Copycat Popeyes Fried Pickles Recipe

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I don’t know about you, but when I crave fried pickles, a single serving just isn’t enough. That’s why I’ve become a pro at whipping up a homemade version of Popeyes Fried Pickles that rivals what you’d find at Popeyes.

How to make Popeyes Fried Pickles

Popeyes Fried Pickles are a crispy, savory side item that the chain offers from time to time as a limited-time menu item.

Ingredients

• 1 jar dill pickle chips or slices (well-drained, roughly 16 oz)
• 1 cup buttermilk (for soaking the pickles)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal (for extra crunch)
• 1/4 cup cornstarch (for super crispy coating)
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil (or any frying oil of your choice, such as canola or peanut oil)
• Ranch dressing or spicy mayo for dipping

Instructions

1. Prep the Pickles: Drain the pickle chips or slices well and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. (This step is crucial to keep the batter from sliding off during frying.)
2. Place the pickle slices in a bowl and cover them with buttermilk. Let them soak for about 20-30 minutes to enhance their tangy flavor and help the batter stick better.
3. Prepare the Batter: In a shallow mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, cornmeal, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. This spice mix is what will give the pickles that “Popeyes-style” bold and flavorful coating!
4. Heat the Oil: In a deep skillet, Dutch oven, or heavy-bottomed pot, heat about 2 inches of oil to 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and keep it consistent.
5. Dredge the Pickles: Take the pickles out of the buttermilk a few at a time, allowing excess buttermilk to drip off. Coat each slice in the prepared batter, pressing gently to make sure the pickles are thoroughly coated.
6. Fry the Pickles: Carefully place the battered pickles into the hot oil in small batches. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pickles.
7. Fry each batch for 2-4 minutes, or until the pickles are golden brown and crispy. Use a slotted spoon to remove the pickles and transfer them to a plate lined with paper towels to drain excess oil.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Serve the freshly fried pickles with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch dressing is always a classic choice, but spicy mayo or even a creamy Cajun sauce would complement the flavor perfectly.

Tips for Success

• Dry Your Pickles Well: Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy batter. Always pat your pickles dry before coating them in batter.
• Keep Your Oil Hot and Consistent: Maintaining the oil at 350°F is crucial for achieving a properly fried texture. If the oil is too cool, the batter will absorb too much oil, making it greasy. Too hot, and it might burn before the pickles cook through.
• Don’t Skip the Cornmeal: Adding cornmeal to the batter creates that signature crunch that makes Popeyes Fried Pickles so irresistible.
• Experiment with Spices: Want extra heat? Add more cayenne or even a pinch of chili powder. Prefer a smokier flavor? Sprinkle in some smoked paprika.
• Make It a Meal: Pair your fried pickles with other Popeyes-inspired favorites like fried chicken or Cajun fries for a full Louisiana-style feast.

What to serve with

Popeyes Fried Pickles are crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor, making them a fantastic snack or appetizer. However, they truly shine when served alongside complementary dishes or paired with the right dipping sauces.

• Classic Ranch Dressing: Cool, creamy ranch is a classic dip for Popeyes Fried Pickles, helping balance the tangy pickle flavor with its mellow, herby notes.
• Spicy Mayo: Combine mayonnaise with a splash of Sriracha or hot sauce for an easy, spicy dipping sauce.
• Cajun Sauce: Mix mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and paprika to create a bold Cajun dipping sauce.
• Creamy Garlic Sauce: A velvety garlic dip brings a savory contrast to the zesty Popeyes Fried Pickles.
• Honey Mustard: The sweet and tangy flavors of honey mustard pair perfectly with the pickle’s acidity.
• Spicy Remoulade: For a true Louisiana-inspired experience, whip up a remoulade sauce with mayo, horseradish, a Cajun spice mix, and a touch of vinegar for tang.

Ingredients Substitutes

If you’re recreating Popeyes Fried Pickles at home and don’t have every ingredient on hand, don’t worry! With a few simple substitutions, you can still achieve a deliciously crispy and tangy batch of fried pickles.

1. Dill Pickle Chips

Reason for Substitute: Not all pickles are created equal, and you may not have dill pickle chips on hand.

Substitutes:

• Pickle Spears: If you only have pickle spears, simply slice them into thinner rounds or strips.
• Gherkins or Baby Dills: These small pickles can be sliced into chips for a similar size and flavor.
• Bread and Butter Pickles: If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can use them. Keep in mind that this will slightly alter the tangy flavor profile of classic fried pickles.
• Homemade Pickles: Use homemade pickles if you have them! Just make sure they’re sliced thinly enough to allow for crispy frying.

