Copycat Restaurant Recipes
Easy Hooters Fried Pickles Copycat Recipe
These Hooters-style fried pickles are thin, crispy, and packed with that signature tangy punch. Served with a creamy horseradish dipping sauce, they are the ultimate game-day appetizer or savory weeknight snack.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 15 min
- Serves
- 4
- Level
- Easy
- Per serving
- 310 kcal
Method
Drain the pickle chips thoroughly in a colander and spread them out on several layers of paper towels. Pat them very dry on both sides.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the flour, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
Pour the buttermilk into a separate small bowl.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large deep skillet or heavy pot to 375°F (190°C).
Working in small batches, dip the dried pickle slices into the buttermilk, then toss them in the seasoned flour until fully coated.
Carefully drop the coated pickles into the hot oil. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they reach a light golden color.
Use a slotted spoon to remove the pickles and place them on a wire cooling rack set over a baking sheet to drain.
Serve immediately while hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
Patting the pickles completely dry is the secret to getting the breading to stick without sliding off.
Do not overcrowd the pan; frying too many pickles at once will drop the oil temperature and lead to greasy results.
A wire rack is better than paper towels for draining because it allows air to circulate, keeping the bottom of the pickles crunchy.
For extra spice, add a splash of hot sauce directly into the buttermilk wash.
