If you’ve ever had the pleasure of indulging in Hooters’ famous fried pickles, you know how irresistibly addictive they can be. Crispy on the outside, tangy on the inside, and full of bold, savory flavors, these little bites of heaven are the ultimate comfort food. The good news? You don’t have to go out to enjoy them! This Copycat Hooters Fried Pickles recipe captures the magic of Hooters Fried Pickles so you can recreate them in your kitchen.
What makes these fried pickles special? It’s all about the combination of perfectly seasoned batter, crunchy coating, and juicy dill pickles. Whether you’re planning a game-day snack, a fun appetizer for friends, or just treating yourself, this recipe delivers the deliciousness you’re craving. Plus, it comes together in just 30 minutes, making it quick, easy, and oh-so-satisfying.
I remember the first time I tried fried pickles—at a family barbecue, no less! I was skeptical at first (fried pickles? Really?), but one bite and I was hooked. Now, they’ve become a must-make whenever we have guests over. People are always amazed at how simple they are to make, and I love sharing the recipe with friends. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become one of your go-to snacks too!
Why You’ll Love This Copycat Hooters Fried Pickles Recipe
There are so many reasons to adore this copycat Hooters Fried Pickles recipe. First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to make. With just a handful of pantry staples and some dill pickle slices, you can whip up a batch in no time.
Another reason to love this dish is its versatility. Fried pickles are the perfect party snack, side dish, or appetizer. They pair beautifully with just about any dipping sauce, from creamy ranch to spicy sriracha mayo.
And let’s not forget the irresistible texture. Each bite is a combination of crunchy, golden batter and a burst of tangy pickle flavor. The seasonings in the batter add a little heat and complexity, making it so much more than just fried pickles—it’s a flavor-packed experience!
Finally, this recipe is endlessly customizable. Want to turn up the heat? Add a bit more cayenne. Prefer a thicker batter? Adjust the flour-to-buttermilk ratio. The possibilities are endless, which means you can tailor it to your taste every time.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4 (generous appetizer portions)
- Nutrition Facts (per serving): Calories: 320, Protein: 5g, Carbs: 25g, Fat: 22g
Ingredients of the Copycat Hooters Fried Pickles
the Pickles:
- 16 ounces dill pickle slices (drained and patted dry)
the Batter:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 4 dashes hot sauce (adjust to taste)
the Coating:
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Frying:
- Neutral-flavored oil (such as peanut, vegetable, or canola oil)
Optional for Serving:
- Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or horseradish dipping sauce
Step-by-Step Instructions to prepare the Copycat Hooters Fried Pickles
1. Prepare Your Frying Station
Start by heating 2 inches of oil in a heavy-bottomed pot or deep skillet over medium heat. Aim for a temperature of 350°F—this is the sweet spot for frying, ensuring a crispy texture without making the coating greasy. While the oil heats, line a baking tray with paper towels to drain the fried pickles once they’re done.
2. Make the Batter and Coating
In a medium bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. This mixture will not only coat the pickles but also give the batter a slightly tangy flavor with a hint of heat.
In a separate bowl, combine the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. The seasonings here are key—they add layers of flavor that make these fried pickles so addictive.
3. Coat the Pickles
Working in batches, add the drained pickle slices to the buttermilk mixture. Make sure each slice is fully coated. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the pickles to the flour mixture, tossing them until they’re evenly coated. Gently shake off any excess flour before frying.
4. Fry the Pickles
Once your oil reaches 350°F, carefully add 7–8 pickles to the pot. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pickles. Fry each batch for 3–5 minutes, or until the pickles are golden brown and crispy.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the fried pickles to the paper towel-lined tray to drain. Repeat with the remaining pickles, ensuring the oil returns to the correct temperature between batches.
5. Serve Immediately
Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh and hot. Serve them with your favorite dipping sauce—ranch is a classic choice, but spicy mayo or sweet chili sauce are excellent alternatives.
How to Serve the Copycat Hooters Fried Pickles
- Pair these fried pickles with ranch dressing or sriracha mayo for a creamy contrast to their tangy flavor.
- Serve them as a side dish alongside burgers, sliders, or chicken sandwiches.
- Add them to a party platter with other finger foods like chicken wings, mozzarella sticks, or loaded nachos.
Additional Tips for Success
- Drain the Pickles Well: Excess moisture can make the batter slip off or lead to a soggy coating. Pat the pickles dry with a paper towel before dipping them into the batter.
- Keep the Oil Hot: Use a thermometer to maintain the oil temperature at 350°F. If it dips too low, the pickles will absorb more oil and lose their crispiness.
- Double-Coat for Extra Crunch: If you like an extra-thick coating, dip the pickles in the buttermilk and flour mixture twice before frying.
- Work Quickly: Once coated, fry the pickles right away to prevent the batter from becoming gummy.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Frying in small batches ensures even cooking and a perfectly crisp texture.
Recipe Variations
This recipe is incredibly versatile, so feel free to put your own spin on it!
- Gluten-Free Option: Use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend for the coating.
- Spicy Pickles: Swap regular dill pickles for spicy pickles to add an extra kick.
- Herby Flavor: Mix dried dill or parsley into the flour mixture for a fresh, herby twist.
- Air Fryer Method: For a healthier option, spray the coated pickles with cooking oil and air-fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Freezing and Storage of the Copycat Hooters Fried Pickles
While fried pickles are best eaten fresh, you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place them in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F for 5–7 minutes to restore their crispiness.
If you want to freeze them, arrange the fried pickles in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. When you’re ready to eat, reheat them straight from frozen in the oven or air fryer.
FAQ
Can I use store-bought pickles for this recipe?
Absolutely! Any dill pickle slices will work, but thicker slices tend to hold up better during frying.
What can I use if I don’t have buttermilk?
No buttermilk? No problem! Simply mix 1 tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice with 1 cup of milk and let it sit for 5 minutes.
Can I make the batter ahead of time?
The batter is best made fresh, but you can mix the dry coating ingredients in advance and store them in an airtight container.
Can I bake the pickles instead of frying?
Yes! Arrange the coated pickles on a greased baking sheet, spray them with cooking oil, and bake at 425°F for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Conclusion
This Copycat Hooters Fried Pickles recipe brings all the crunchy, tangy goodness of the restaurant favorite right into your kitchen. With simple ingredients, easy steps, and plenty of room for customization, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again.
I can’t wait to hear how your fried pickles turn out! Snap a photo, tag me on Instagram, or leave a comment below to let me know what you think. Happy frying!
Print
Copycat Hooters Fried Pickles Recipe – Crispy & Tangy Snack
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Recreate the iconic Hooters Fried Pickles at home with this easy recipe. Featuring crispy, golden pickles with a perfectly seasoned coating, this snack is ideal for game days, parties, or when you’re craving bold, tangy flavors. Pair them with ranch, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce for an irresistible treat.
Ingredients
- 16 ounces dill pickle slices (drained and patted dry)
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 large egg
- 4 dashes hot sauce
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ¼ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper
- Neutral-flavor oil (peanut, vegetable, or canola)
Instructions
- Heat 2 inches of oil in a pot to 350°F and line a tray with paper towels.
- In a bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg, and hot sauce. In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne.
- Coat pickle slices in the buttermilk mixture, then dredge in the flour mixture.
- Fry in batches for 3–5 minutes until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Pat pickles dry to prevent soggy coating.
- Use a thermometer to maintain oil temperature at 350°F.
- For an extra-crispy coating, double-dip the pickles in batter and flour.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Deep-Fry
- Cuisine: American