If you are craving a snack that brings together crunch, heat, and tangy zest in perfect harmony, look no further than this Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles Recipe. This playful twist on the classic Southern fried pickle is elevated by the bold and fiery crunch of Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, making every bite a spicy, crispy delight that’s impossible to resist. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just want a fun appetizer, these Hot Cheeto fried pickles will steal the show with their vibrant color and addictive flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles Recipe relies on simple, everyday ingredients that combine to create an unforgettable snack. Each item plays an essential role in balancing heat, crunch, and tang.
- Dill pickle chips: The star of the dish, these bring the perfect tang and juiciness, making every bite bursting with flavor.
- Crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos: This iconic snack adds fiery spice and a vibrant red crust that crisps up beautifully.
- All-purpose flour: A light coating base that helps the breading stick and adds a gentle crispiness.
- Eggs: Combined with milk, they form the rich, sticky layer that binds the Cheetos to the pickles.
- Milk: Added to the eggs for a smooth, coating mixture that keeps everything moist and helps with adhesion.
- Garlic powder: Adds subtle aromatic depth that complements the heat perfectly.
- Paprika: Introduces a smoky undertone and enhances redness in the breading.
- Black pepper: Offers a mild peppery kick that layers nicely with the spices.
- Vegetable oil: Essential for frying to get that golden crisp and to keep the pickles tender inside.
How to Make Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Breading Station
Set up three shallow bowls to make the breading process easy and efficient. In one, mix the flour with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper to build a savory base layer. The second bowl will hold whisked eggs mixed with milk to act as the glue for your coating. The third bowl should be filled with crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, which provide that signature spicy crunch.
Step 2: Bread Each Pickle Chip
One by one, dip each dill pickle chip first into the seasoned flour, dusting off any excess. Next, dunk the chip into the egg mixture, letting the excess drip off so the coating isn’t soggy. Finally, press the pickle chip thoroughly into the crushed Hot Cheetos to cover every nook and cranny, ensuring a well-coated, fiery crust.
Step 3: Fry to Crispy Perfection
Heat vegetable oil in a deep skillet to 350°F (175°C)—a deep-frying thermometer is a great tool here to reach the right temperature. Carefully place the coated pickles in the hot oil in batches so they fry evenly without overcrowding. Fry each side for 1 to 2 minutes until the coating is crisp, vibrant red, and irresistible. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fried pickles onto a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess oil.
How to Serve Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a pinch of freshly chopped cilantro or thin slices of green onions on top to add a fresh contrast to the spicy crunch. A light dusting of parmesan cheese also adds a delicious savory note that pairs beautifully with the fiery coating.
Side Dishes
These hot, crispy pickles shine paired with cooling dips like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or even a creamy avocado dip. For a fuller snack spread, serve alongside crispy fries, a crisp salad, or a cold beer for the ultimate casual feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For parties, skewer the Hot Cheeto fried pickles on toothpicks for easy grab-and-go snacking. Alternatively, pile them high on a rustic wooden board with various dipping sauces displayed in small bowls to create a feast that’s as fun to look at as it is to eat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from this Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles Recipe, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep the coating crisp. Refrigerate for up to 2 days but note they are crispiest when eaten fresh.
Freezing
Freezing fried pickles can be tricky as the coating may lose its crunch, but you can freeze unbattered pickle chips in a single layer on a parchment-lined tray, then transfer to a freezer bag. Later, coat and fry them fresh for best texture.
Reheating
To revive the crispiness, reheat leftover Hot Cheeto fried pickles in a hot oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3 to 5 minutes. Avoid the microwave as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use pickle spears instead of chips?
Absolutely! Pickle spears give a chunkier bite and require a slightly longer frying time, but they work wonderfully with this recipe’s breading to deliver the same spicy, crispy explosion of flavor.
How spicy are the Hot Cheeto fried pickles?
The heat level comes mainly from the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos coating, which offers a noticeable but not overwhelming kick. You can control the spice by adding cayenne powder to the flour mix or using regular Cheetos for a milder version.
What dipping sauces go best with this recipe?
Creamy dips like ranch, blue cheese, or a zesty chipotle mayo complement the fiery coating perfectly, balancing spice with cool, creamy tastes.
Can I bake these instead of frying?
You can bake them at 425°F (220°C) on a greased baking sheet for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway through. While you won’t get quite the same deep-fried crispness, they will still be delicious with a satisfying crunch.
Are these suitable for vegetarians?
Yes! This Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles Recipe is vegetarian-friendly, using vegetable oil and no animal-derived ingredients beyond eggs, making it a great spicy snack option for many preferences.
Final Thoughts
If you love snacks that combine fun textures and bold flavors, the Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles Recipe is an absolute must-try. It’s simple to make, eye-catching, and bursts with a fiery crunch that elevates the humble pickle to superstar status. So, grab your favorite pickles and Flamin’ Hot Cheetos, and get ready to wow your taste buds and your friends with this exciting, addictive appetizer!
Print
Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles are a crunchy, spicy appetizer featuring dill pickle chips coated in a crispy crust made from crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Perfect for parties or snack time, these pickles deliver a fiery kick balanced by a creamy dipping sauce like ranch.
Ingredients
Pickle Coating
- 1 cup dill pickle chips, drained and patted dry
- 1 cup crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Egg Wash
- 2 large eggs
- 1 tablespoon milk
For Frying
- Vegetable oil, for frying (about 2 inches deep)
Instructions
- Prepare the breading station: Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, mix the all-purpose flour with garlic powder, paprika, and black pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together eggs and milk to form the egg wash. In the third bowl, place the crushed Flamin’ Hot Cheetos for the final coating.
- Coat the pickles: Take each pickle chip and first dredge it in the flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully coated. Finally, press the pickle chip into the crushed Hot Cheetos, coating thoroughly on all sides.
- Heat the oil: Pour about 2 inches of vegetable oil into a deep skillet and heat over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). Use a kitchen thermometer for accuracy.
- Fry the pickles: Carefully place the coated pickle chips in the hot oil in batches to avoid overcrowding. Fry for 1 to 2 minutes per side or until they’re crisp and have a vibrant red color from the Cheetos coating.
- Drain and serve: Use a slotted spoon to remove the fried pickles and drain them on a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil. Serve immediately hot with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce for a flavorful experience.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture before coating.
- You can substitute pickle spears for chips; just increase frying time slightly until golden and crisp.
- Make sure to pat the pickles dry to avoid splattering when frying.
- Use a thermometer to maintain consistent oil temperature for best frying results.
