shake off the excess flour and place the coated pickles in the hot grease.
8. Fry the pickles until golden brown.
9. Scoop the fried pickles out of the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain.
10. Continue frying pickles until all are done.

Pro Tips for Perfect Fried Pickles

• Pat pickles dry before buttermilk soak
• Maintain oil temperature at 350°F
• Don’t overcrowd the fryer
• Season immediately after frying
• Serve while hot for best crunch

Common Problems and Solutions

Coating Falls Off

• Solution: Ensure pickles are well-drained
• Pat dry before buttermilk soak
• Let excess buttermilk drip off

Pickles Too Greasy

• Solution: Check oil temperature
• Don’t overcrowd fryer
• Drain properly on wire rack

Not Crispy Enough

• Solution: Fry at correct temperature
• Don’t stack while cooling
• Serve immediately

Recipe Variation

If you want a little variety in our deep-fried pickles you could marinate the pickles in beer before you soak them in buttermilk. They are also good like this.

When I grew up there was a local restaurant in Coldspring, Texas called the County Seat, and the owner Mike Kelly, told me he marinated their fried pickles in beer, and they were amazing.

I hope you enjoy these fried pickles at home.

Storage and Reheating

Storage Instructions

• Best served fresh
• Can store in airtight container for 2 days
• Keep in fridge

Reheating Methods

1. Oven Method (Best):
   • 400°F for 5-7 minutes
   • Use wire rack for crispiness
2. Air Fryer Method:
   • 375°F for 3-4 minutes
   • Shake basket halfway through

Popular Fried Appetizer Recipes

Great Game Day Food

Be sure to check out more of the best appetizer recipes and my easy game day recipes.