Air-Fried Dill Pickles: A Crunchy, Tangy Treat

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack that can be made at home. They are crispy, crunchy, and full of flavour. The recipe is simple and easy to follow, and the air fryer does all the work for you. All you need are a few simple ingredients: pickles, flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and some spices. The process is straightforward – dry the pickles, dip them in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs, and then air fry until golden brown. The result is a crispy, juicy, and tangy snack that is perfect for any occasion.

Choosing the right pickles

The first step to making delicious fried dill pickles in an air fryer is to choose the right pickles. While it may be tempting to reach for any old jar of pickles, taking the time to select the perfect pickles will make a big difference in the final product. Here are some things to consider when choosing pickles for your air fryer:

Type of Pickle

The most popular type of pickle for this recipe is the dill pickle. Dill pickles have a tangy and punchy flavour that pairs well with the crispy coating created in the air fryer. However, don't be afraid to experiment with other types of pickles such as bread and butter pickles or even homemade pickles!

Shape and Size

When it comes to the shape of your pickles, you have a few options. You can use pickle spears, which are thicker and provide the most pickle flavour. Pickle chips or rounds are great for snacking and can be cut thicker if desired. Sliced pickles offer a higher coating-to-pickle ratio and are perfect for those who love the crunch. Regardless of the shape you choose, try to select pickles that are uniform in size and shape to ensure even cooking in the air fryer.

Thickness

The thickness of your pickle slices is also important. Avoid using pickles that are too thin, as they may not hold up well to the breading and frying process. Instead, opt for thicker slices, which will give you more pickle in every bite. If you're slicing the pickles yourself, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Dryness

Before you start the frying process, make sure your pickles are as dry as possible. Remove them from the brine and lay them on paper towels to absorb any excess moisture. The drier the pickles are, the better the coating will stick, resulting in a crispier final product.

Quantity

Finally, consider the quantity of pickles you will need. This will depend on the size of your air fryer and the number of people you are serving. As a general rule, it's always better to have too many pickles than too few, as you can always fry them in batches to avoid overcrowding your air fryer.

By taking the time to choose the right pickles, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious and crispy air-fried dill pickles that are sure to impress!

Preparing the pickles

• Start by choosing the right type of pickles. Dill pickles are the most popular choice for this recipe, and you can use either pickle spears or thick slices. Look for pickles that are uniform in size and shape, as this will help ensure even cooking. If you're slicing the pickles yourself, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.
• Before you begin dredging the pickles, it's important to dry them thoroughly. Place the pickles on paper towels and gently pat them dry to remove as much moisture as possible. This step is crucial because it helps the coating adhere to the pickles.
• Set up your dredging station by arranging three shallow bowls in a line. In the first bowl, combine all-purpose flour with salt and any desired seasonings, such as garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or Italian seasoning. You can also add a bit of hot sauce to the flour for an extra kick.
• In the second bowl, prepare the egg wash by whisking together eggs, a small amount of water, and, optionally, some pickle juice. You can also add seasonings to the egg wash, such as cayenne and garlic powder.
• In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and fresh or dried dill. You can use regular breadcrumbs or Panko, which will give the pickles an extra-crispy texture. If desired, you can also add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Now it's time to coat the pickles. Start by dipping each pickle 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 fully coated. Again, shake off any excess.
• Finally, dip the pickles into the breadcrumb mixture, gently pressing the crumbs onto the pickles to help the coating adhere. You can also add a sprinkle of hot sauce to the breadcrumbs for an extra spicy kick.
• Once all the pickles are coated, give them a light drizzle of olive oil or a spritz of cooking spray. This step will help the pickles achieve a golden, crispy texture during air frying.

Remember to work in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to creating delicious, crispy fried dill pickles!

Making the dredging mix

Firstly, you will need three separate bowls for the different parts of the dredging mix. In the first bowl, combine your dry ingredients. This typically includes flour and any seasonings you wish to add. You can use regular flour or opt for a gluten-free alternative if needed. Some recipes suggest adding salt to the flour mixture, while others recommend Italian seasoning or garlic powder for extra flavour.

The second bowl will contain your wet ingredients. This usually includes eggs, which act as a binder, and some form of liquid. Most recipes suggest using water, but you can also use milk or even pickle juice for added tanginess. If you want your fried pickles to be spicy, you can add some cayenne pepper to this mixture. Whisk the ingredients together until they are well combined.

The third bowl will contain your coating. This typically includes breadcrumbs, and you can use regular, seasoned, or panko breadcrumbs. Some recipes also add fresh or dried dill to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour. You can also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for an extra savoury kick.

Once you have prepared your three bowls, you are ready to start dredging your pickles. The process is simple: first, dip your pickles in the flour mixture, then coat them in the egg mixture, and finally, toss them in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the coating onto the pickles to ensure it adheres well. You can then place the coated pickles in the air fryer and cook according to your preferred recipe.

So, there you have it! A simple, step-by-step guide to making the dredging mix for air fryer fried dill pickles. With this guide, you'll be well on your way to enjoying delicious, crispy, and flavourful pickles in no time.

Coating the pickles

For the egg mixture, you can use a combination of eggs, water, and hot sauce, or simply eggs and pickle juice. You can also add extra seasoning to the egg mixture, such as cayenne pepper, salt, and garlic powder.

For the breadcrumb mixture, use Panko or seasoned breadcrumbs. You can also add fresh or dried dill, Italian seasoning, or Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Once your dredging station is set up, it's time to coat the pickles. Start by dipping the pickles in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, and then into the breadcrumb mixture, pressing the crumbs to help the coating adhere. Make sure to coat both sides of the pickles at each step.

After coating, place the pickles in a single layer on a greased tray or plate, being careful not to overcrowd them. Work in batches if necessary. Spray the pickles with cooking spray, which will help them get crispy and golden brown.

Cooking the pickles

Now that your pickles are coated, it's time to cook them in the air fryer. Place the pickles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap. This will ensure that the hot air can circulate around the pickles and cook them evenly. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook the pickles in batches.

Before placing the pickles in the air fryer, spray them with cooking spray. This will help them to get golden brown and crispy. You can also spritz them with cooking spray halfway through the cooking process, after you've flipped them over.

Set the air fryer to 400°F and cook the pickles for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The total cooking time will be around 10-14 minutes. Keep an eye on the pickles to make sure they don't burn, and adjust the cooking time as needed.

Once the pickles are done, remove them from the air fryer and place them on a serving plate. Lightly sprinkle them with salt, if desired. If you are cooking the pickles in batches, keep the first batch warm by placing them in the oven at a low temperature while you cook the remaining pickles.

Your air fryer fried pickles are now ready to be served! Serve them with your favourite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, fry sauce, aioli, or cheese sauce. Enjoy the crispy, juicy, and tangy treat!

Frequently asked questions