Fried pickles are one of my favorite appetizers, and I love being able to make gluten-free fried pickles that are AIP and Paleo-compliant! You can make these crispy fried pickles in just a few minutes anytime you need a special appetizer.
Gluten-free fried pickles
Fried pickles are typically made with breadcrumbs or wheat flour, meaning that anyone on a gluten-free diet cannot simply order fried pickles as an appetizer at a restaurant. Luckily, gluten-free fried pickles are very easy to make at home using cassava flour instead of breadcrumbs.
Cassava flour is a great alternative to wheat flour for making crispy breaded fried food. I use it to make pork cutlets and in this fried pickles recipe.
The cassava flour breading is seasoned with garlic powder, onion powder, dried basil, sea salt, and ground black pepper, giving it lots of flavor and making these fried pickles absolutely irresistible.
AIP-friendly pickles being coated in cassava flour seasoned with garlic and onion powder – Amy Myers MD®
Dr. Amy MyersJuly 15th, 2021https://content.amymyersmd.com/recipe/aip-fried-pickles/AIP-friendly pickles being coated in cassava flour seasoned with garlic and onion powder – Amy Myers MD®
AIP pickles for fried pickles
If you’re using store-bought pickles, check the ingredients list on the jar to make sure there is no refined sugar, nightshade peppers, or artificial coloring added to the pickle brine. You can choose to make your own homemade pickles for this recipe to make sure that your fried pickles are AIP-friendly.
To make AIP pickles, boil 1 ½ cups water together with ¼ cup apple cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons fine sea salt, 1 tablespoon honey, and 2-3 sliced garlic cloves. Allow to cool for a few minutes, then carefully pour the mixture into heat-safe glass jars containing pickling cucumbers and a few sprigs of fresh dill. Allow to cool to room temperature, then transfer to the refrigerator and chill for 2-3 days before using them for this fried pickle recipe, or for any other use!
Breaded pickles being deep fried in AIP-complaint avocado cooking oil – Amy Myers MD®
Dr. Amy MyersJuly 15th, 2021https://content.amymyersmd.com/recipe/aip-fried-pickles/Breaded pickles being deep fried in AIP-complaint avocado cooking oil – Amy Myers MD®
How to make fried pickles
To make fried pickles, slice your pickles however you like them – either in small circles, diagonally, or into spears. On a large plate, combine the cassava flour with the seasonings and mix well. Coat the pickles in the cassava flour “breading” on all sides and set aside on a large plate, cutting board, or other flat surface. If you want extra crispy and extra breaded fried pickles, wait a few minutes until the breading gets wet from the pickle juice, then re-coat the pickles in the breading.
You will deep fry the breaded pickles in an AIP-compliant cooking oil, such as avocado oil or palm oil. Make sure to fry in batches so you don’t overcrowd your cooking pot or pan.
Dr. Amy MyersJuly 15th, 2021https://content.amymyersmd.com/recipe/aip-fried-pickles/Freshly fried pickles drying on a plate covered with paper towel
Preheat your frying oil to about 365-375 degrees Fahrenheit in a medium saucepan, then use heat-safe tongs to carefully place the breaded pickles into the oil mixture. You want to make sure that the oil is hot enough to immediately start bubbling gently when you place the breaded pickles into the hot oil. If the oil does not bubble when you place the first pickle in, wait a little longer to preheat the oil: until your “test” pickle starts cooking in the oil.
Fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the pickles turn golden brown. If you’re shallow frying, you will need to flip the pickles halfway through to make sure they fry on both sides.
Use tongs to carefully remove the pickles and place them on a plate lined with paper towels to absorb excess grease. Allow to cool for a few minutes, and enjoy!
What to serve with fried pickles
I like to serve these pickles with a dairy-free creamy dip made with coconut yogurt seasoned with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and fresh lime juice. AIP-friendly no-mato ketchup is also a great dipping option!
Dr. Amy MyersJuly 15th, 2021https://content.amymyersmd.com/recipe/aip-fried-pickles/Hand dipping fried pickle into dairy-free creamy dip.
Are AIP fried pickles healthy?
Fried pickles are a once-in-a-while treat for me because they are not the healthiest appetizer. They are pretty high in sodium because of the pickles, and while cassava flour is a gut-friendly alternative to wheat flour, it offers little nutritional benefits in the small amount that it is used in this recipe.
Because of this, and the fact that these pickles are deep-fried and pretty high in fat, I reserve this appetizer for special occasions. But I do enjoy these immensely every time I make them, as I hope you will!
More great party appetizers to try:
- Loaded sweet potato skins
- Zucchini-wrapped sausage bites
- AIP charcuterie board
- Bacon-wrapped pears
