Air-Fried Pickles: A Crunchy, Healthy Treat

Air-fried pickles are a delicious snack that can be made right at home. They are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavour. The best part? They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles as they require minimal oil and can be made in an air fryer with just a few simple ingredients.

How to make fried pickles in an air fryer

Ingredients

You will need:

• Pickles (dill pickles are recommended)
• Breadcrumbs (Panko breadcrumbs are often suggested)
• An egg
• Olive oil
• Any additional seasonings (e.g. garlic powder, cayenne pepper, salt, Italian seasoning)
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Method

• Drain the pickles and pat them dry with a paper towel.
• Prepare your dredging station by placing the flour (or breadcrumbs) in one bowl, the egg mixture in another bowl, and the breadcrumbs (or flour) in a third bowl.
• Dredge each pickle in the flour (or breadcrumbs), then dip it in the egg mixture, and finally, coat it with the breadcrumbs (or flour).
• Place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Make sure they are not overlapping, or they will become soggy.
• Spray the pickles with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil.
• Air fry the pickles at around 400°F for 8-14 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. You may need to flip them halfway through the cooking time.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• It is important to dry the pickles thoroughly before coating them, as this will help the coating stick.
• You can use different types of pickles, such as pickle spears or thicker-cut slices, but try to keep them a similar size so they cook evenly.
• You can also make low-carb or gluten-free versions of this recipe by using alternative ingredients, such as coconut flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs.

The best type of pickles to use

When making fried pickles in an air fryer, it's best to use dill pickles. Bread and butter pickles or even homemade pickles can also be used, but dill pickles are the most popular choice.

It's important to ensure that the pickles are uniform in shape and size before slicing them into chips or spears. Pickle spears will have the most pickle flavour and be the juiciest, while pickle chips or rounds are great for snacking. Sliced pickles have a higher coating-to-pickle ratio, so if you prefer a crunchier texture, this is the best option.

If you're using pre-sliced pickles, look for thicker slices, as these will hold up better to the breading process. You can also slice your own pickles to get thicker slices and ensure more pickle in every bite.

When preparing the pickles, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove as much moisture as possible. This will help the breading stick to the pickles and create a crispy texture.

The best breadcrumbs to use

When making fried pickles in an air fryer, the breadcrumbs you use can make a big difference in the taste and texture of the final product. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the best breadcrumbs for this unique and tasty dish:

Types of Breadcrumbs

There are several types of breadcrumbs that can be used for fried pickles, each with its own unique characteristics:

• Panko Breadcrumbs: These are made from bread without crusts and have a light, flaky texture. Panko breadcrumbs are known for creating an extra crispy coating on fried foods, making them a popular choice for fried pickles. They absorb less oil than regular breadcrumbs, resulting in a lighter and crispier texture.
• Regular Breadcrumbs: These are typically made from dried bread, including the crusts, and are often finer and denser than panko breadcrumbs. Regular breadcrumbs come in a variety of flavours, such as Italian or plain. They can give your fried pickles a more traditional, dense, and crunchy texture.
• Seasoned Breadcrumbs: These breadcrumbs are pre-seasoned with various herbs and spices, eliminating the need to add extra seasonings to your recipe. They can add a burst of flavour to your fried pickles and are a convenient option if you don't have many spices on hand.

Factors to Consider

When choosing the best breadcrumbs for your fried pickles, consider the following factors:

• Texture: Do you prefer a lighter, crispier texture or a denser, crunchier coating? Panko breadcrumbs will give you a crispier texture, while regular or seasoned breadcrumbs will result in a crunchier coating.
• Flavour: Consider whether you want a more subtle flavour that lets the pickle shine through, or a bolder flavour profile. Regular breadcrumbs will enhance the pickle flavour, while seasoned breadcrumbs will add extra spices and herbs to the mix.
• Convenience: If you're short on time or don't have many spices on hand, seasoned breadcrumbs can be a convenient, all-in-one option. They eliminate the need to mix and match various seasonings.
• Dietary Restrictions: Keep in mind any dietary restrictions or preferences you may have. For example, if you're gluten-intolerant, ensure you choose gluten-free breadcrumbs.

Recipe Tips

• Ensure your pickles are thoroughly dried before coating them in breadcrumbs. Excess moisture can affect the adhesion of the breadcrumbs and result in a soggy texture.
• Work in small batches to prevent the breadcrumbs from becoming too moist.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer. Cook the pickles in batches if needed to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Experiment with different types of breadcrumbs to find your preferred taste and texture.

By considering the types of breadcrumbs available, the factors that influence your choice, and some helpful recipe tips, you'll be well on your way to creating the best-fried pickles with the perfect breadcrumbs.

How to store fried pickles

Fried pickles are best stored in an airtight container in the fridge. They will last for up to 2-3 days, but will become soggy over time. To help prevent this, place a paper towel under and on top of the pickles before sealing the container. The paper towels will absorb excess moisture, helping to keep your fried pickles crispy.

If you want to reheat fried pickles, the oven, stovetop, or deep fryer are the best options to restore crispiness. However, if you are in a hurry, a microwave can also be used.

What to serve with fried pickles

Air-fried pickles are a delicious snack, appetizer, or side dish. They are best served hot and fresh out of the fryer, as they tend to lose their crispiness over time.

While these crunchy treats are yummy on their own, they go perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Here are some ideas for what to serve with your air-fried pickles:

Dipping Sauces

A tangy, spicy, or creamy sauce complements the salty, crispy, and juicy flavors of air-fried pickles. Here are some specific sauces to try:

• Ranch dressing: The cool, creamy flavor of ranch pairs perfectly with the tanginess of pickles. It's a classic choice that's sure to please.
• Honey mustard: The sweetness of honey mustard provides a nice contrast to the salty, briny pickles. It's an unexpected combination that works surprisingly well.
• Remoulade: This creamy, tangy sauce is similar to ranch but with a bit more kick. It's an excellent choice for those who want something a little different from the usual ranch.
• Fry sauce: This grown-up version of ketchup is a favorite for dipping french fries and has quickly become a go-to for air-fried pickles as well.
• Yum Yum Sauce: This light, sweet, and tangy sauce is an excellent choice for anything fried. It will add a unique flavor to your air-fried pickles.
• Cheese sauce: A rich, thick cheesy sauce is a perfect match for air-fried pickles. The sharpness of the cheese will balance out the brininess of the pickles.
• Spicy sauce: Mix mayo with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce to create a spicy dipping sauce. The heat will add an extra kick to your crispy pickles.

Main Course Ideas

Air-fried pickles make a great appetizer or side dish for a variety of main courses. Here are some ideas:

• BBQ chicken: The tanginess of the pickles goes well with the sweetness of BBQ sauce. Try serving air-fried pickles alongside BBQ chicken breasts or wings.
• Burgers: Air-fried pickles are a unique and tasty alternative to traditional burger toppings. Try them instead of, or in addition to, pickles and ranch on your next burger night.
• Fried foods: Air-fried pickles are a great addition to any fried food spread. Serve them alongside chicken wings, egg rolls, onion rings, or fried zucchini for a crispy and delicious feast.

Frequently asked questions