Keto Fried Pickles offer a delightful twist on a classic favorite, providing a satisfying, crispy treat that’s perfect for anyone following a ketogenic diet. As a popular snack or appetizer, fried pickles are typically enjoyed for their crunchy texture and tangy flavor. However, traditional versions are often high in carbs, making them unsuitable for keto enthusiasts.
The ketogenic diet emphasizes low-carb, high-fat foods, and finding tasty, keto-friendly snacks can sometimes be a challenge. Enter Keto Fried Pickles—these crunchy, golden-brown delights fit perfectly into a keto meal plan. By using almond flour and Parmesan cheese instead of traditional breading, these pickles deliver all the flavor and texture you crave while keeping your carb count in check. Perfect for snacking, serving at parties, or simply enjoying as a treat, Keto Fried Pickles are a scrumptious addition to any keto-friendly menu.
Keto Fried Pickles Recipe
Ingredients
- Pickle Slices:
- Quantity: 1 cup (about 20-25 slices)
- Details: Choose dill pickle slices for a tangy flavor that complements the crispy coating. Ensure they are well-drained and patted dry to prevent excess moisture and oil splatter during frying.
- Almond Flour:
- Quantity: 1/2 cup
- Details: Almond flour is used as a low-carb substitute for traditional breadcrumbs. It provides a nutty flavor and helps create a crispy coating. Make sure it’s finely ground for best results.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese:
- Quantity: 1/2 cup
- Details: Adds a rich, cheesy flavor and helps the breading become crispy. Use freshly grated Parmesan for the best texture and taste.
- Eggs:
- Quantity: 2 large
- Details: Beaten eggs act as a binding agent, helping the almond flour and Parmesan adhere to the pickle slices. Whisk them until smooth before using.
- Garlic Powder:
- Quantity: 1 teaspoon
- Details: Provides a subtle garlic flavor to enhance the overall taste of the breading.
- Paprika:
- Quantity: 1 teaspoon
- Details: Adds a mild, smoky flavor and a touch of color to the breading mixture.
- Salt:
- Quantity: 1/2 teaspoon
- Details: Enhances the flavors of the breading mixture. Adjust to taste if needed.
- Black Pepper:
- Quantity: 1/2 teaspoon
- Details: Adds a bit of heat and depth to the breading. Freshly ground pepper is preferred for the best flavor.
- Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil:
- Quantity: Enough for frying (about 1-2 cups, depending on the pan size)
- Details: Choose a high-quality, high-smoke-point oil for frying. Avocado oil or coconut oil works well to achieve a crispy texture while keeping the dish keto-friendly. The oil should be heated to 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
- Drain the pickle slices and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere better and prevents splattering during frying.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the almond flour, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to create the breading mixture.
- In another mixing bowl, beat the eggs until smooth.
Step 2: Bread the Pickle Slices
- Set up your breading station with the bowl of breading mixture, the bowl of beaten eggs, and a plate or baking sheet for the coated pickles.
- Using tongs, dip each pickle slice into the beaten eggs, ensuring it is fully coated.
- Transfer the egg-coated pickle slice to the breading mixture, pressing gently to ensure an even coating on all sides.
- Place the breaded pickle slices on the plate or baking sheet, ready for frying.
Step 3: Fry the Pickles
- In a frying pan or deep fryer, heat the avocado oil or coconut oil to 350°F (175°C). If you have a thermometer, use it to check the temperature; otherwise, test the oil by dropping a small piece of breading in—it should sizzle and bubble immediately.
- Carefully add the breaded pickle slices to the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.
- Use tongs to turn the pickles and ensure even cooking on both sides.
Step 4: Drain and Serve
- Once the pickles are golden brown, use tongs to remove them from the oil and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to drain any excess oil.
- Repeat the frying process with the remaining pickle slices.
- Serve the Keto Fried Pickles hot with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing or spicy mayo. Enjoy!
