Fried Pickles

<strong>Prepare the pickles: </strong>Slice pickle spears lengthwise into thirds or quarters, depending on how thick they are, to create thin spears.

<strong>Set up the dredging station: </strong>In a medium bowl, whisk together flour, garlic powder, and kosher salt. Put the eggs in a separate medium bowl and the panko in a third bowl. Working a few spears at a time, dredge the pickle spears in the flour mixture, toss the spears in the eggs, then dredge in panko.

<strong>Make the spicy ranch: </strong>Mix together ranch and hot sauce, adding more hot sauce if desired. Set aside until ready to serve.

<strong>Fry the pickles: </strong>Pour about 1 1/2-in vegetable oil into a large, deep skillet. Heat over medium heat until the oil reaches about 350 degrees F, or until the oil is shimmering. (If a splash of water sizzles when you flick it into the pan, it’s ready.) Working in batches, add 3-4 pickle spears to the hot oil using tongs. Do not crowd the pan, or the oil will cool! Cook until the spears are golden brown on one side, about 1 minute, then flip and cook until the second side is golden, about a minute more. Place the fried pickles on a cooling rack lined with paper towels. Serve hot with spicy ranch.