Air Fryer Fried Pickle Chips: A Healthy Crunch?

Yes, you can make fried pickle chips in an air fryer! They are a great, healthier alternative to deep-fried pickle chips and can be made in minutes. The key to getting crispy fried pickles is to ensure that they are dry before you bread them and to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer.

How to prepare the pickles

Preparing the pickles is a straightforward process, but there are a few important steps to follow to ensure they turn out crispy and delicious. Here's a detailed guide on how to prepare the pickles for air frying:

• Choose the Right Pickles: Select dill pickles that are uniform in size and not too thin. You can use pickle spears, chips, or slices. If you want more pickle flavour and juice, go for thicker spears. Chips or rounds are great for snacking, and sliced pickles offer a higher coating-to-pickle ratio.
• Drain and Dry the Pickles: Place the pickles on a layer of paper towels and pat them dry with additional paper towels. This step is crucial, as removing excess moisture will help the breading stick to the pickles.
• Set Up Your Dipping Station: You'll need three separate bowls for the dipping process. In the first bowl, place some all-purpose flour. You can also add seasonings like garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning to the flour if desired. In the second bowl, whisk an egg with a small amount of water to create an egg wash. You can also add a bit of hot sauce or mustard to this mixture for extra flavour. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs (preferably Panko) with grated Parmesan cheese and any desired seasonings.
• Coat the Pickles: Take each pickle and dip it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dunk it in the egg mixture to coat evenly. Finally, toss it in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres to the pickle.
• Prepare the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray or olive oil spray to prevent the pickles from sticking.
• Arrange the Pickles in the Air Fryer: Place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are evenly spaced and not overcrowded. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches.
• Spray the Pickles: Lightly spritz the pickles with cooking spray or olive oil to help them crisp up and achieve a golden brown colour.
• Air Fry the Pickles: Cook the pickles for approximately 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking process, until they are crunchy and browned on both sides.
• Serve and Enjoy: Remove the pickles from the air fryer and sprinkle with a pinch of salt, if desired. Serve them hot and fresh with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, remoulade sauce, or spicy mayo.

By following these steps, you'll be able to enjoy delicious, crispy fried pickle chips made right in your air fryer!

The breading mixture

Ingredients

The basic ingredients for the breading mixture are flour, eggs, and breadcrumbs. For the flour, you can use plain all-purpose flour. If you prefer a lower-carb option, you can substitute almond flour instead. For the breadcrumbs, Panko breadcrumbs are recommended for a crispy coating, but seasoned breadcrumbs or even crushed pork rinds can also work.

In addition to these main ingredients, you can add various seasonings to enhance the flavour of your pickle chips. Some popular options include garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. You can also include grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavour and texture.

Preparation

To prepare the breading mixture, you will need three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. If you are using any dry seasonings, such as garlic powder or Italian seasoning, add them to the flour and gently mix to combine.

In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs and a small amount of water. You can also add hot sauce or mustard to this mixture for extra flavour and a little kick.

In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with any remaining seasonings. If you are using Parmesan cheese, add it to the breadcrumbs and mix well.

Coating the Pickles

Before coating the pickles, make sure they are well drained and patted dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the breading adhere better.

Now, you are ready to start dipping! First, dip the pickles in the flour mixture, making sure to coat them evenly. Then, dip them in the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Gently press the breadcrumbs onto the pickles to ensure a complete coating.

Place the coated pickles on a rack or plate while you prepare the rest. It is important to work in batches to ensure each pickle is evenly coated.

Final Touches

Once all your pickles are coated, you can give them a final spritz with cooking spray. This will help them achieve a golden-brown colour and extra crispness during the air frying process. Be cautious when choosing your cooking spray, as aerosol-powered sprays may damage your air fryer over time. Instead, opt for a non-aerosol or olive oil-based spray.

Now, your breaded pickle chips are ready to be air-fried! Remember to place them in a single layer in the air fryer basket to ensure even cooking and crispness.

