How Many Carbs Are in Breaded Pickle Spears?

November 23, 2025 •

3 min read

According to nutrition data, a typical serving of commercially prepared breaded pickle spears can contain over 20 grams of total carbohydrates. So, understanding precisely how many carbs are in breaded pickle spears is critical for those watching their carb intake, as the breading adds the bulk of the carbohydrates to this popular snack.

Quick Summary

The carb count in breaded pickle spears varies based on the type of breading and preparation. The flour or breadcrumb coating is the primary source of carbohydrates, often pushing total carbs per serving to 20-25 grams or higher in traditional versions. Healthier, low-carb alternatives are available by changing the breading ingredients.

Key Points

Breading is the Carb Source: The pickle itself is low-carb, but the flour and breadcrumb coating adds most of the carbohydrates to the finished snack.
High Total Carb Count: A standard commercial serving of breaded pickle spears can have over 20 grams of total carbs, which is high for most low-carb diets.
Net Carbs are Significant: After accounting for fiber, the net carb count remains high in traditional breaded pickles.
Low-Carb Breading Exists: You can make low-carb versions at home using alternatives like almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or grated Parmesan cheese.
Preparation Matters: Air-frying is a great method for low-carb versions, as it avoids the added fat of deep-frying while maintaining a crispy texture.
Check Commercial Labels: Carb content can vary by brand, so always read the nutrition label on frozen or restaurant versions to be sure.

Breaded pickle spears are a favorite appetizer, but their delicious, crispy coating comes at a significant carbohydrate cost. While the pickle itself is very low in carbs, the breading process completely changes the nutritional profile. A standard serving can vary widely, but understanding the ingredients provides the clearest picture of where the carbs come from.

The High-Carb Culprit: Traditional Breading

The standard breading for fried pickles typically involves a three-step process: flour, an egg wash, and a final coating of breadcrumbs or a seasoned flour mixture. Each of these components contributes to the final carbohydrate count. A single serving can contain between 20 to 25 grams of total carbohydrates, with 2 to 3 grams of that being dietary fiber, making the net carbs substantial for those on a keto or low-carb diet.

Typical Breading Ingredients and Their Carb Impact

All-Purpose Flour: The base coating, high in simple carbohydrates.
Breadcrumbs (or Panko): Adds significant carbs and crispiness.
Cornmeal: Sometimes mixed into the breading, adding more carbs.
Batter Mixes: Pre-packaged mixes can contain additional starches and sugars.

The Impact of Preparation Method

The way breaded pickles are prepared can also influence the total nutrition. Deep-frying, a common method, adds fat and calories but doesn't directly increase the carb count, which is locked into the breading itself. Air-frying or baking, while healthier in terms of fat content, will still result in the same carb load unless the breading is changed.

Low-Carb Alternatives for Fried Pickles

For those who love the tangy crunch of a fried pickle but need to reduce their carb intake, several delicious alternatives exist. By replacing the high-carb flour and breadcrumbs, you can enjoy a similar taste and texture with a fraction of the carbs.

Popular Low-Carb Breading Options

Almond Flour: A popular keto-friendly alternative that provides a crispy, nutty-flavored coating.
Pork Rind "Panko": Crushed pork rinds offer an excellent, savory crunch with zero carbs.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Adds a salty flavor and a crispy texture when baked or air-fried.
Coconut Flour: A very absorbent flour that can be used sparingly in low-carb breading mixes.

Homemade Low-Carb Recipe Steps

Dry the Pickles: Pat pickle spears thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks properly.
Create a Breading Station: Set up a three-stage breading station with an egg wash, your low-carb flour/crushed pork rinds, and grated parmesan.
Coat and Cook: Dip each pickle spear in the egg wash, then coat evenly with the low-carb breading. Cook in an air fryer or oven until golden and crispy.

Comparison: Traditional vs. Low-Carb Breaded Pickles

To illustrate the difference, here's a quick comparison of the carbohydrate content per serving.


Feature	Traditional Breaded Pickle Spears	Low-Carb Breaded Pickle Spears
Breading	All-purpose flour, breadcrumbs	Almond flour, crushed pork rinds, Parmesan
Carb Source	Wheat flour, starches	Minimal, from ingredients like almond flour
Total Carbs	20-25+ grams	~5 grams or less
Net Carbs	18-23+ grams	~4 grams or less
Taste/Texture	Crispy, standard batter flavor	Crispy, savory, slightly nutty or cheesy
Cooking Method	Deep-fried, air-fried, or baked	Primarily air-fried or baked

Conclusion: Mind the Breading, Not the Pickle

Ultimately, the number of carbs in breaded pickle spears is almost entirely dependent on the breading used. While pickles themselves are a low-carb, keto-friendly snack, the traditional flour and breadcrumb coating makes them unsuitable for strict low-carb diets. Fortunately, with readily available alternatives like almond flour and crushed pork rinds, you can easily replicate the crispy, satisfying experience of fried pickles without the high carb count. Whether dining out or cooking at home, being aware of the ingredients is the best strategy for managing your carbohydrate intake while enjoying this tasty treat. For a comprehensive list of keto-friendly recipes and substitutions, check out Skinny Louisiana.

Frequently Asked Questions

A plain dill pickle spear contains less than 1 gram of carbohydrates. The addition of a traditional flour and breadcrumb coating adds 20 or more grams of carbs, depending on the serving size.

No, traditional breaded pickle spears are not keto-friendly due to their high carbohydrate content from the breading. Low-carb versions made with almond flour or pork rinds can be made to be keto-friendly.

To reduce carbs, replace the wheat flour and breadcrumbs with low-carb alternatives like almond flour, crushed pork rinds, or grated Parmesan cheese. Using an air fryer or baking instead of deep-frying also reduces fat.

The type of pickle (dill, kosher dill) does not significantly affect the final carb count, as most of the carbs come from the breading, not the pickle itself. However, be wary of 'bread and butter' pickles, which contain added sugar.

The key is to pat the pickle spears thoroughly dry with paper towels. A simple egg wash helps the low-carb breading (like almond flour or crushed pork rinds) adhere better during cooking.

Yes, air frying is an excellent way to cook low-carb breaded pickles. It produces a crispy exterior similar to deep-frying but with less added fat. Spritzing the breading with cooking spray helps achieve a golden brown color.

A typical serving of commercially prepared breaded pickle spears contains a high number of net carbs, often over 20 grams, which is the total carbs minus dietary fiber.