Air-Fried Pickles: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat

Air fryers are a great way to make crispy, crunchy, and juicy fried pickles. They are a healthier alternative to deep-frying, and the results are just as tasty. Fried pickles are a perfect snack or appetiser, and can be served with a variety of dipping sauces. They are easy to make and only require a few simple ingredients. The key to getting crispy fried pickles is to ensure that the pickles are dry before breading and frying them, and to spritz them with cooking spray before placing them in the air fryer.

How to prepare the pickles for frying

Preparing pickles for frying in an air fryer is a simple process, but it requires a few steps to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare pickles for frying:

Choose the Right Pickles:

Start by selecting the type of pickles you want to use. Dill pickles are a popular choice, but you can also use bread and butter pickles or even make your own homemade pickles. The key is to ensure that the pickles are uniform in shape and sliced to a thickness of about 1/4-inch. If you're making pickle chips or rounds, consider cutting them thicker for a better snacking experience.

Dry the Pickles:

Before you begin breading the pickles, it's crucial to remove as much moisture as possible. Place the pickles on paper towels or cotton towels and let them rest for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid. You can also pat them dry with additional towels to ensure they are as dry as possible. This step is important because it helps the coating adhere better to the pickles.

Set Up Your Workstation:

Line up three shallow bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, combine flour with any desired seasonings. You can use all-purpose flour or experiment with alternatives like almond flour or gluten-free flour blends. In the second bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking together eggs and, if desired, ingredients like pickle juice and any desired seasonings like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or hot sauce. For a vegan option, you can substitute the egg wash with a dairy-free milk alternative. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs and any desired seasonings. You can use panko breadcrumbs, whole wheat breadcrumbs, or a blend of both for extra crunch.

Coat the Pickles:

Now it's time to coat the pickles. Start by dipping the pickles in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides, and then shake off any excess. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, patting them gently to help the coating adhere. You can also double-coat the pickles by repeating the process for an extra crispy texture. Place the coated pickles on a plate or parchment paper while you work.

Add Oil and Seasonings:

Before placing the pickles in the air fryer, drizzle or spritz them with a small amount of oil. This step helps to enhance the crispness and golden color of the coating. You can use extra-virgin olive oil or a cooking spray with olive oil for the best flavor. Additionally, feel free to experiment with seasonings and spices in the breading to add extra flavor. Some popular options include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, Italian seasoning, paprika, or dried dill.

Finalize and Fry:

Arrange the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Give the tops of the pickles a final spritz with cooking spray, and then they're ready for frying!

The best type of pickles to use

When it comes to choosing the best type of pickles to use for your air fryer creation, there are a few options to consider. The type of pickle you choose will depend on your personal preference for taste and texture, as well as the availability of certain varieties in your area. Here are some options to consider:

Dill Pickles

Dill pickles are a popular choice for air fryer recipes due to their classic tangy flavour. They are often easily accessible in grocery stores and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. You can find them in the form of:

• Pickle spears: These are thicker cuts of pickles that offer a more substantial bite and a higher juice content.
• Pickle chips or rounds: These are great for snacking and can be cut into thicker slices to ensure a more substantial crunch.
• Sliced pickles: They offer a higher coating-to-pickle ratio, providing an enjoyable textural contrast.

Bread and Butter Pickles

Bread and butter pickles offer a slightly different flavour profile compared to dill pickles. They are often sweeter and can provide an interesting contrast to the salty, crispy coating achieved in the air fryer.

Homemade Pickles

If you're feeling adventurous, you can even make your own pickles at home! This allows you to customise the flavour, spice level, and thickness to your liking. Just be sure to follow a trusted recipe to ensure food safety.

Regardless of the type of pickle you choose, it's important to look for thicker slices or cut your own pickles to a thickness of about 1/4 inch. Thicker pickles will hold up better during the frying process and provide a more satisfying texture.

Additionally, it's crucial to ensure that your pickles are as dry as possible before coating and air-frying them. This will help the coating adhere better and result in a crispier final product.

How to make the pickles extra crispy

To make extra crispy fried pickles in an air fryer, there are a few steps you can take to ensure maximum crispiness. Firstly, remove as much liquid as possible from the pickles. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel before dredging them in flour and breading. The drier they are, the better the coating will stick.

Secondly, don't crowd the air fryer basket. Frying in batches is recommended to ensure the hot air can circulate properly. Also, only dredge the pickles when you are ready to air-fry them, so that the moisture doesn't soak into the breading.

Thirdly, spritz or spray the pickles with a little cooking spray or olive oil before frying. This will help them to crisp up and turn golden brown. You can also try toasting the breadcrumbs for a crunchier texture.

Finally, don't forget to serve them fresh and hot! Air-fried pickles are best enjoyed straight away, and they are delicious with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch dressing, fry sauce, aioli, or remoulade.

What to serve with air-fried pickles

Air-fried pickles are a delicious snack, appetiser, or side dish. They are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavour. While they are tasty on their own, they are even better when served with a dipping sauce on the side.

• Remoulade sauce
• Creamy chipotle sauce
• Vegan ranch
• Chipotle ranch dressing
• Fry sauce
• Aioli
• Yum yum sauce
• Cheese sauce
• Ranch dressing
• Spicy sauce made of mayo and sriracha
• Marinara
• Vegan queso
• Buffalo sauce
• Blue cheese dip
• Barbecue sauce

How to store leftover air-fried pickles

Air-fried pickles are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, there are a few ways to store them.

Firstly, it is important to let the air-fried pickles cool down completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. They will keep for up to three to four days.

To reheat the pickles, place them in a single layer in the air fryer, spritz them with a little cooking spray, and air-fry at 400°F for three to five minutes. You can also reheat them in the oven at 350°F, but it will take longer.

If you want to freeze your air-fried pickles, spread them onto a baking sheet and place them in the freezer until they are solid. Then, transfer the frozen pickles to an airtight, freezer-safe container or bag and store them for up to three months. Reheat them from frozen.

Frequently asked questions