Almost Famous Fried Pickles

Ingredients

For the Sauce:
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1 tablespoon drained horseradish
2 teaspoons ketchup
1/4 teaspoon Cajun seasoning

For the Pickles:
Peanut or vegetable oil, for frying
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
1 3/4 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Kosher salt
2 cups sliced dill pickles, drained

Directions

Make the sauce:
Mix the mayonnaise, horseradish, ketchup and Cajun seasoning in a bowl; set aside.

Fry the pickles:
Heat 1 inch peanut oil in a pot over medium-high heat until a deep-fry thermometer registers 375 degrees F. Meanwhile, whisk the flour, Cajun seasoning, Italian seasoning, cayenne pepper, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/2 cup water in a large bowl until smooth. Spread the pickles on paper towels and pat dry.

Add half of the pickles to the batter and toss to coat. Remove from the batter using a slotted spoon, letting the excess drip off, and add to the oil one at a time. Fry until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes; remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. Return the oil to 375 degrees F and repeat with the remaining pickles and batter. Serve immediately with the prepared sauce.