2. Buttermilk

Reason for Substitute: Buttermilk is often used to soak the pickles and give the batter a tangy, tender texture. If you don’t have buttermilk, there are plenty of easy alternatives.

Substitutes:

• Milk + Lemon Juice or Vinegar: Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or white vinegar to 1 cup of milk. Let it sit for 5-10 minutes, and you have a quick buttermilk substitute.
• Plain Yogurt + Water: Blend equal parts plain yogurt with water until a buttermilk-like consistency is achieved.
• Plant-Based Buttermilk: For a dairy-free option, use unsweetened almond or soy milk mixed with 1 tablespoon of vinegar.

3. All-Purpose Flour

Reason for Substitute: Flour is a major component of the coating, but if you’re avoiding gluten or need an alternative, there are plenty of other options.

Substitutes:

• Gluten-Free All-Purpose Flour: Use a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend for a similar texture.
• Rice Flour: Rice flour creates an incredibly light and crispy batter.
• Cornstarch: For an extra-crispy coating, you can use all cornstarch or a mix of cornstarch and another flour substitute.
• Almond Flour: For a nutty-flavored and low-carb alternative, almond flour works well in frying recipes.

4. Cornmeal

Reason for Substitute: Cornmeal adds a signature crunch to the batter. If you don’t have it, you can replicate the texture with other ingredients.

Substitutes:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These Japanese breadcrumbs give a light, flaky crunch similar to cornmeal.
• Crushed Crackers or Chips: Crush unsalted saltine crackers, tortilla chips, or potato chips for a unique substitute and some added flavor.
• Ground Oats: Blitz oats in a food processor to create a coarse texture that acts like cornmeal.
• Polenta: Coarse polenta works as an excellent substitute for cornmeal since they’re made from the same base.

5. Cornstarch

Reason for Substitute: Cornstarch is used to make the coating extra crispy, but it’s not the only option.

Substitutes:

• Arrowroot Powder: Use the same amount of arrowroot powder as you would cornstarch.
• Potato Starch: Potato starch has a similar effect and works well in frying applications.
• Tapioca Starch: This starch is another option for crisping up your batter, especially in gluten-free cooking.

6. Paprika

Reason for Substitute: Paprika provides a mild smoky flavor to the batter, but you can get creative with other seasonings.

Substitutes:

• Smoked Paprika: If you want to amp up the smoky flavor, smoked paprika is a great substitute.
• Chili Powder: This adds a bit of heat and complexity while still working as a spice substitute.
• Cayenne Pepper: If you’re looking for more spice, use a smaller amount (since cayenne is much hotter).

7. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder

Reason for Substitute: Both garlic and onion powder give the batter depth and savoriness. You can use fresh ingredients if needed.

Substitutes:

• Minced Fresh Garlic or Onion: Sauté them lightly before adding to the batter, or mix into a side dipping sauce for an alternative flavor boost.
• Shallot Powder: Similar in flavor, shallot powder works well as a swap.
• Adobo Seasoning: If you have adobo seasoning, this typically includes garlic and onion powder and can work as a substitute.

8. Cayenne Pepper

Reason for Substitute: Cayenne adds heat to the batter, making it a key ingredient if you enjoy spicy fried pickles.

Substitutes:

• Red Chili Flakes: These will give the batter a similar level of spiciness but may add a slightly different texture to the coating.
• Hot Sauce: Add a few dashes to the buttermilk soak or directly to the batter mix.
• Chipotle Powder: This adds spiciness with a smoky twist.
• Paprika + Black Pepper: A combo of paprika and freshly ground black pepper can mimic cayenne’s flavor without making the dish too spicy.

9. Vegetable Oil

Reason for Substitute: Vegetable oil is often used for frying because it has a neutral flavor and a high smoke point. If you’re out of it, you can use another oil with similar properties.

Substitutes:

• Canola Oil: Another neutral oil with a high smoke point, this is one of the best substitutes.
• Peanut Oil: Popular for frying, peanut oil imparts a mild nutty flavor and fries ingredients very well.
• Soybean Oil: A neutral-flavored oil that works well for frying.
• Sunflower Oil: Similar to vegetable oil with a neutral taste, sunflower oil is also a great option.
• Avocado Oil: Although more expensive, avocado oil has a high smoke point and is great for frying.

Final Thoughts

Popeyes Fried Pickles are perfect for parties, game-day spreads, or just indulging your craving for tangy, crispy goodness. Share the recipe with friends—if you’re willing—or keep this fried pickle magic all to yourself.

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• Homemade Arby’s Mint Shake Recipe