Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles Recipe

If you’re a fan of bold, spicy flavors, then you’re about to meet your new favorite snack: Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles! Imagine the crispy, tangy goodness of classic fried pickles, but with an irresistible, fiery twist—coated in crunchy Hot Cheetos for that extra kick. This recipe combines everything you love about crispy, salty snacks with a satisfying crunch and an intense heat that will make your taste buds dance! Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer at your next get-together or just craving something fiery and crunchy, these pickles are sure to impress. Trust me, these are going to be a hit!

Why You’ll Love Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles

• Bold Flavor: The combination of pickles and Hot Cheetos gives you the perfect blend of tangy, salty, and spicy.
• Crispy Perfection: The Hot Cheeto coating adds an addictive crunch, while the pickle inside stays juicy and tender.
• Easy to Make: With just a few ingredients, you can create this snack in no time!
• Perfect for Parties: These are an awesome snack for parties, game nights, or just when you’re craving something that packs a punch.
• Customize the Spice: Want it hotter? Add more Cheetos or a dash of cayenne! Want it milder? Use regular Cheetos instead.

Ingredients

• 1 jar dill pickle spears or chips (drained and patted dry)
• 1 ½ cups Hot Cheetos, crushed (for the coating)
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 large egg
• 1 cup buttermilk (or regular milk)
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra spice)
• Vegetable oil (for frying)
• Salt, to taste

(Note: The full ingredient list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Prep the Pickles: Start by draining and patting dry your dill pickle spears or chips. You want them as dry as possible so the coating sticks better.
2. Crush the Cheetos: Place your Hot Cheetos in a zip-top bag or between two sheets of wax paper and crush them into fine crumbs. You want a nice, even powder, but some bigger pieces for crunch are welcome too!
3. Set Up Dipping Station: In one shallow bowl, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). In a second shallow bowl, whisk the egg and buttermilk together.
4. Coat the Pickles: Dip each pickle spear or chip into the flour mixture first, making sure it’s evenly coated. Then, dip it into the egg mixture and let the excess drip off. Finally, roll the pickle in the crushed Hot Cheetos, pressing gently to make sure they stick.
5. Heat the Oil: Heat about 2 inches of vegetable oil in a large skillet or deep fryer over medium-high heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of Cheeto—if it bubbles and sizzles, you’re ready to go!
6. Fry the Pickles: Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil, frying them in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan. Fry for 2-3 minutes or until golden brown and crispy. Use tongs to flip the pickles halfway through frying for even cooking As an Amazon Associate, we earn a small commission from qualifying purchases made through our affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Our recommendations are always honest and unbiased. Thank you for your support!.
7. Drain and Season: Once the pickles are crispy and golden, transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain off any excess oil. While they’re still hot, sprinkle them lightly with salt to taste.
8. Serve: Serve your Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles immediately while they’re crispy and hot! They pair perfectly with a cool dipping sauce like ranch or blue cheese.

How to Serve Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles

• With Dipping Sauce: Classic dipping sauces like ranch, blue cheese, or even a spicy sriracha mayo would pair wonderfully with these crispy pickles.
• As an Appetizer: Serve them on a platter as a fun and spicy appetizer at your next gathering, and watch them disappear!
• Snack Time: Craving a late-night snack or something crunchy during a movie marathon? These fried pickles hit the spot.
• Game Day Snack: These are a perfect addition to your game day spread. They’ll be the talk of the party!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 320
Total Fat: 18g

• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 50mg
  Sodium: 850mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 35g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 4g
  Protein: 5g
  Vitamin A: 2%
  Vitamin C: 3%
  Calcium: 4%
  Iron: 6%

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5-7 minutes per batch
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes

Additional Tips

• Use Fresh Pickles: If you prefer, you can use fresh pickle slices or spears, but make sure they’re well-drained to avoid sogginess.
• Spice Level: Want more heat? Add extra cayenne pepper to the flour mixture, or mix in some hot sauce into the egg wash for even more kick.
• Make it Even Crispier: For an extra crispy coating, double-dip your pickles! Coat them in the flour, then dip them in the egg wash again, and finally coat them with Hot Cheetos.
• Air Fryer Option: If you want to make these a bit healthier, try air frying them instead of deep-frying. Spray them with a little oil and cook at 375°F for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use regular Cheetos instead of Hot Cheetos?
A1: Yes, you can use regular Cheetos if you prefer a milder flavor. However, they won’t have the same spicy kick that Hot Cheetos provide.

Q2: How can I make these pickles less salty?
A2: If you’re concerned about salt, you can reduce the amount of salt you sprinkle on after frying, or use low-sodium pickles.

Q3: Can I bake these instead of frying them?
A3: Yes! To bake them, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C), place the coated pickles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q4: Can I make these ahead of time?
A4: While it’s best to enjoy them fresh, you can prep the coated pickles ahead of time and store them in the fridge. When you’re ready, fry them up as directed.

Q5: How do I store leftovers?
A5: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in the oven or air fryer to restore some of the crispiness.

Q6: Can I use other pickles, like bread-and-butter or spicy pickles?
A6: Absolutely! Feel free to experiment with different types of pickles based on your flavor preference. Just remember, the type of pickle will affect the taste of the fried pickles.

Q7: Can I make these without buttermilk?
A7: Yes! If you don’t have buttermilk, you can use regular milk or a milk substitute, like almond milk, and add a splash of vinegar to mimic the tangy flavor.

Q8: What kind of oil is best for frying?
A8: Vegetable oil, canola oil, or peanut oil are great choices for frying because they have a high smoke point and won’t overpower the flavor of the pickles.

Q9: Can I use smaller pickles or pickle chips?
A9: Yes! You can use smaller pickles or pickle chips. Just adjust your frying time accordingly, as they may cook a bit quicker.

Q10: Can I make these in an air fryer?
A10: Yes! Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the coated pickles in a single layer for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through, for a crispy, healthier version of the fried pickles.

Conclusion

These Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles are the perfect snack for spice lovers, combining the crispiness of fried pickles with the fiery crunch of Hot Cheetos. Whether you’re serving them at a party or indulging in a spicy craving, they’ll surely be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready for the ultimate crunchy, zesty treat that’s full of flavor and heat. Enjoy!

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