How To Air Fry Frozen Fried Pickles To Perfection

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack that can be made at home. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles as they require little to no oil and are a quick and easy snack to make. But can you use frozen fried pickles in an air fryer?

What type of pickles to use?

When it comes to choosing pickles for your air fryer, there are a few options to consider. The type of pickle you use will depend on your personal preference, as well as the desired thickness of your fried pickles. Here are some options to choose from:

Dill Pickles:

Dill pickles are the most commonly recommended variety for air frying. They offer a tangy and zesty flavour that pairs well with the crispy coating. Dill pickle spears or thick slices are ideal as they provide more pickle in every bite. If you opt for dill pickle chips, it is recommended to cut them thicker than usual to avoid sogginess.

Bread and Butter Pickles:

Bread and butter pickles are slightly sweeter than dill pickles. While they can be used for air frying, some people find them to be too sweet for this purpose. If you do choose bread and butter pickles, be aware that the batter may end up dry and not as tasty.

Pickle Chips, Rounds, or Slices:

Pickle chips, also known as rounds, are great for snacking. If using this type, it is recommended to cut your own pickles to make them thicker. Sliced pickles offer a higher coating-to-pickle ratio, providing a satisfying crunch. For thicker slices, consider slicing large pickles yourself.

Pickle Spears:

Pickle spears have the most pickle flavour and are the juiciest option because of their thicker size. They may require a longer cooking time in the air fryer compared to chips or slices.

In summary, the type of pickle you choose depends on your taste preferences and the desired texture of your fried pickles. Dill pickles are the most popular choice, offering a tangy flavour that complements the crispy coating. Thicker slices or spears provide a more substantial bite, while thinner chips are great for snacking. Bread and butter pickles can be used but may result in a sweeter taste that some people find less appealing.

How to fry pickles in an air fryer

Ingredients

• Pickles (dill or bread and butter)
• Panko breadcrumbs
• An egg
• Extra-virgin olive oil
• Flour (optional)
• Cornmeal (optional)
• Ranch dressing (optional)
• Salt (optional)
• Cooking spray (optional)
• Egg whites (optional)
• Water (optional)
• Breadcrumbs (optional)
• Milk (optional)
• Paprika (optional)
• Black pepper (optional)
• Cayenne pepper (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Parmesan (optional)
• Mustard (optional)

Method

• Drain the pickles and pat them dry with paper towels.
• In one bowl, whisk an egg.
• In a second bowl, place the flour.
• In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
• (Optional: For a more complex breading, add egg whites and water to the second bowl and beat until frothy. Then, in a fourth bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and salt.)
• Dip the pickles first in the flour, then in the egg, and finally in the panko breadcrumbs.
• Drizzle the pickles with olive oil.
• Place the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they don't overlap.
• Air fry at 370-400°F for 8-14 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
• Serve immediately with a dipping sauce of your choice, such as remoulade or ranch dressing.

Tips

• Dry the pickles thoroughly before breading to ensure a crispy texture.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow for even cooking.
• Spritz the pickles with cooking spray before air frying for a golden brown finish.
• For a different flavor, toss the pickles in mustard before coating them in the flour mixture.

Tips for frying pickles

Dry the Pickles

Make sure to remove as much moisture as possible from the pickles before you bread them. The best way to do this is to lay them on a layer of paper towels and pat them dry with more paper towels. This will help the breading stick to the pickles and ensure they are crispy.

Use Thick Pickle Slices

Thicker dill pickle slices will hold up better to the breading process and are less likely to become soggy.

Don't Crowd the Air Fryer Basket

Arrange the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, with a little space around each pickle. This will allow the hot air to circulate and ensure that all the pickles become crispy and golden brown. If you crowd the basket, the pickles will steam and become soggy.

Use a Cooking Spray

Spraying the pickles with a cooking spray, such as olive oil, will help them to crisp up and turn golden brown. However, be cautious with the type of spray you use, as aerosol-powered cooking sprays can damage the finish on air fryers over time.

Drain the Pickles Well

Before coating the pickles in the breading mixture, make sure to drain and remove any excess juice or brine. This will help to prevent the pickles from becoming soggy.

Reheating and Storage

Air fryer fried pickles are best served fresh and straight from the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, cook them in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 2-5 minutes, or until crispy.

What to serve with fried pickles

Fried pickles are a delicious snack, but what should you serve with them? Here are some ideas to elevate your fried pickles and create a well-rounded meal or snack platter:

Dips

A dip is a classic pairing with fried pickles, and for good reason. The tangy, crispy pickles go well with a variety of creamy or spicy dips. Here are some dip ideas to try:

• Ranch dressing: A classic pairing that provides a cool, creamy contrast to the tangy pickles.
• Honey mustard: The sweetness of honey mustard can balance out the tartness of the pickles.
• BBQ sauce for a smoky, savoury flavour that complements the pickles.
• Spicy mayo: A creamy option with a kick.
• Fry sauce: A tangy, come-back condiment that is perfect for dipping fried pickles.
• Remoulade sauce: A creamy, tangy sauce that pairs well with the pickles.
• Creamy chipotle sauce: For a smoky, spicy kick.
• Vegan ranch: A plant-based option that still has the cool, creamy flavour of traditional ranch.
• Chipotle ranch dressing: All the flavour of ranch with a hint of spice.

Finger foods

Fried pickles are a great finger food, and they can be paired with other tasty snacks to create a delightful spread. Here are some ideas for finger foods to serve alongside fried pickles:

• Swedish meatballs
• Baked buffalo wings
• Classic cheese burger
• Onion rings
• French fries
• Zucchini chips
• Crispy cauliflower

Sides

Fried pickles can also be served as a side dish to accompany a variety of mains. Here are some ideas for what to serve with fried pickles as a side:

• Easy Tri Tip
• Honey Lime Berry Fruit Salad
• Ultimate Cornbread
• Hamburgers
• Hot dogs
• Pulled chicken
• Sloppy Joes

How to store air-fried pickles

Air-fried pickles are best served fresh, but they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To retain their texture, it is recommended to reheat them in an air fryer or oven at 350°F for about 5 minutes, or until crispy.

To store, let the pickles cool down completely, then place them in an airtight container. Put a paper towel between layers to keep them as crisp as possible.

To reheat, put the pickles back in the air fryer or oven and heat them at 350°F to 400°F for about 2 to 5 minutes, or until crispy. You can spritz them with a light spray of cooking oil to help with crispiness if needed.

Frequently asked questions