Fried pickles are one of those irresistible snacks that bring the perfect balance of tangy and crispy in every bite. Growing up, I could never resist them at my favorite diner, but as I became more health-conscious, I realized there was a way to enjoy them without the guilt—enter the air fryer! This Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe is a game-changer. The pickles are perfectly crunchy on the outside and still juicy on the inside, all without being drenched in oil. Plus, the air fryer does all the work, so you get crispy goodness with much less effort.
Whether you’re planning to serve these as an appetizer or just want a tasty snack to munch on, these fried pickles are sure to impress. They’re quick, easy, and perfect for pairing with a cool dip like ranch or spicy sriracha mayo. If you’re looking for a healthier version of this classic snack, the air fryer will deliver all the crunch without the extra calories. Let’s get cooking!
What You Need To Make This Recipe
Pickles: The star ingredient! You’ll need dill pickle chips or spears, depending on your preference. Dill pickles provide that perfect tangy flavor that pairs so well with the crispy coating.
All-purpose flour: Flour forms the base for the breading. It helps the breadcrumbs stick to the pickles and gives the exterior a nice texture.
Cornstarch: Adding cornstarch to the flour helps create a lighter, crunchier coating. It gives the fried pickles that extra crispiness that we all crave.
Eggs: Eggs act as the binding agent for the breadcrumbs, allowing them to stick to the pickles without falling off during the air frying process.
Panko breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs provide the signature crunch in fried pickles. Panko is light and airy, making it perfect for a crisp outer layer.
Garlic powder: Garlic powder adds savory depth and flavor to the breading, making every bite more exciting and flavorful.
Onion powder: Onion powder complements the garlic, providing an extra layer of flavor in the coating.
Paprika: This spice gives the fried pickles a touch of smokiness and a little kick without being too spicy.
Salt and pepper: Basic seasonings like salt and pepper enhance the natural flavors of the pickles and the breading.
Cooking spray: A light spray of cooking spray on the pickles before air frying ensures they crisp up beautifully without sticking to the basket.
Ingredients List
- 1 jar of dill pickle chips (about 16 oz)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup cornstarch
- 2 large eggs
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Cooking spray
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Step 1: Prep the Pickles
Begin by draining the pickle chips well and patting them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving that perfect crispy exterior. You can even place them on a cooling rack to air dry for a few minutes.
Step 2: Prepare the Breading Station
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate bowl, beat the eggs. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs. This setup will help you coat the pickles quickly and evenly.
Step 3: Coat the Pickles
Take each pickle chip and dip it into the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Then, dip it into the beaten eggs, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to make sure the breadcrumbs adhere.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pickles
Spray the air fryer basket with a light coat of cooking spray. Arrange the coated pickles in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t overlap. Spray the pickles lightly with cooking spray for that extra crunch. Set the air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crispness.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Once the pickles are golden and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch, spicy mayo, or a tangy buffalo sauce for extra flavor.
Tips for Making this Recipe
- Use a cooling rack: After patting the pickles dry, let them air dry on a cooling rack. This step helps to ensure they are as dry as possible before breading, which results in a crispier texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket: When air frying, it’s important to give the pickles enough space to cook evenly. Overcrowding the basket will lead to unevenly cooked pickles.
- Customize the coating: If you love a little extra spice, add some cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or the panko breadcrumbs. You can even experiment with adding parmesan cheese for a cheesy crunch!
- Reheat leftovers: To keep the fried pickles crispy, reheat them in the air fryer for 3-4 minutes at 375°F. This will bring back that golden crunch.
- Use different pickles: If you prefer spicy food, try using spicy pickles for an added kick. You can also try bread and butter pickles for a sweeter variation.
FAQs
Can I use pickle spears instead of chips?
Absolutely! You can use pickle spears, but you’ll want to make sure they’re cut into smaller pieces for easier breading and cooking.
Can I make these pickles ahead of time?
While it’s best to enjoy them fresh for maximum crispiness, you can bread the pickles in advance and store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying. Just be sure to spray them with cooking spray before cooking.
Can I fry these pickles in oil instead of the air fryer?
Yes, you can deep fry the pickles if you prefer, but the air fryer gives you a healthier, lighter option with just as much crunch.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes! Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs. You can find these at most grocery stores now.
What should I serve with fried pickles?
Fried pickles pair wonderfully with a cool dipping sauce like ranch, but they also make a great side for burgers, sandwiches, or even fried chicken.