Once you’ve served your Keto Fried Pickles, take a moment to savor the crispy, tangy goodness of this low-carb snack. Enjoy them hot with your favorite keto-friendly dipping sauces, like ranch or spicy mayo, to complement their delicious flavor. Whether as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, these pickles are sure to be a hit. Store any leftovers in an airtight container and reheat in the oven or air fryer to maintain their crispy texture. Enjoy every bite of this tasty treat!
Also, Try: Keto Pickle Chips Recipe
Keto Fried Pickles are a fantastic low-carb alternative to traditional fried snacks, perfect for those adhering to a ketogenic diet. These crispy delights use a coating of almond flour and Parmesan cheese instead of bread crumbs, ensuring they remain within keto guidelines while delivering a satisfying crunch. The tangy flavor of dill pickles pairs wonderfully with the savory, cheesy coating, making them a delicious snack or appetizer.
Ideal for parties, game days, or a simple treat, Keto Fried Pickles offer a guilt-free way to enjoy a classic favorite. Easy to prepare and full of flavor, they provide a perfect balance of crunchy texture and zesty taste without the carbs. Serve them hot with keto-friendly dipping sauces for an extra burst of flavor, and relish in a snack that’s both indulgent and diet-friendly.
Keto Fried Pickles Nutrition Info
Here’s a basic nutritional table for Keto Fried Pickles. This table provides estimates based on standard ingredients and preparation methods. The values are for one serving, assuming the recipe makes four servings.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
| Calories | 232 |
| Total Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 140mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 7g |
| Dietary Fiber | 2g |
| Sugars | 2g |
| Protein | 11g |
Notes: The calorie count may vary depending on how much oil is absorbed during frying. Total fat includes the oil used in cooking. Sodium levels are higher due to the pickles and added salt but can be adjusted to taste. Carbohydrates are kept low with almond flour and pickles, while protein mainly comes from the eggs and Parmesan cheese. Keep in mind that ingredient brands and portion sizes can affect these nutritional values.
Here’s a combined nutritional table for each ingredient used in Keto Fried Pickles, showing approximate values per serving size:
| Ingredient | Serving Size | Calories | Total Fat | Saturated Fat | Cholesterol | Sodium | Total Carbohydrates | Dietary Fiber | Sugars | Protein |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pickle Slices | 1 slice (1 oz) | 5 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 200mg | 1g | 0g | 1g | 0g |
| Almond Flour | 2 tablespoons (14g) | 80 | 7g | 0.5g | 0mg | 0mg | 3g | 1.5g | 1g | 3g |
| Grated Parmesan Cheese | 1 tablespoon (5g) | 22 | 1.5g | 1g | 8mg | 79mg | 1g | 0g | 0g | 2g |
| Eggs | 1 large (50g) | 70 | 5g | 1.5g | 210mg | 70mg | 1g | 0g | 0g | 6g |
| Garlic Powder | 1 teaspoon (3g) | 9 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 1mg | 2g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Paprika | 1 teaspoon (2.3g) | 6 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 1mg | 1g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Salt | 1/2 teaspoon (3g) | 0 | 0g | 0g | 0mg | 1150mg | 0g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Black Pepper | 1/2 teaspoon (1g) | 6 | 0.1g | 0g | 0mg | 0mg | 1g | 0.5g | 0g | 0.2g |
| Avocado Oil | 1 tablespoon (14g) | 120 | 14g | 1.5g | 0mg | 0mg | 0g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
| Coconut Oil | 1 tablespoon (14g) | 120 | 14g | 12g | 0mg | 0mg | 0g | 0g | 0g | 0g |
This table combines the nutritional information for each ingredient to help you understand their individual contributions to the overall dish.
Tips for Best Results
- Dry Pickles Thoroughly: Ensure pickle slices are well-dried before breading to help the coating stick better and avoid excess oil splatter.
