Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a delightful twist on a classic snack, combining the tangy crunch of dill pickles with a crispy coating. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or just craving a unique appetizer for a cozy night in, these fried pickles offer a satisfying crunch without the guilt of traditional frying. And let’s face it—who can resist that zesty flavor combined with a crispy texture?
Why make this recipe
What makes this recipe special? First off, it’s quick and easy to whip up, making it ideal for busy weeknights or impromptu get-togethers. Using an air fryer means you can enjoy that deep-fried flavor without the excess oil and calories. Plus, they’re a kid-approved snack that even adults can’t resist—perfect for family fun or just a snack while watching your favorite movie.
"These Air Fryer Fried Pickles are irresistible! The perfect balance of crunch and flavor makes them a family favorite every time." – A satisfied home cook
Preparing Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Making Air Fryer Fried Pickles is straightforward and enjoyable. Let’s delve into the details so you know exactly what to expect. You’ll be slicing, dipping, coating, and frying to crispy perfection in no time. By following this easy process, you’ll soon enjoy warm, delicious pickles right from your air fryer.
What you’ll need
To make these crunchy delights, gather the following ingredients:
- Dill pickles (sliced into thin rounds)
- All-purpose flour
- Cornmeal
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Egg
- Breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray (to help achieve that golden, crispy finish)
Feel free to swap out any spices based on your personal preference!
Directions to follow
- Start by slicing the dill pickles into thin rounds; this helps them stay crispy during cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will create a flavorful coating.
- In another bowl, beat the egg until combined.
- Dip each pickle slice into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated, then roll it in the flour mixture until well covered. Finally, roll each slice in breadcrumbs to give that textural crunch.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the coated pickle slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t overcrowded for even cooking.
- Lightly spray the tops of the pickle slices with cooking spray to assist with crisping.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through to ensure even cooking. You’re looking for a crispy, golden-brown finish.
- Once done, serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.
Best ways to enjoy it
These Air Fryer Fried Pickles can be served as a snack on their own or as an appetizer at parties. Try pairing them with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or even a tangy barbecue sauce. For a fun twist, serve them alongside celery sticks and carrot sticks for some added crunch and color.
Storage and reheating tips
To keep your leftovers fresh, store any uneaten fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for about 3-4 days, but for the best taste and texture, it’s recommended to eat them soon after cooking. When reheating, try using the air fryer again at a low temperature to help regain that crispy texture. You can also use a conventional oven if you don’t have an air fryer available.
Helpful cooking tips
- For even more flavor, consider marinating the dill pickles in a little hot sauce or vinegar before coating them.
- Experiment with your breadcrumb coating by adding Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning for an extra flavor boost.
- If you prefer a gluten-free version, simply substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives!
Creative twists
Feel free to get creative with your fried pickles! You can add different spices to the flour mixture, such as cayenne pepper for a fiery kick or cayenne pepper for an earthy note. You might even want to try using pickle spears instead of slices for a fun serving option!
Your questions answered
Q: What is the prep time for Air Fryer Fried Pickles?
A: The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, with about 10-12 minutes of cooking time.
Q: Can I use other types of pickles for this recipe?
A: Absolutely! You can try using bread and butter pickles or even spicy pickles, depending on your preference.
Q: Can I freeze air-fried pickles for later use?
A: Yes, you can freeze them. Make sure to place the fried pickles in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen and then transfer them to a freezer bag. They can be reheated directly from the freezer!
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Ingredients
Pickles and Coating
- 4 large Dill pickles, sliced into thin rounds
- 1/2 cup All-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
- 1/2 cup Cornmeal
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Salt
- 1/2 tsp Pepper
- 1 large Egg
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs Can add Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning.
- as needed Cooking spray For a crispy finish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the dill pickles into thin rounds to help them stay crispy during cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to create a flavorful coating.
- In another bowl, beat the egg until combined.
- Dip each pickle slice into the beaten egg, ensuring it’s fully coated. Then, roll it in the flour mixture until fully covered.
- Finally, roll each slice in breadcrumbs to add textural crunch.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the coated pickle slices in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren't overcrowded.
Cooking
- Lightly spray the tops of the pickle slices with cooking spray.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through for even cooking until crispy and golden brown.
- Once done, serve warm with your choice of dipping sauce.