Air-Fried Pickles: A Quick, Crunchy Delight

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack or appetiser that can be made at home. They are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavour. The air fryer gives them a golden crunch on the outside while keeping the crunch of the pickle on the inside. This method is also healthier than deep-frying, as it requires less oil.

Pickles to use

The best type of pickle to use for this recipe is a dill pickle, which can be bought pre-sliced or as pickle spears. If you're slicing the pickles yourself, try to make them about 1/4-inch thick. Bread and butter pickles or even homemade pickles can also be used.

If you're buying pre-sliced pickles, look for uniform slices, as this will help them cook evenly. Pickle chips or rounds are great for snacking, but if you want more of a punch of pickle flavour, opt for thicker-cut pickle spears.

You can also slice your own pickles from large pickles to create thicker slices, which will give you more pickle in every bite.

One source suggests that thicker-cut pickles will hold up better to the breading.

Breading options

The breading is the key to achieving the perfect fried pickles in an air fryer. The options below will ensure a crunchy, crispy coating that complements the juicy, tangy pickles.

Option 1: Flour, Egg, and Breadcrumbs

This classic combination will give you a delicious, crispy crust. Start by dredging your pickles in plain flour or seasoned flour (a simple combination of flour, salt, and pepper will do). Next, dip them in an egg wash (a mixture of egg and water or milk) and finally, coat them in breadcrumbs. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs, which will give your pickles an extra-crispy texture.

Option 2: Flour, Egg, and Cornmeal

For a slightly different texture, you can replace the breadcrumbs with cornmeal. Follow the same steps as above, dredging in flour, dipping in egg, and then coating with cornmeal. This method will give your pickles a crunchier bite.

Option 3: Low-Carb Version

For a low-carb option, replace the flour with almond flour and the breadcrumbs with a combination of almond flour and crushed pork rinds. You can also add some extra crunch and flavour by including spices like cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning in your flour mixture.

Tips for the Perfect Breading:

• Make sure your pickles are very dry before you start breading them. The drier they are, the better the coating will stick.
• Work in batches. Air fry one batch while you bread the next set of pickles to ensure efficiency.
• Don't overcrowd your air fryer. Cook the pickles in a single layer and work in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness.
• Reheat all the batches for about a minute before serving to ensure they're all nice and hot.
• If desired, spritz the pickles with cooking spray or olive oil before placing them in the air fryer for some extra crispness and colour.

Egg wash

An egg wash is a crucial step in achieving that golden-brown, shiny finish on your fried pickles. It also helps the breadcrumbs adhere to the pickles, ensuring a crispy and crunchy texture. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare and apply an egg wash for fried pickles:

Preparing the Egg Wash:

Start by whisking one egg in a small bowl. You can use the entire egg or just the egg yolk, depending on your preference. A whole egg will give a deep golden-brown color, while an egg yolk will result in a slightly darker finish. Add one tablespoon of liquid, such as water, milk, or cream. Water will give a glossy finish, milk will yield a medium gloss, and cream will produce the most gloss. Whisk the egg and liquid together until they are well combined and smooth, with no lumps or stringy bits of egg remaining. You can also add a pinch of salt to the mixture for flavor and to enhance the browning effect.

Applying the Egg Wash:

Before dipping the pickles in the egg wash, ensure they are thoroughly dry. You can pat them with paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. Use a pastry brush to lightly coat each pickle with the egg wash. Make sure to brush it on evenly, covering all the surfaces of the pickles. The egg wash will act as a binder, helping the breadcrumbs stick to the pickles during the frying process.

Storing and Reusing Egg Wash:

If you have any leftover egg wash, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Egg wash made with water can be stored for up to 5 days, while those made with milk or cream can be stored for up to 3 days. Before reusing the egg wash, make sure to give it a good whisk to ensure it is fully combined.

Tips for a Successful Egg Wash:

• Make sure your pickles are completely dry before applying the egg wash. Any moisture on the surface can affect the adhesion of the breadcrumbs and the overall crispness of the fried pickles.
• If you want a richer color and shine, go for a whole egg and cream combination. For a lighter effect, use water or milk.
• Always whisk the egg wash thoroughly before use, and re-stir it if it has been sitting for a while. This ensures a smooth and lump-free mixture.
• Pay attention to the bake time if you choose to skip the egg wash. Your fried pickles may brown more quickly, so adjust the timing accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Cooking spray

Firstly, ensure you are using an olive oil-based cooking spray, as this will impart the best flavour. You can also use extra-virgin olive oil, drizzled or brushed onto the pickles, but a spray is more convenient and helps control the amount of oil used.

After drying the pickles thoroughly with paper towels, and before coating them in the flour mixture, give each pickle a light spritz of cooking spray. This will help the flour stick to the pickles. You can also spritz the flour-coated pickles again before dipping them in the egg mixture, for an extra-crispy finish.

Once the pickles have been coated in the flour, egg, and breadcrumb mixture, spritz them one final time before placing them in the air fryer. This will help the breadcrumbs cook to a perfect golden brown, and ensure your pickles are crunchy and delicious.

Finally, when the pickles are done frying, give them one last light spritz of cooking spray. This will help keep them crispy and prevent them from drying out or becoming soggy.

Using cooking spray is an easy way to ensure your air fryer fried pickles are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavour.

Dipping sauces

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack, but they're even better with a dipping sauce on the side. Here are some dipping sauce options to try with your air fryer fried pickles:

Ranch Dressing

A classic option that pairs perfectly with the tangy, crispy fried pickles. You can make your own ranch dressing by mixing buttermilk, mayo, and sour cream, along with fresh or dried dill, pickle juice, and chopped pickles. Or, simply use store-bought ranch dressing if you're short on time.

Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade sauce is another excellent choice for a dipping sauce. It has a creamy texture and a slightly tangy flavour that complements the fried pickles well.

Fry Sauce

Fry sauce is a grown-up version of ketchup that is commonly used as a dipping sauce for french fries. It has a tangy flavour that also pairs well with the brininess of fried pickles.

Yum Yum Sauce

This sauce is light, sweet, and tangy, making it a perfect choice for anything fried, including your air fryer fried pickles.

Cheese Sauce

A rich and thick cheese sauce is an indulgent option that will take your fried pickles to the next level. The creaminess of the cheese sauce will balance out the tanginess of the pickles.

Cajun Dipping Sauce

For a spicy kick, try a Cajun dipping sauce made with mayonnaise, ketchup, and Cajun seasoning. This sauce will add a subtle tanginess and a nice contrast to the crispy texture of the fried pickles.

Frequently asked questions