It's shocking the number of people that are unaware that the process of making a pickle is nothing more than fermenting a cucumber in a closed vat of vinegar, but that's a conversation for another day. Arkansas is the birthplace to one of the nation's more peculiar snacks of all-time, the fried pickle. Back in 1963, a man named Bernell 'Fatman' Austin invented the fried pickle recipe in his hometown of Atkins, Arkansas. To this very day, the fried pickle is served employing its traditional recipe at the annual Picklefest in Atkins.
Fried pickles are regularly prepared using medium-sized sliced dill pickles, all-purpose flour, eggs, pepper, salt, cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. After properly battering the pickles the frying process is obviously the most significant step in order to not overcook the delectable treat but the eye test should avail removing the product after they've turned a golden brown hue. Served a side dipping sauce of ranch or spicy cajun sauce, you can't go wrong with a fried pickle.