- Maintain Oil Temperature: Keep the frying oil at around 350°F (175°C) to ensure a crispy texture. Use a thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and adjust the heat as needed.
- Fry in Batches: Avoid overcrowding the pan or fryer to ensure even cooking and maintain the oil temperature. Fry pickles in small batches for the best results.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor and texture, use freshly grated Parmesan cheese and high-quality almond flour.
- Coat Evenly: Make sure each pickle slice is evenly coated with the egg and breading mixture for a consistent crispy coating.
- Drain Properly: After frying, place pickles on paper towels to drain excess oil. This helps maintain their crispiness and prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Adjust the seasoning in the breading mixture to suit your taste. Adding spices like cayenne pepper or Italian seasoning can enhance the flavor.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: For a lower-fat option, consider baking the pickles at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are crispy and golden.
Keto Fried Pickles Recipe
Equipment
- Frying Pan or Deep Fryer: For frying the pickles to a crispy golden brown.
- Mixing bowls For preparing the breading mixture and beaten eggs.
- Whisk To beat the eggs and mix the breading ingredients.
- Tongs For dipping the pickle slices in the breading and eggs, and for turning and removing the pickles from the oil.
- Paper Towels: To drain excess oil from the fried pickles.
- Baking sheet Optional, for placing the pickles before frying.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Pickle Slices
- 1/2 Cup Almond Flour
- 1/2 Cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
- 2 Large Eggs
- 1 Teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 Teaspoon Paprika
- 1/2 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1-2 Cups Avocado Oil or Coconut Oil
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Drain and dry pickle slices. Mix almond flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Beat eggs in a separate bowl.
- Bread Pickles: Dip pickle slices in beaten eggs, then coat with the breading mixture. Place coated pickles on a plate.
- Heat Oil: Heat oil in a pan or deep fryer to 350°F (175°C).
- Fry Pickles: Fry pickles in batches for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Drain and Serve: Remove pickles and drain on paper towels. Serve hot with keto-friendly dipping sauces.
Notes
- Dry Pickles Well: Ensure pickle slices are thoroughly dried before breading to help the coating adhere and prevent excess oil splatter.
- Oil Temperature: Maintain the oil temperature around 350°F (175°C) for optimal frying. Too hot or too cool oil can affect the crispiness and cooking time.
- Batch Frying: Fry pickles in small batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can lower the oil temperature and result in soggy pickles.
- Drain Excess Oil: Place fried pickles on paper towels immediately after frying to absorb any excess oil and maintain crispiness.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning levels to your taste. You can add more spices or herbs to the breading mixture if desired.
- Alternative Cooking Methods: If you prefer, you can bake the pickles at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a lower-fat option.
- Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat in an oven or air fryer to retain crispiness, as microwaving may make them soggy.
Delicious Topping Ideas
- Classic Ranch Dressing: A creamy ranch dressing pairs perfectly with the tangy crunch of fried pickles. Its rich flavor complements the crispy coating and adds a delicious, creamy contrast.
- Spicy Sriracha Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a touch of Sriracha for a spicy, creamy dip. The heat from the Sriracha adds a kick that enhances the overall flavor of the pickles.
- Garlic Aioli: A garlic aioli made from mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt offers a sophisticated, savory topping that complements the fried pickles beautifully.
- Blue Cheese Dip: For a bold and tangy option, pair your pickles with a blue cheese dip. Its strong flavor and creamy texture balance well with the crispy and zesty pickles.
- Creamy Avocado Dip: Blend ripe avocado with lime juice, cilantro, and a pinch of salt for a fresh and creamy dip. This provides a light, flavorful contrast to the fried pickles.
- Buffalo Sauce: For a spicy, tangy twist, serve fried pickles with a side of buffalo sauce. The heat and acidity of the sauce create a bold flavor combination.
- Honey Mustard: A sweet and tangy honey mustard sauce adds a delightful contrast to the salty and crispy fried pickles. It’s a great option for those who enjoy a touch of sweetness.
