Air-Fryer Pickle Chips: A Crunchy, Crispy Treat

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack that can be made at home with just a few simple ingredients. They are crunchy, crispy, and full of flavour. This recipe is a healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles, and the air fryer also makes it a lot less messy!

Pickles to use

When making fried pickle chips in an air fryer, it is recommended to use dill pickles. Bread and butter pickles can also be used, but dill pickles are the most commonly suggested type.

The pickles can be bought pre-sliced, or you can slice them yourself. If you slice them yourself, it is recommended to make them a bit thicker than store-bought pickle chips. This will give you a higher coating to pickle ratio and more pickle in every bite. It is also important to ensure that the pickle slices are uniform in size and shape so that they cook evenly.

If you are using pre-sliced pickles, it is recommended to buy a 16-ounce jar of dill pickle chips.

Breading options

The breading is what gives fried pickle chips their signature crunch and flavour. There are a few different breading options to choose from when making fried pickle chips in an air fryer.

Panko Breadcrumbs

Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice for fried pickle chips as they create a crispy coating. They can be used on their own or combined with other ingredients such as Italian seasoning, dried dill, or Parmesan cheese.

Regular Breadcrumbs

Regular breadcrumbs can also be used, either plain or seasoned. They will give a slightly different texture to panko breadcrumbs but will still result in a tasty, crispy chip.

Gluten-free Breadcrumbs

For those with gluten intolerance or celiac disease, gluten-free breadcrumbs are an option. These can be made from a variety of gluten-free flours such as coconut flour, almond flour, or a gluten-free flour blend.

Cornmeal

Cornmeal can be used on its own or combined with breadcrumbs to create a unique texture and flavour. It adds a bit of sweetness and a crispy exterior to the pickle chips.

Flour

Flour is typically used as the first step in the breading process, creating a base for the other coatings to stick to. It can be used on its own or seasoned with salt, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, or other spices.

When choosing a breading option, consider the desired texture, flavour, and any dietary restrictions. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different combinations of ingredients to find your perfect breading blend!

Egg wash

An egg wash is a mixture of beaten eggs and another liquid, such as water or milk, brushed onto the surface of a food item before baking. In this case, the egg wash is used to bind the panko breadcrumbs to the pickles.

How to Make an Egg Wash

Start by placing one whole egg in a small bowl or container. The egg should be at room temperature. Add one tablespoon of cool or room temperature water (not hot) and whisk well to combine, ensuring there are no lumps or stringy bits.

Storing Egg Wash

While a whole egg combined with water is the standard, there are several alternatives that can be used:

• Whole egg and milk or cream: This will give a slightly lighter golden color to your fried pickles.
• Whole egg only: Whisking a whole egg without any additional liquid will result in a deep golden brown color.
• Egg yolk only: If you only have an egg yolk, you can use that. Mix it with a little water first.
• Egg white only: Using only the egg white will give a clear, shiny finish rather than a golden brown one.
• Milk or cream: Brushing your food item with milk or cream before baking will work, but it won't brown the food.
• Plant-based milk: If you need a dairy-free option, plant-based milk can be used, but it will not have the same browning effect due to its lower protein content.
• Butter: Brushing butter onto your food item before baking will result in a matte finish, rather than a shiny one.

Cooking spray

Firstly, you should spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. This will prevent the pickles from sticking to the basket and make them easier to remove once they are cooked.

Secondly, spritz the pickles themselves with cooking spray. This will help them to crisp up and achieve the desired golden brown colour. It is best to use an olive oil cooking spray for the best flavour.

Finally, after flipping the pickles, spritz them with cooking spray again. This will ensure that both sides of the pickles are evenly cooked and achieve the same level of crispiness and colour.

It is important to note that, while cooking spray is an important step, it is not the only factor that contributes to the crispiness of the pickles. The pickles must also be thoroughly dried before cooking, and the breading mixture must be prepared correctly.

Dipping sauces

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack, appetiser, or side, and there are a variety of sauces that can be served alongside them. Here are some ideas for dipping sauces to accompany your air fryer fried pickles.

Ranch Dressing

A popular choice to serve with fried pickles is ranch dressing. You can make your own by mixing buttermilk, mayo, and sour cream, and adding fresh or dried dill, pickle juice, and chopped pickles. You can also add fresh dill, pickle juice, and chopped pickles to store-bought ranch.

Fry Sauce

Fry sauce is a grown-up version of ketchup and is a favourite dipping sauce for french fries. It is also a great choice for fried pickles.

Yum Yum Sauce

This sauce is light, sweet, and tangy, and an excellent choice for anything fried.

Cheese Sauce

A rich, thick cheese sauce is another great option to dunk your fried pickles into.

Remoulade Sauce

Remoulade sauce is another great option to serve with air fryer fried pickles.

Spicy Mayo

Make a spicy dipping sauce by mixing mayo and sriracha to taste.

Cajun Dipping Sauce

For a creamy Cajun dipping sauce to pair with your fried pickles, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and Cajun seasoning.

Frequently asked questions