Fried pickles are a delicious southern snack made by coating pickle slices in a batter and deep frying them until golden brown and crispy. They have a satisfying crunch on the outside and a cool, briny center. Fried pickles are often served as an appetizer at restaurants throughout the American South, but they also make a great snack to have around the house.
Leftover fried pickles can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed the next day. But some people wonder if they lose any of their appeal after sitting overnight. Here we’ll look at whether fried pickles are still tasty on day two and provide tips for storing and reheating them.
Do fried pickles lose their crispiness?
One of the best qualities of freshly fried pickles is their crispy coating. Unfortunately, that crispy texture doesn’t last forever. As fried pickles sit, the coating will gradually lose its crunch and become soggy.
This process happens more quickly when fried pickles are stored improperly. Placing them in a sealed container traps steam and accelerates the loss of crispness. Storing them at room temperature also speeds up this process.
But fried pickles stored overnight in the refrigerator in an open container will retain much of their signature crispy texture. The cold air in the fridge helps prevent moisture buildup on the coating.
Do the flavors change overnight?
The flavors of properly stored fried pickles will not change significantly overnight.
The salty, tangy brine of the pickle center remains intact. And oil-based seasonings and batter cling to the coating, maintaining their spicy, herby flavors.
If anything, the flavors may become more concentrated as the pickles sit. Moisture evaporates from the pickle, intensifying its tart taste.
So while the texture may degrade slightly, you can expect the flavors of refrigerated fried pickles to be just as vibrant on day two.
How to store fried pickles overnight
To maintain optimal texture and flavor, here are some tips for storing fried pickles:
- Let fried pickles cool completely before storing. Putting them in the fridge while still warm will cause moisture to accumulate.
- Place fried pickles in a single layer in a container so air can circulate. Avoid stacking them.
- Make sure the container is uncovered or loosely covered so moisture does not get trapped.
- Refrigerate overnight. Storage at room temperature will cause them to lose crispness rapidly.
- If reheating, don’t keep fried pickles in the fridge more than 1-2 days before eating.
Following these steps prevents sogginess so your fried pickles stay crunchy.
How to reheat fried pickles
If your leftover fried pickles have lost some of their magic crispiness, there are a few tricks for restoring it:
Oven method
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Place fried pickles on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper.
- Bake 5-10 minutes until hot and sizzling.
The dry heat of the oven will revive the crunchy texture of the coating.
Air fryer method
- Set air fryer to 370°F.
- Cook fried pickles 2-5 minutes, shaking basket halfway through.
The circulated hot air crisps up the coating nicely.
Skillet method
- Heat 1/4 inch vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry pickles 1-2 minutes per side until browned and sizzling.
The oil will re-crisp the coating quickly.
Are fried pickles safe after refrigeration?
Properly stored fried pickles remain safe to eat for 2-3 days in the fridge.
The combination of acidity from the pickle and the low temperature of refrigeration prevent bacterial growth.
Just be sure to inspect refrigerated fried pickles and throw them out if any signs of spoilage like sliminess or mold appear.
The crunchy coating may degrade in texture but the pickled interior has a long shelf life, so fried pickles keep their safety for enjoyment the next day.
How to tell if leftover fried pickles are still good
Here are some signs to check for when determining if refrigerated fried pickles are still fresh:
- Crunchy, crispy coating
- Firm, non-slimy pickle inside
- No dried out or mushy spots
- Pleasant, briny pickle aroma
- No off smells
- No visible mold growth
Use both your eyes and nose. If the coating is still crispy and the pickled flavor and aroma seem strong, the fried pickles are likely still tasty and safe to enjoy.
Conclusion
Storing fried pickles properly in the refrigerator preserves their flavor and safety so they can be enjoyed for up to 2-3 days. While the crunchy texture may diminish slightly, quick reheating methods can restore it.
So go ahead and make a big batch of fried pickles to have around for snacking. With proper storage and a quick crisp up, leftover fried pickles are still delicious the next day.