- Cheddar Cheese Sauce: Pour warm, melted cheddar cheese sauce over the pickles for an indulgent, cheesy twist. This rich topping adds extra flavor and texture.
FAQ
Can I use regular flour instead of almond flour?
Regular flour is not recommended for this recipe if you’re following a keto diet, as it is high in carbohydrates and can significantly increase the carb count of the dish. Almond flour is used in this recipe to keep it low-carb and to provide a similar texture to traditional breading. If you’re not concerned about the keto aspect, you can use regular flour, but it will alter the nutritional profile and the dish’s suitability for a ketogenic diet.
Can I bake these pickles instead of frying?
Yes, you can bake Keto Fried Pickles instead of frying them for a healthier option. To bake them:
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
- Arrange Pickles: Place the breaded pickle slices in a single layer on the baking sheet, ensuring they are not overcrowded.
- Bake: Bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping the pickles halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
Baking will give you a similar crispy texture to frying while using less oil.
How do I store leftovers?
To store leftover Keto Fried Pickles:
- Cool Completely: Allow the pickles to cool to room temperature before storing.
- Use an Airtight Container: Place the cooled pickles in an airtight container to maintain their freshness.
- Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator. The pickles will stay good for up to 3 days.
Reheating Tips:
- Oven or Air Fryer: To restore crispiness, reheat the pickles in a preheated oven or air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes until crispy.
- Avoid Microwave: Reheating in the microwave can make them soggy, so it’s best to use an oven or air fryer for the best texture.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Yes, you can use different types of cheese in place of Parmesan for Keto Fried Pickles. Here are a few alternatives:
- Asiago Cheese: Similar to Parmesan, Asiago offers a sharp, nutty flavor and can be used for a similar texture and taste.
- Pecorino Romano: This cheese has a stronger, saltier flavor compared to Parmesan and can add a unique twist to your pickles.
- Grana Padano: Another hard cheese similar to Parmesan, Grana Padano is slightly milder but still provides a good crispiness when baked or fried.
- Cheddar Cheese: A sharp or extra sharp cheddar can provide a different flavor profile. Use finely grated cheddar for the best coating.
- Gouda: A mild and creamy alternative, Gouda can also be used, but it may not be as crispy as Parmesan when fried.
Just make sure the cheese is finely grated to ensure it adheres well to the pickles and contributes to a crispy coating.
What type of pickles are best for this recipe?
For Keto Fried Pickles, dill pickle slices are typically the best choice due to their tangy flavor, which complements the crispy, savory coating. Here are a few types of pickles that work well:
- Dill Pickles: Classic dill pickles are ideal for their tangy and slightly sour taste, which balances well with the crispy breading.
- Bread-and-Butter Pickles: If you prefer a sweeter option, bread-and-butter pickles can provide a nice contrast to the savory coating. Just be aware that they will increase the sugar content slightly.
- Kosher Pickles: These are similar to dill pickles but are often prepared with additional garlic, adding extra flavor.
- Spicy Pickles: For those who enjoy a kick, spicy pickles can add a bit of heat to the dish.
Note: Regardless of the type, make sure the pickles are well-drained and patted dry before breading to ensure the coating sticks properly and the pickles fry up crispy.
I’m Priscilla Swahn, a registered dietitian with a master’s degree in nutritional sciences. With over a decade of experience in holistic nutrition, I specialize in creating delicious keto recipes to help you enjoy a healthy lifestyle. On iKetoMom, you’ll find a variety of recipes for every meal—hearty breakfasts, satisfying lunches, mouthwatering dinners, indulgent desserts, and refreshing drinks. My recipes make keto living easy and enjoyable for the whole family. Featured in EatingWell and MindBodyGreen, I also collaborate with health centers and corporate companies to share my expertise. Join me and discover the joy of keto cooking!