Air-Fried Pickles: A Healthy, Crunchy Treat?

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack that can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles, as they require little to no oil, and are a fun, easy appetizer to make. This recipe is perfect for those who love crunchy dill pickles and are looking for a unique way to enjoy them.

How to make fried pickles in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Pickles (dill pickles are recommended, but any type of pickle can be used)
• Flour (all-purpose or coconut flour for a low-carb version)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (Panko is recommended, but regular or Italian seasoned breadcrumbs will also work)
• Olive oil or cooking spray
• Optional: Parmesan, Italian seasoning, hot sauce, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, cornmeal, dill, or a dipping sauce like ranch dressing, fry sauce, or aioli

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to between 370°F and 400°F.
• Drain and dry the pickles. Place them on a paper towel or kitchen towel and pat them dry to remove excess brine.
• Prepare three small bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk an egg with a little water. In the third bowl, place the breadcrumbs. If you are using any additional seasonings, you can add them to the flour or the breadcrumbs.
• Dip the pickles first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumbs. Make sure each pickle is coated evenly.
• Place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray them with olive oil or cooking spray. Be careful not to overcrowd the basket—work in batches if necessary.
• Air fry the pickles for 8-14 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crisp.
• Serve immediately. Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, but leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Tips

• For the best results, use thick, uniform pickle slices. You can cut your own pickles to ensure they are the right thickness.
• Make sure the pickles are completely dry before coating and frying them. This will help the coating stick.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. This will ensure the hot air can circulate properly and give you the crispiest results.

The best type of pickles to use

When making fried pickles in an air fryer, it is recommended to use dill pickles. Bread and butter pickles can also be used, but dill pickles are the most commonly suggested type.

The shape of the pickles is also important. It is best to use uniformly sliced pickles, whether they are pickle chips, spears, or rounds. This will ensure even cooking. If using pickle spears, you may need to add a few minutes to the cooking time. You can cut your own pickles to achieve the desired thickness.

For the best flavour and texture, it is also recommended to pat the pickles dry before coating and cooking them.

How to make a low-carb version

Ingredients

• 2 cups of dill pickle slices
• 1 tablespoon of coconut flour
• 1 cup of crushed pork rind crumbs (or pork panko)
• 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon of ground black pepper
• Sea salt, to taste
• Avocado oil, to spray or brush (optional)

Optional dips:

• Ranch dressing
• Chipotle mayo
• Roasted garlic aioli
• Sour cream
• Ketchup

Method

• Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
• Pat the pickle slices dry with a kitchen or paper towel and place them in a large bowl.
• Sprinkle the pickles with coconut flour and toss gently to coat all sides.
• In a separate bowl, crack and whisk an egg.
• In another bowl, mix together the pork rind crumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Working in batches, dredge the pickle slices in the egg wash, shaking off any excess.
• Press the pickles into the pork rind mixture to coat all sides, then transfer to a plate. Repeat this process with the remaining pickle slices.
• Arrange the dill pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• For extra crispy pickles, spray or brush the pickles with avocado oil.
• Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through and spraying or brushing with avocado oil again.
• Serve immediately with your chosen dip!

Tips:

• Make sure to pat the pickles dry before coating them. This will help the coating stick and ensure they are crispy.
• If you don't have an air fryer, you can bake these in the oven at 400°F for around 7 minutes.
• You can also fry the coated pickles in a small layer of hot oil until brown and crispy.

How to make gluten-free fried pickles

Ingredients:

• Dill pickle slices (use uniform-sized slices, or cut your own)
• Gluten-free flour (or protein powder)
• Gluten-free breadcrumbs (or grated parmesan cheese)
• Eggs
• Oil for frying (extra virgin olive oil is recommended)
• Spices of your choice (e.g. smoked paprika, Italian seasoning, garlic powder)
• Dipping sauce (optional)

Method:

• Drain the pickles and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the coating stick better.
• Prepare your dredging station by placing the flour (or protein powder) in one bowl, whisking the eggs in another, and combining the breadcrumbs (or parmesan cheese) and spices in a third bowl.
• Dip each pickle first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then in the egg, and finally in the breadcrumb mixture. Use separate hands or utensils for the wet and dry coatings to avoid clumping.
• Place the coated pickles in a single layer in your air fryer basket or frying pan. Make sure they are not overcrowded to ensure even cooking and crispiness.
• Spritz or drizzle the pickles with oil and cook at around 400°F for 8-14 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer or frying method.
• Serve immediately with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Tips:

• Traditional fried pickles are breaded with flour, so be sure to use gluten-free flour or an alternative like protein powder for a gluten-free version.
• If using an air fryer, you can spritz the pickles with cooking spray instead of drizzling oil.
• Experiment with different types of pickles, such as dill or bread and butter pickles, to find your favourite.
• For a vegan option, use maple syrup mixed with mustard instead of eggs to bind the coating.

What to serve with fried pickles

Fried pickles are a delicious snack, appetizer or side dish. They aresection delicious on their own, but even better when served with a dipping sauce on the side.

If you're making air-fried pickles, you'll be pleased to know that they are healthier than deep-fried pickles, and there's less mess to clean up! But how do you make them taste even better?

• Ranch dressing is a classic, and popular choice.
• Honey mustard is another great option for those who like a little sweetness with their fried pickles.
• BBQ sauce is a tasty choice, especially if you're serving fried pickles as a side dish with a BBQ.
• Spicy mayo will add a kick to your fried pickles.
• Fry sauce is a grown-up version of ketchup and is a popular choice for french fries.
• Yum Yum Sauce is light, sweet, and tangy—an excellent choice for anything fried!
• Cheese sauce will be a rich, thick, and cheesy option that will pair well with the fried pickles.
• Remoulade sauce is another tasty option to try.
• Creamy chipotle sauce will add a spicy kick to your fried pickles.
• A tangy dipping sauce is a great option, especially if it's a mayo/ketchup mix with some extra additions.

So, there you have it! Whether you're serving fried pickles as a snack, appetizer, or side dish, there are plenty of delicious options to serve with them.

Frequently asked questions