Air Fryer Breaded Pickles: A Quick, Crispy Treat

Air fryer pickles are a delicious, healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles. They are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavour. They are also incredibly easy to make, requiring minimal ingredients and clean-up. All you need to do is dry your pickles, coat them in a simple flour and egg mixture, and then cook them in the air fryer for a few minutes. You can also add some spices to the flour for an extra kick. Serve them up with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or spicy mayo, and enjoy!

Choosing the right pickles

When it comes to choosing the right pickles for your air fryer, there are a few things to keep in mind. Firstly, it's important to select pickles that are uniform in size and shape. This will ensure even cooking and allow for a consistent coating. Look for thick-cut or thick-sliced dill pickles, as these have the most pickle flavour and are the juiciest. You can also use pickle spears or rounds, but make sure they are not too thin. If you can't find pre-sliced pickles that are thick enough, you can always cut your own.

While dill pickles are the classic choice for frying, you can also experiment with other varieties. Bread-and-butter pickles or even homemade pickles can be used for a unique twist. If you like your food spicy, you can opt for spicy pickles or add some spice to your coating. However, if you're a garlic lover, it's best to stick to granulated garlic or garlic powder rather than garlic salt, as this can be overpowering.

Before coating your pickles, it's essential to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating adhere better and prevent the pickles from becoming soggy during frying. It's also a good idea to let the pickles air dry for about 15 minutes after patting them dry, to ensure they are as dry as possible.

When it comes to coating your pickles, you have a few options. You can use a simple flour coating, or go for something more complex like a combination of flour, egg, and breadcrumbs. If you're gluten-intolerant, you can use coconut flour or a gluten-free flour blend instead of regular flour. For an extra crispy texture, opt for panko breadcrumbs. You can also add some cornmeal or crushed pork rinds to your coating for added crunch. If you're feeling creative, toss in some snipped fresh dill or dried dill for extra flavour.

Preparing the pickles

• Start by selecting the right pickles. Look for dill pickle slices or spears that are uniform in size and about 1/4-inch thick. You can also use other types of pickles like bread and butter pickles or even homemade pickles.
• Before you begin coating the pickles, it's important to dry them thoroughly. Place the pickles on a layer of paper towels and pat them dry with more paper towels. This step is crucial as it helps the coating adhere better and prevents sogginess.
• Set up your dredging station by arranging three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with salt. You can also add some garlic powder and cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra flavour.
• In the second bowl, prepare the egg wash by whisking together eggs and a small amount of water. You can also add some pickle juice and hot sauce to this mixture if you like.
• In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with fresh or dried dill. You can use regular breadcrumbs or panko breadcrumbs for an extra crispy texture.
• Now, you're ready to start coating the pickles. First, dip the pickles in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour.
• Next, dip the floured pickles into the egg mixture, ensuring they are completely coated. Again, shake off any excess.
• Finally, toss the pickles in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere to the pickles.
• At this point, you can also add some extra flavour and crispiness by spritzing the coated pickles with cooking spray or drizzling them with olive oil.
• Place the coated pickles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overlapping. This ensures proper air circulation and even cooking.

By following these steps, you'll have perfectly prepared pickles that are ready to be air-fried to crispy, golden perfection!

Making the dredging station

Firstly, you'll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with salt. You can use all-purpose flour or, for a low-carb option, coconut flour or almond flour. The flour will help create a nice crust on the pickles. In this first bowl, you can also add in some spices and seasonings of your choice. Some popular options include garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, and Cajun spice.

In the second bowl, you'll create an egg wash by whisking together eggs and a bit of liquid. You can use just eggs, or add in some water, pickle juice, or milk. This egg wash will act as a binder, helping the flour and breadcrumbs adhere to the pickles.

The third bowl will contain the breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice as they create an extra-crispy coating. However, you can also use seasoned breadcrumbs or a combination of almond flour and crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option. For extra flavour, you can add in some Parmesan cheese, cornmeal, or fresh/dried dill.

Once you've prepared the three bowls, you're ready to start dredging the pickles. Make sure to pat the pickles dry before you begin, as this will help the coating stick better. Dip each pickle first in the flour mixture, then in the egg wash, and finally, into the breadcrumb mixture. You can use tongs for this process to keep your fingers clean. Make sure to coat each pickle evenly and shake off any excess before moving to the next bowl.

After dredging, place the breaded pickles on a plate or parchment paper, and you're ready to move on to the next step of cooking them in the air fryer!

Coating the pickles

Once the pickles are dry, you can begin the coating process. Set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour and any desired seasonings. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and any additional liquids, such as water or pickle juice. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and any extra ingredients like Parmesan cheese or Italian seasoning.

Take each pickle and dip it first into the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Shake off any excess flour before moving on to the next step. Next, dip the floured pickle into the egg mixture, ensuring it is completely coated. Finally, toss the pickle in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to help the coating adhere. Repeat this process for all the pickles.

Some recipes suggest freezing the pickles for at least 30 minutes before breading them, as this can help the coating stick better. Additionally, you can spritz or spray the coated pickles with cooking spray or olive oil to help them achieve a golden brown colour and extra crispiness.

Air-frying the pickles

Next, set up three small bowls for the dredging station. In the first bowl, combine flour with salt. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs, water, and any additional seasonings of your choice, such as hot sauce or pickle juice. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with parmesan and Italian seasoning, or fresh dill.

Now it's time to coat the pickles. Start by dipping each pickle in the flour mixture, ensuring both sides are coated, and then shake off any excess flour. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture, gently patting to help the coating adhere.

Place the coated pickles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. Spray the pickles generously with cooking spray or lightly drizzle them with olive oil.

Air-fry the pickles at 390-400°F for 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy. Then, flip the pickles, spritz them again with cooking spray, and air-fry for another 5-7 minutes.

Your air-fried pickles are now ready to be served! Enjoy them as a crispy, crunchy, and tangy snack or appetizer.

Frequently asked questions