Arkansas

Fried Pickle Burger

Celebrate Arkansas's claim to fame with this Ozark-style burger! Crispy, tangy fried pickle chips crown a perfectly seasoned beef patty, creating a uniquely Southern experience that pays homage to the birthplace of the fried pickle.

55 min Serves 4 Fried Southern

Equipment Needed

  • 🍳 Deep Fryer or Heavy Pot
  • 🔥 Grill or Skillet
  • 🌡 Candy/Deep Fry Thermometer
  • 🥣 Mixing Bowls
  • 🧻 Wire Rack

Instructions

  1. 1

    Prepare the Pickles

    Drain the pickle chips and pat them very dry with paper towels. This is crucial for a crispy coating. Lay them out on paper towels while you prepare the breading.

  2. 2

    Set Up Breading Station

    In one bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, paprika, cayenne, and a pinch of salt. Pour buttermilk into another bowl. Set up an assembly line: pickles, buttermilk, flour mixture, and a clean plate.

  3. 3

    Bread the Pickles

    Dip each pickle chip in buttermilk, let excess drip off, then dredge in the flour mixture, pressing to adhere. Place breaded pickles on the clean plate. Let them rest for 5 minutes to set.

  4. 4

    Heat the Oil

    Fill a deep fryer or heavy pot with 3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat to 375°F. Use a thermometer to maintain consistent temperature.

  5. 5

    Fry the Pickles

    Working in batches, carefully lower pickles into hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Remove to a wire rack and season immediately with salt. Keep warm in a 200°F oven.

  6. 6

    Make the Spicy Ranch

    Stir together ranch dressing, hot sauce, and pickle juice. Adjust heat to your preference and refrigerate until ready to use.

  7. 7

    Prepare and Cook Patties

    Mix ground beef with Worcestershire, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Form into 4 patties. Grill or pan-fry over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Add cheese in the last minute.

  8. 8

    Toast the Buns

    Butter the cut sides of the buns and toast until golden brown, about 1-2 minutes on the grill or in a pan.

  9. 9

    Assemble the Burgers

    Spread spicy ranch on both bun halves. Layer the bottom with lettuce, then the cheesy patty, tomato slice, and a generous pile of hot fried pickles. Drizzle with more ranch and top with the bun.

  10. 10

    Serve Immediately

    Serve right away while the fried pickles are still crispy. Pair with extra fried pickles on the side and your favorite dipping sauce. Southern sweet tea makes the perfect accompaniment!

Tips & Variations

  • Pickle Choice: Use crinkle-cut pickle chips for more surface area and crunch. Bread-and-butter pickles work too if you prefer sweeter notes.
  • Extra Crispy: For even crispier pickles, double-dip them: buttermilk, flour, buttermilk, flour again before frying.
  • Keep Them Hot: Fried pickles lose their crunch quickly. Fry them last or keep them warm on a wire rack in a low oven - never stack them or they'll get soggy.
  • Spear Variation: Use pickle spears instead of chips for a different presentation. Increase frying time to 3-4 minutes.
  • Dipping Options: Besides spicy ranch, try comeback sauce, remoulade, or classic honey mustard as alternatives.
  • Arkansas History: Fried pickles were invented in 1963 at the Duchess Drive-In in Atkins, Arkansas - true Ozark heritage!