Fried Pickles: Cheeto Style, No Air Fryer Needed!

Hot Cheeto pickles are a delicious snack that combines the heat of Hot Cheetos with the tang of pickles. While an air fryer can be used to make this dish, it is not necessary. To make Hot Cheeto pickles without an air fryer, you can use a deep fryer or a large pot filled with oil heated to 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. The process of preparing the pickles remains the same regardless of the cooking method: coat the pickles in flour, dip them in an egg wash, and then coat them in crushed Hot Cheetos before frying. The result is a crispy, spicy, and tangy snack that can be enjoyed on its own or with a dipping sauce such as ranch dressing or nacho cheese.

Preparing the pickles

Start by slicing your pickles. You can cut them into whatever shape you like, but it's recommended to slice them into coins. It's important to ensure that the pickles are covered in pickle juice before moving on to the next step.

Next, set up your breading or coating station. You will need three plates or containers for this. On the first plate, place some flour. You can add extra spices to the flour if you like, such as salt, onion powder, garlic powder, pepper, or chili powder. On the second plate, beat one or two eggs, depending on how many pickles you are making. You can add a dash of milk to the eggs. The third plate will be for the Hot Cheetos coating. To make this, blend or grind a bag of Hot Cheetos into a fine dust. You can use a food processor or blender to do this.

Now it's time to coat the pickles. First, toss the pickles in the flour, making sure they are well coated. Then, dip them into the egg mixture. Finally, press the pickles into the Hot Cheetos dust, making sure they are fully covered. You can repeat this process to add a second layer of coating to the pickles.

Once all your pickles are coated, heat some oil in a deep fryer or large saucepan. You can use canola oil or extra-virgin olive oil, and heat it to around 350-375 degrees Fahrenheit. Carefully place the coated pickles into the hot oil and fry for 1-5 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.

When the pickles are done, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any excess grease. It's important to serve fried pickles immediately while they are still hot and crispy, so don't wait too long before digging in!

Making the coating

The coating for hot Cheeto fried pickles is made up of three layers: flour, egg wash, and crushed Cheetos.

First, prepare the flour. In one bowl, mix the flour with any desired spices and seasonings. Some recipes suggest using cajun seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper. You can also add a little chilli powder or cayenne pepper for an extra kick.

Next, prepare the egg wash. Beat two eggs in a separate bowl and set aside. You can add a dash of milk to the eggs if desired.

Finally, prepare the crushed Cheetos. Empty a bag of Hot Cheetos into a food processor and blend until they become a fine dust. You can add some cayenne pepper and garlic powder to the Cheetos for extra spice and flavour. Place the crushed Cheetos in a third bowl.

Now you have your three coatings ready, it's time to start the frying process. Cut your dill pickles into your desired shape and size. Make sure the pickles are dry by patting them with a paper towel to remove any excess moisture. This will help the coatings stick better.

Take a pickle and coat it in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip the floured pickle into the egg wash, ensuring it's fully coated. Finally, press the pickle into the crushed Cheetos, making sure it's completely covered. Repeat this process for a second layer, so the coatings are thick and even. Set the coated pickles aside on a plate and continue until all your pickles are coated.

Frying the pickles

To fry the pickles, heat oil in a deep fryer or a large saucepan to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). You can use canola oil or any other oil of your choice. Fry the pickles in batches for 1-5 minutes on each side, or until they turn golden brown. Keep in mind that the frying time will depend on your desired level of crispness.

Once the pickles are fried to your liking, remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess grease. This step is important to ensure that your pickles are not too oily.

Now, your Hot Cheeto Fried Pickles are ready to be served! Enjoy them as a snack or appetizer, and don't forget to serve them with your favorite dipping sauce on the side. Some popular choices include ranch dressing, nacho cheese, blue cheese, or chipotle ranch dressing.

Making the dip

To make the dip, you can simply use a store-bought dip of your choice. Popular dips to go with hot Cheeto fried pickles include ranch dressing, nacho cheese, blue cheese, and remoulade sauce.

If you want to make your own dip, you can make a ranch dip by stirring together the ingredients in a medium bowl and then chilling it for 30 minutes. Unfortunately, I could not find the exact ingredients or measurements for this recipe. However, ranch dressing is typically made with a combination of buttermilk, sour cream, mayonnaise, and fresh herbs such as chives, parsley, and dill. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.

Serving suggestions

Hot Cheeto fried pickles can be served as a snack or an appetizer. They are a great option for parties or gatherings, especially if you are looking for something a little different to offer your guests. The unusual combination of fiery crunch from the Hot Cheetos and the cool, tangy bite of pickles creates a symphony of flavors and textures that is sure to be a conversation starter!

These pickles can be served on their own, but if you want to take them to the next level, consider offering a dipping sauce on the side. Some great options include ranch dressing, nacho cheese, or blue cheese. These sauces will complement the spicy, crunchy pickles and add even more flavor to each bite. If you want to balance out the heat, a cooling dip like sour cream or yogurt could be a good option.

For presentation, a simple plate or bowl will do the trick, but you can also get creative with your serving ware. Try serving the pickles in small baskets or cones, giving them a fun, carnival-like feel. You can also provide skewers or toothpicks to make eating them easier and less messy.

Lastly, consider the portion size. These pickles are best enjoyed fresh, so make sure you have enough for everyone to enjoy a few without having to worry about leftovers. This recipe is sure to be a hit and will leave your guests craving more!

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