Crispy Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy the crispy goodness of fried pickles with significantly less oil, thanks to the air fryer.

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for satisfying sudden snack cravings.

• Customizable Flavor: Choose between plain or seasoned breadcrumbs and pair with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or chipotle aioli.

• Minimal Cleanup: Eliminates the need for messy oil splatters and extensive cleanup associated with traditional frying methods.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 cup dill pickle chips, drained and patted dry

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

• Non-stick cooking spray

Directions

1. Preheat: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.

2. Prepare Pickles: Drain the pickle chips and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture.

3. Set Up Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.

4. Coat Pickles: Dip each pickle chip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.

5. Arrange in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the breaded pickles in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap.

6. Air Fry: Cook the pickles at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

7. Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2–3

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

• Spicy Pickles: Use spicy dill pickle chips or add a dash of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for an extra kick.

• Cheese Coating: Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.

• Gluten-Free: Substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to accommodate dietary preferences.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: To maintain crispiness, reheat the pickles in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

How do I prevent the breading from falling off?

Ensure the pickles are thoroughly dried before breading. This helps the coating adhere better during cooking.

Can I use pickle spears instead of chips?

Yes, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. Spears may require a few extra minutes to become crispy.

Is it necessary to preheat the air fryer?

Preheating helps achieve a more consistent and crispy result. It's recommended but not mandatory.

Can I freeze the breaded pickles before cooking?

Yes, arrange the breaded pickles on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid. Then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to cook, air fry from frozen, adding a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

What dipping sauces pair well with fried pickles?

Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but spicy mayo, chipotle aioli, or even a tangy barbecue sauce also complement the flavors well.

Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?

While dill pickles are traditional, sweet pickles can be used for a different flavor profile. The sweetness will contrast with the savory breading.

How do I know when the pickles are done?

The pickles should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. If they are still pale or soggy, they may need a few more minutes in the air fryer.

Can I make these pickles ahead of time?

It's best to enjoy them fresh for optimal crispiness. However, you can prepare the breading and have the pickles ready to cook when needed.

Are these fried pickles keto-friendly?

Traditional breadcrumbs are not keto-friendly. To make this recipe keto-friendly, use crushed pork rinds or almond flour as a substitute for breadcrumbs.

Can I use a different type of air fryer?

Yes, the recipe can be adapted to various air fryer models. Just ensure you follow the manufacturer's instructions for preheating and cooking times.

Conclusion

Crispy air fryer fried pickles offer a delightful combination of tangy flavor and satisfying crunch, all with less oil than traditional frying methods. Whether you're preparing them for a party, game day, or a casual snack, this recipe provides a quick and easy way to enjoy a beloved classic. With simple ingredients and minimal cleanup, it's a go-to choice for pickle enthusiasts and air fryer aficionados alike.

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Air fryer fried pickles offer a healthier, crispy twist on a Southern classic with tangy pickle chips coated in a light breadcrumb crust, cooked to golden perfection without deep frying.

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 2-3 servings
• Category: Snack / Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: Southern / American
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

1 cup dill pickle chips, drained and patted dry

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup breadcrumbs (plain or seasoned)

Non-stick cooking spray

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it preheat for about 5 minutes.
2. Drain the pickle chips and pat them dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture.
3. In a shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In another bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
4. Dip each pickle chip into the beaten eggs, ensuring it's fully coated, then dredge it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to adhere.
5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with non-stick cooking spray. Place the breaded pickles in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
6. Cook the pickles at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
7. Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your choice of dipping sauce.

Notes

• For extra spice, add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs or use spicy dill pickle chips.
• Incorporate grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumb mixture for added flavor.
• Use gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–5 minutes to maintain crispiness.
• Freeze breaded pickles on a baking sheet before transferring to a freezer bag; cook from frozen adding extra time.
• Ensure pickles are thoroughly dried before breading to prevent coating from falling off.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: ½ cup
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 7g
• Saturated Fat: 1g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 4g
• Cholesterol: 55mg