Yes, you can make low carb gluten-free pickles without flour! These keto fried pickles are fried to perfection with a crispy coating, and use just 5 simple ingredients that you may already have on hand. Don’t forget to serve these low carb fried pickles with my spicy appetizer dipping sauce. I’m all about big spreads of appetizers for parties, gatherings, and sporting events… aren’t we all really there for the food anyway?! Appetizers are not known as the healthiest foods, but that’s exactly why I’ve made keto versions of your favorites! And if not everyone your hosting is keto? Don’t worry, everyone loves zucchini fries, bacon wrapped brussels sprouts, and this bacon cheese ball. No need to make separate items! This post for easy fried pickles without flour was originally published on July 5, 2017, and the post was republished in January 2021 to add updated pictures and useful tips. The keto fried pickles recipe is by my friend, Kim from Low Carb Maven. The photo at the top of the post is Kim’s, while the others I added later to show the process. Mine browned a bit darker than hers, but were still delicious!
How To Make Keto Fried Pickles
Let me show you how to make fried pickles without flour! We’re using a low carb breading of protein powder and grated cheese, which results in very crispy fried pickles with just a hint of crystalline texture from the protein powder. The coating browns nicely and the pickles stay crispy for a long time.
Prep. Drain pickles and dry on paper towels. Mix eggs in a small bowl. Whisk together protein powder and cheese in another bowl.
TIP: You can buy the actual pickles, or make keto pickles yourself at home.
Assemble. Dip pickles in egg wash, shaking off any excess before placing into coating mixture.
TIP: Use separate hands to handle the wet and dry bowls. Don’t let a wet hand go back and forth between the wet and dry bowls too much, to avoid clumping the breading.
Fry. Carefully place pickles into hot oil and fry until golden brown on both sides in a nonstick skillet. Place cooked pickles on a paper towel.
Serve. Serve low carb fried pickles with spicy dipping sauce.
Are fried pickles gluten-free?
Traditional fried pickles are not gluten-free, as they are breaded in a flour-based breading. In this recipe, we’re making the fried pickle batter without flour, so it’s a great gluten-free alternative.
Are fried pickles keto?
Most fried pickles are not keto, as they have a flour-based breading. In this version, we’re making the fried pickles with protein isolate powder and grated cheese… it’s the perfect keto alternative so that you can enjoy crispy keto fried pickles!
Can you use a different breading?
Yes. This keto fried pickle recipe uses whey protein powder for the breading, but you could also use:
A combination of pork rinds and parmesan, like Kim does for her crispy eggplant A combination of pork rinds and whey protein powder, like I did for keto chicken tenders Just plain pork rinds, like I do for keto fried chicken Super fine almond flour, like I do for low carb chicken nuggets or fried squash
Low Carb Fried Pickles Storage Instructions
Can you make them ahead?
Like any fried food, these pickles are best made fresh and eaten immediately. If you have leftovers, store them in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.
Can you freeze them?
Yes, you can freeze the pickles in a single layer and then transfer to a freezer bag for 2-3 months. To freeze, apply the breading but do not fry. Freeze in a single layer on a sheet of parchment paper. Once solid, transfer to a freezer bag. To fry frozen breaded pickles, do not thaw. Fry in oil right from frozen over medium-low heat, to allow them to heat through without burning.
How to reheat gluten-free fried pickles:
For already fried low carb pickles, bake them in the oven on a oven-safe rack or reheat quickly in a skillet over medium-low to low heat. Do not microwave them, or they’ll be soggy.
More Keto Appetizer Recipes
If you like this gluten-free fried pickles recipe, you might also like some of these other keto appetizer recipes:
Mini Keto Corn Dogs – These adorable corn dogs taste just like the real thing…but have just 1.1 grams net carbs each! Keto Mozzarella Sticks – Crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside. Super easy and just 6 ingredients. Lemon Pepper Wings – Just 5 minutes to prep these wings. They come out perfect every time! 7-Layer Taco Dip – This is the perfect make-ahead dip. Serve with bell peppers, zucchini chips, or low carb chips.
Whey Protein Isolate – This is the brand I recommend because it has 0 net carbs and works well for this recipe. Results may vary if you use a different one. Nonstick Skillet – Use a nonstick skillet to ensure your fried pickles don’t stick to the pan. Serving Platter With Dip Section – Serve up these low carb fried pickles in this serving platter that has a spot for the appetizer dipping sauce.
Share your recipe picture by tagging @wholesomeyum and hashtag it #wholesomeyum on Instagram, or in our Facebook support group, too - I’d love to see it!
