Frying Pickles In An Air Fryer: Quick And Crispy!

Air fryer pickles are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles. They are crunchy, crispy, and full of flavour. The air fryer's heat circulation means that a batch of these zesty pickles cooks in just 10-15 minutes. This makes them a quick and easy snack or appetizer.

How to get the breading to stick to the pickles

Frying pickles in an air fryer is a healthier alternative to deep-frying them, and they taste just as good! Here are some tips to ensure the breading sticks to the pickles:

Dry the Pickles

The first step to ensuring the breading sticks to the pickles is to remove as much moisture as possible. Place the pickles on a layer of paper towels and gently pat them dry with more paper towels. This will help to remove excess moisture and ensure the coating adheres better.

Use a Breading Station

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour and any desired seasonings. In the second bowl, whisk together an egg wash with egg, pickle juice, and seasonings. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and any additional spices.

Coat the Pickles

Now, you're ready to coat the pickles! Start by dipping the pickles in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, patting to help the coating adhere.

Freeze the Pickles

Freezing the pickles for at least 30 minutes before breading them can also help the coating adhere better. This step is optional but may be useful if you're having trouble with the breading sticking.

Spray with Cooking Spray

After coating the pickles, give them a light spritz of cooking spray. This will help the pickles achieve a golden brown color and extra crispiness.

Don't Overcrowd the Air Fryer

When placing the coated pickles in the air fryer, work in batches to ensure they cook evenly and don't overcrowd the basket. This will allow for proper air circulation and a crisp texture.

By following these steps, you should be able to get the breading to stick to your pickles, resulting in delicious, crispy fried pickles from your air fryer!

How to make extra crispy fried pickles

Ingredients

• Pickles (dill or bread and butter)
• Seasoned flour (all-purpose flour with salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper)
• Egg wash (eggs, pickle juice, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder)
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Fresh dill
• Cooking spray
• Ranch dressing, remoulade sauce, or chipotle sauce (optional, for dipping)

Method

• Prepare the pickles: Place the pickles on paper towels and let them rest for about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid. The pickles should be as dry as possible to help the coating stick.
• Create a dredging station: Line up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine the flour with salt, paprika, and cayenne pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs, pickle juice, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs and fresh dill.
• Coat the pickles: Dip the pickles into the flour mixture, coating both sides, and shake off any excess. Then, dip them into the egg mixture and then into the breadcrumb mixture, patting to help the coating adhere.
• Air-fry the pickles: Place the pickles in a single layer on a greased tray in the air fryer basket. Work in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook at 400°F for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• Flip and spritz: Turn the pickles over and spritz them with cooking spray. Air-fry for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: For extra crispiness, you can toast the breadcrumbs before serving. Enjoy your extra crispy fried pickles as a snack or appetizer. Serve with a creamy dipping sauce like ranch dressing, remoulade sauce, or chipotle sauce on the side if desired.

Tips for Extra Crispy Fried Pickles:

• Choose thicker pickle slices or spears to ensure they don't become soggy during the frying process.
• Make sure to pat the pickles dry thoroughly before coating them in the batter.
• Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket. Fry in batches if needed to maintain a single layer of pickles.
• Spritz the pickles with cooking spray before air frying to help them achieve a golden brown color and extra crispiness.
• Flip the pickles halfway through the cooking process to ensure even browning and crispiness on both sides.

The best type of pickles to use

When it comes to choosing the best pickles for air frying, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, it's important to select pickles that are uniform in shape and sliced to a suitable thickness. While you can use pre-sliced pickle chips, it's recommended to cut your own pickles to achieve a thicker slice, which results in a better texture and more pickle flavour in every bite. Dill pickles are the variety of choice for most recipes, but feel free to experiment with other types such as spicy or bread-and-butter pickles.

If you want to get creative, you can also use pickle spears, which have the most pickle flavour and are the juiciest due to their thicker size. However, keep in mind that if you're using the air fryer, pickle slices might fit better. Regardless of the type you choose, always ensure that your pickles are well-drained and patted dry before coating and air frying. This step is crucial to achieving a crispy texture and preventing sogginess.

In conclusion, the best type of pickles to use for air frying are dill pickles that are uniformly shaped and cut into thicker slices. However, don't be afraid to experiment with different varieties and cuts to find your favourite. Just remember to dry them well before cooking!

How to store and reheat fried pickles

Air-fried pickles are best served fresh. However, if you have leftovers, there are several ways to store and reheat them.

Storing Fried Pickles

Fried pickles should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last about 2-3 days in the fridge. To prevent them from getting soggy, place a paper towel under and on top of the pickles to absorb any excess oil and moisture.

Reheating Fried Pickles

There are several methods you can use to reheat fried pickles, each with varying results in terms of convenience, crispiness, and texture.

• Microwave: This is the fastest and easiest method if you're in a hurry or don't have access to a full kitchen. Place the pickles between two paper towels on a microwave-safe plate and heat for 30 seconds at 50% power. While this method won't yield extremely crispy pickles, it's a convenient option.
• Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the pickles on a non-stick baking sheet or wire rack, leaving space between them. Bake for 10 minutes, then flip and bake for another 10-15 minutes, looking for slight browning and sizzling grease. Remove and let cool for 5-10 minutes to increase crispiness.
• Stovetop/Skillet: Heat a frying pan on medium-high with enough oil to coat the bottom. Add the pickles and cook for 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let cool on a paper towel or wire rack for 4-5 minutes.
• Deep Fryer: If you have a deep fryer, this is the best method for achieving the crispiest results. Heat the oil to 350°F-355°F and carefully place the pickles in the fryer. Fry for 3-5 minutes until golden brown. Remove and let cool on a paper towel or wire rack for a few minutes.
• Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place the pickles in a single layer in the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 3-4 minutes, then flip and air fry for another 3-4 minutes. Check for doneness and extend the frying time if needed, being careful not to overcook.

While the air fryer method may not yield the same level of crispiness as the deep fryer, it is faster, healthier, and more effective than the microwave, oven, or stovetop methods. It's important to note that results may vary depending on the specific model of your air fryer and the size and thickness of your pickles.

What to serve with fried pickles

Fried pickles are a great snack on their own, but there are plenty of options to serve alongside them. They are often served as a side dish or appetiser, and can be accompanied by a variety of sauces and dips.

A popular choice to serve with fried pickles is a creamy dip such as ranch dressing, fry sauce, aioli, or a spicy mayo. You could also try a tangy, spicy sauce like sriracha, barbecue, honey mustard, or tzatziki.

If you want to serve fried pickles as part of a larger meal, they go well with other fried foods like French fries, potato chips, chicken wings, onion rings, or even a juicy hamburger. They can also be served as part of a BBQ menu, alongside dishes like tri-tip, honey lime berry fruit salad, and cornbread.

For a lighter option, you could serve fried pickles with a salad, such as a romaine and tomato salad, or a side of vegetables like roasted carrots, broccoli mash, or green beans.

Frequently asked questions