The first time I tried fried pickles at Hooters, I was skeptical, to say the least. “Fried what?” I asked my friend who had insisted on ordering them. When the golden, crispy discs arrived at our table, I reluctantly took one, expecting disappointment. That first bite had the perfect crunch, giving way to a juicy, tangy center, and completely changed my perspective. I went from pickle skeptic to evangelist in seconds flat, and I’ve been hooked ever since.
If you’ve enjoyed these at Hooters but never thought to make them at home, you’re in for a treat. This copycat recipe recreates that signature Hooters crunch using a special combination of flours and a buttermilk soak that perfectly counteracts the pickles’ tartness. Best of all, using simple pantry ingredients, you can whip these up in under 30 minutes.
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Table of Contents
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 makes this recipe extra special. It perfectly counteracts the tartness of the pickles.
We are also using a mixture of flour: 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
- Heat oil to 350 degrees in a large pot or deep fryer.
- Cover a platter with a few layers of paper towels.
- Drain the pickles in a colander.
- Place the pickles in a medium bowl and cover with buttermilk.
- Stir the flours, salt, paprika, and cayenne together in another bowl.
- Take about a handful of the pickles out of the buttermilk and dredge in the seasoned flour.
- Shake off the excess flour and place the coated pickles in the hot grease.
- Fry the pickles until golden brown.
- Scoop the fried pickles out of the oil with a slotted spoon and place them on paper towels to drain.
- 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
- Oven Method (Best):
- 400°F for 5-7 minutes
- Use wire rack for crispiness
- Air Fryer Method:
- 375°F for 3-4 minutes
- Shake basket halfway through
Popular Fried Appetizer Recipes
- Cheese Curds
- Homemade Jalapeno Poppers
- Outback Bloomin Onion
- Fried Lemon Pepper Wings
- Deep Fried Mushrooms
Great Game Day Food
- Bacon Wrapped Little Smokies
- Sausage Cream Cheese Dip
- White Cheese Dip Recipe
- Beer Dip Recipe
- Wingstop Wings
- Lasagna Dip with Pasta Chips
- Sonic Chili Cheese Tots
- Skillet Queso
Be sure to check out more of the best appetizer recipes and my easy game day recipes.
Hooters Fried Pickles
Ingredients
- 2 quarts vegetable oil
- 16 ounces dill pickle chips
- 2 cups buttermilk
- 2 cups whole-wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
- Heat the oil to 350 degrees F in a large pot. Cover a platter with a few layers of paper towels.
- Drain the pickles in a colander. Place the pickles in a medium bowl and cover with the buttermilk.
- Stir the flours, salt, paprika, and cayenne together in another bowl; mix well.
- Take about a handful of the pickles out of the buttermilk and dredge in the seasoned flour. Shake off the excess flour and place the coated pickles in the hot oil. Be careful not to place too many pickles into the hot oil or the pickles won’t fry up crisp.
- Fry the pickles until golden brown. Scoop them out with a slotted spoon and put them on the paper towels to drain. Continue frying pickles until all are done.
Would corn flour work? My husband has a gluten allergy
Maybe I would try corn and rice flour. Rice flour I know really fries up nicely.
Wow very good, if you use olive oil bump it up too 400 degrees to get them crispy. We didn’t have lousiana sauce so we used Franks buffalo sauce great taste. Perfect with the football game on they cook fast!
So i just made these. and they turned out pretty good. they just i little more cayenne pepper and paprika and even though when they started to float and were golden i pulled the first batch out and they didnt seem cooked enough. i waited just a little longer and they came out perfect. Not as good as hooters just close enough and good enough.
The brand of pickle matters…..hooters uses claussen
add cayenne pepper to the batter…
can i use shake n bake?
im totally gunna try just to see how it turns out
Worst recipe ever..followed as stated and they were so bland…
mabye they secretly leave out an ingredient???!!
Can you use a deep fryer?
The hooter sauce is simply hidden valley ranch with Louisiana hot sauce.
Thanks!
That’s awesome I’m from Livingston and I remember that place well! Small world lol and thanks for the recipe they turned out amazing!!
I am glad you liked the recipe!
what can I substitute wheat flour for?
I don’t know of a substitute that will work out the same. You can substitute for regular all purpose flour, the results won’t be quite the same. I didn’t test the recipe for white flour only.
cornmeal is a good subsitute. i did 1 cup of all purpose flour and 1 cup of cornmeal.
what can I substitute wheat flour for?
Made these tonight. Delicious, once we figured out that our hand-me-down deep fryer was not getting to the temperature it said it was. Hot oil definitely matters, people!! 🙂 I stuck the first battered batch in the fridge for 45 minutes before frying and put the subsequent batches directly in the fryer and the others turned out great. Next time I won’t bother putting them in the fridge first.
How long do you marinate in the butter milk?
I don’t do it too long. I do it while my oil is heating up for the frying.
can you use olive oil?
I would not use olive oil to fry the pickles in.
if ya love fried pickles ya gotta try ones at movie tavern .. ya can watch ur movie and they serve ya at the same time full menu they have the best spicy fried pickle they are so yummie!!!!
I love the fried pickles. I have been to the movie tavern a couple of times, I never noticed they had fried pickles.
To get them crispy, let the dredged pickles chill in the fridge in a single layer on a cookie sheet covered in plastic wrap for 45 minutes. Fry for 3-4 minutes and let drain on a cookie rack with paper towel underneath to catch drips. Some great sauce is 1/4 cup Ken’s Steakhouse Ranch dressing with 1 Tbs. Frank’s Hot Sauce.
How many minutes do you leave it in the Fryer?
You leave them in the fryer long enough for them to float and turn a golden color.
WANT! nom
I love fried pickles! Thanks so much for posting this recipe. Do you happen to have one for the dipping sauce that is sometimes served with? I think it is usually a creamy dill sauce.
I hope you enjoy the fried pickles. I haven’t done the dipping sauce that is sometimes served with the pickles.
add cayenne pepper to the ranch
The closest thing to the Hooters pickles dipping sauce is “Zesty Ranch Dressing” from my own experience. You might even add a little tobasco sauce to it to give it a little kick.
Ok, I have to do it! I have never had fried pickles but in the past few years have heard of them every summer. I think my day is tomorrow. I’ve got pickles in the fridge. I’m actually kind of excited to do this! 🙂