Air-Fryer Fried Pickles: Quick, Crispy, And Delicious!

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack or appetizer that can be made in just a few minutes. They are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried pickles, as they are made with minimal ingredients and require little to no oil. The preparation is simple: coat your pickles of choice in a breading mixture and air fry until golden brown. The result is a crispy, crunchy, and juicy treat that is perfect for game days, summer happy hours, or any time you're craving something savoury.

How to get the breading to stick to the pickles

The key to getting the breading to stick to the pickles is to ensure that the pickles are as dry as possible before you start the breading process. This is because the moisture from the pickles can prevent the breading from sticking. To do this, lay the pickles on a paper towel and pat them dry. You can also let them air dry for about 15 minutes.

Once the pickles are dry, it's time to start the breading process. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour and any dry seasonings you want to use, such as salt, pepper, paprika, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs, pickle juice, and any other wet ingredients such as milk or buttermilk. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and any additional ingredients such as fresh dill.

Now you are ready to start breading 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, and then back into the flour mixture. Finally, dip them into the breadcrumb mixture, patting them to help the coating adhere.

It's important to work in small batches when breading the pickles, as the moisture from the pickles can make the breading mixture wet and clumpy over time. If this happens, simply add some extra breadcrumbs and stir to combine.

Once all your pickles are breaded, they are ready to be cooked in your air fryer!

How to make the fried pickles extra crispy

To make extra crispy fried pickles in an air fryer, there are a few key steps to follow:

Dry the Pickles

Start by removing as much liquid as possible from the pickles. Place the pickles on paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and pat them dry. This step is important because it helps the coating adhere to the pickles better. Let them rest for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is almost completely absorbed.

Prepare the Coating

Set up three shallow bowls for dredging. In the first bowl, combine flour with salt and/or other seasonings of your choice, such as garlic powder or cayenne pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together an egg or two with a small amount of water or pickle juice. For a keto version, you can use almond flour instead of regular flour.

The third bowl is for the breadcrumbs. You can use Panko breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs. For a low-carb option, substitute the breadcrumbs with a combination of almond flour and crushed pork rinds. You can also add fresh or dried dill to the breadcrumbs for extra flavor.

Dredge the Pickles

Dip the pickles first in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dunk them in the egg mixture to coat them completely, and finally, toss them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to make sure the coating adheres. You can also double-dredge the pickles by repeating the process for an extra crispy coating.

Use Cooking Spray

Before placing the pickles in the air fryer, spritz them with cooking spray. This will help them get golden brown and extra crispy. An olive oil or olive oil-based cooking spray is recommended for the best flavor.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

Place the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. If necessary, cook the pickles in batches to avoid overcrowding. This is important because overcrowding can prevent the hot air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy pickles.

Flip and Spritz Again

After air-frying the pickles for about 5-7 minutes, flip them over and spritz with cooking spray again. Air fry for another 5-7 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy.

Serve Immediately

Air-fried pickles are best served fresh and hot. They tend to lose their crispiness over time, so it's best to serve them right away. You can also reheat any leftovers in the air fryer for a couple of minutes to restore some crispiness.

How to serve air-fried pickles

Air-fried pickles are a delicious snack and even better when served with a side of sauce. Here are some tips on how to serve air-fried pickles:

Choose the Right Pickles

Opt for pickle slices that are thick and sturdy, such as dill pickles, to withstand the frying process without becoming too soggy. You can also experiment with other flavours like spicy or bread-and-butter pickles for a unique twist.

Prepare the Pickles

Before coating the pickles in batter, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the batter adhere better and prevents the pickles from becoming too watery during frying. You can also try freezing the pickles for at least 30 minutes before breading them to help the coating stick even better.

Create a Flavourful Coating

While a simple coating of flour and breadcrumbs will work, you can also experiment with different seasonings to add extra flavour. Try adding garlic powder, Italian seasoning, or even a spicy kick with cayenne pepper or sriracha. If you're feeling creative, you can also try using different types of breadcrumbs, such as seasoned or gluten-free, or alternative flours like coconut or almond flour for a low-carb option.

Preheat and Cook

Preheat your air fryer before adding the pickles to ensure even cooking and that perfect crispy texture. Arrange the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. This allows for proper air circulation and even cooking. Depending on your air fryer, set the temperature between 370°F to 400°F and cook for 8 to 15 minutes, flipping them halfway through.

Serve with Dipping Sauces

Air-fried pickles are fantastic on their own, but they're even better with a variety of dipping sauces. Try serving them with ranch dressing, fry sauce, remoulade sauce, chipotle ranch dressing, or get creative with your own sauce combinations!

Storage and Reheating

Air-fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, straight out of the air fryer. However, if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. To reheat, simply place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes until heated through and crispy.

How to store air-fried pickles

Air-fried pickles are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

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

How to reheat air-fried pickles

Air-fried pickles are best served fresh, but if you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three to four days.

To reheat air-fried pickles, you can use an air fryer, oven, stovetop, or a deep fryer. Reheating in an air fryer is a convenient, quick, and efficient method that preserves the taste and texture of the pickles. Here is a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Preheat the Air Fryer

Set your air fryer to a higher temperature than you would typically use for cooking. Aim for around 375-400°F (190-200°C). Preheat the air fryer for a couple of minutes.

Step 2: Prepare the Pickles

Place the fried pickles in a single layer inside the air fryer basket, ensuring they are not overcrowded. This arrangement will allow for even heating and help maintain crispiness.

Step 3: Lightly Spray the Pickles

Lightly coat the pickles with cooking spray. This step helps re-crisp the breading without adding excess oil.

Step 4: Reheat the Pickles

Place the air fryer basket inside and reheat the pickles for 3-5 minutes. Flip the pickles halfway through to ensure even heating and crispiness on all sides.

Step 5: Serve Immediately

Once the pickles are heated through and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. For extra flavor, sprinkle some seasonings, herbs, or hot sauce on top.

Tips for Optimal Results:

• Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket to ensure even heating and crispiness.
• Use a higher temperature setting, as this helps quickly re-crisp the pickles.
• Lightly spray the pickles with oil before reheating to enhance crispiness.
• Monitor the pickles closely to prevent overcooking or burning.
• Flip the pickles halfway through for even reheating.

Reheating Using Other Methods:

While an air fryer is a convenient option, you can also reheat air-fried pickles using an oven, stovetop, or deep fryer. These methods may require more time and cleanup but can deliver excellent results.

For example, when reheating in an oven, preheat it to 400°F. Oil a non-stick baking sheet or use aluminum foil. Lay the pickles on the tray, allowing space between them. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10-15 minutes, keeping an eye on them to prevent burning.

Reheating air-fried pickles in a frying pan involves placing them in a pan with heated oil over medium-high heat. Cook for 2-3 minutes, flip, and then cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown.

Deep frying is the best method for achieving the crispest results. Simply heat the deep fryer to 350°F and carefully place the pickles in the fryer for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.

Each of these methods will help you enjoy your leftover air-fried pickles with a crispy texture and delicious flavor.

Frequently asked questions