Cooking instructions

Ingredients

• Pickles (dill pickles are recommended)
• Breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs work well)
• Egg (or egg whites)
• Flour (all-purpose or almond flour)
• Olive oil (or extra-virgin olive oil)
• Salt
• Optional: cornmeal, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, hot sauce, mustard, cayenne pepper, ranch dressing, or other dips/sauces

Method

• Prepare the pickles: Drain the pickles and pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. Removing excess brine will help the breading stick.
• Prepare the breading: Set out three separate bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. If you want to add any seasonings, such as Italian seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper, add them to the flour and gently mix. In the second bowl, whisk the egg with a small amount of water (or milk). You can also add a small amount of hot sauce or mustard to the egg mixture for extra flavour. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs.
• Bread the pickles: Dip each pickle first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, coat it in the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently to help them adhere.
• Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
• Cook the pickles: Place the breaded pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, being careful not to overcrowd them. Spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray. Cook for 5 minutes, then flip the pickles, spray again, and cook for another 4-6 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: Fried pickles are best served immediately, while they are still hot and crispy. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a dipping sauce on the side, such as ranch dressing, remoulade sauce, chipotle sauce, or cheese sauce.

Tips:

• Thick-cut dill pickle slices or spears will hold up better than thin slices.
• To ensure a crispy texture, make sure the pickles are very dry before breading them.
• Work in batches if needed, breading one batch of pickles while another cooks in the air fryer.
• For extra crispness, spritz the pickles with cooking spray just before cooking them.
• If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer or oven at 400°F for 2-5 minutes to restore crispness.

Dipping sauces

There are many sauces that you can use to complement your fried pickle chips. Here are some ideas:

Spicy Options

• Sriracha ranch
• Chipotle ranch
• Bloody Mary ranch
• Harissa ranch
• Ghost pepper ranch
• Thai sweet chilli and ranch
• Habanero ranch
• Spicy mayo (mayo and sriracha)
• Mayo, tapatio and lime juice
• Mayo, spicy yellow pepper puree, sour cream, ketchup, garlic powder, and salt
• Spicy brown mustard
• Hot sauce and ranch
• Cheese sauce
• Yum Yum Sauce

Mild Options

• Fry sauce (a grown-up version of ketchup)
• Ranch dressing
• Vegan ranch
• Remoulade
• Dill pickle ranch
• Honey mustard
• Thousand island dressing
• Ketchup
• Cocktail sauce

Tips and tricks

Making fried pickle chips in an air fryer is a quick and easy way to make a delicious snack or appetizer. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results:

Dry the Pickles

One of the most important steps is to ensure that your pickles are very dry before you bread them. The moisture on the pickles can prevent the breading from sticking properly. Use paper towels to pat them dry, removing as much moisture as possible.

Use the Right Pickles

It is recommended to use thick-sliced dill pickle chips for this recipe. Pickle spears can also be used, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Look for uniform-sized pickles so that they cook evenly. If you can't find pre-sliced pickles that are thick enough, you can cut your own.

Bread the Pickles Properly

The breading process involves a few steps. First, toss the pickles in flour and shake off any excess. Then, dip them in an egg mixture (egg and water, or egg and milk) to coat them completely. Finally, toss them in a breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breading adheres to the pickles. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for a crispier texture.

Don't Crowd the Air Fryer

When placing the breaded pickles in the air fryer, make sure they are in a single layer and not overlapping. This allows the hot air to circulate properly and ensures even cooking. If your air fryer basket is not big enough, cook the pickles in batches.

Use Cooking Spray

Spraying the pickles with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer helps them to crisp up and achieve a golden brown colour. An olive oil or olive oil non-stick spray is recommended for the best flavour and to avoid damaging the air fryer basket.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

Fried pickle chips are great on their own, but even better with a dipping sauce. Some popular options include ranch dressing, remoulade sauce, chipotle sauce, or a spicy sauce made with mayo and sriracha.

Frequently asked questions