Fried Pickle Spears: Air Fryer Perfection

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack that can be made in just a few simple steps. They are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried pickles, as they use significantly less oil and still deliver a crispy texture. The process is easy: coat your pickles in flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs, then place them in the air fryer for a few minutes. You can also experiment with different types of pickles, spices, and dips to find your perfect combination.

Choosing the right pickles

When making fried pickle spears in an air fryer, the type of pickle you choose can make a big difference to the overall taste and texture of the dish. Here are some factors to consider when selecting your pickles:

Type of Pickle

While dill pickles are the most commonly used variety for fried pickle recipes, you can experiment with different types of pickles to suit your taste preferences. Spicy pickles, bread-and-butter pickles, or even sweet pickles can add a unique twist to your fried pickle spears. If you're a pickle enthusiast, feel free to explore different varieties to find your favourite.

Pickle Shape and Size

The shape and size of your pickles will impact the cooking process and the final texture of your fried spears. Pickle spears tend to have the most pickle flavour and are the juiciest option because they are thicker. Pickle chips or rounds are great for snacking, but if you're making these, consider cutting your own pickles to make them thicker. Sliced pickles offer a good balance between coating and pickle, and you can slice your own from large pickles to get thicker slices.

Pickle Thickness

For fried pickle spears, it is recommended to use pickles that are about 1/4-inch thick. Thicker pickles will provide a better texture and ensure that your spears don't become too soggy during the frying process. If you're slicing your own pickles, aim for a uniform thickness to ensure even cooking.

Pickle Preparation

Before coating and frying your pickles, it is essential to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the coating adhere better and prevents the pickles from becoming too watery during frying. Make sure your pickles are as dry as possible before proceeding to the next steps.

Pickle Brands

When it comes to brand preferences, some people opt for refrigerated pickle spears that are already cut because they tend to be bigger. However, you can also buy a regular jar of pickles and cut them into spears or slices. It's a matter of personal preference and convenience.

Preparing the pickles

Firstly, select your pickles. Dill pickles are the most commonly recommended variety for this recipe, but you can also experiment with other types such as spicy or bread-and-butter pickles. If you're feeling adventurous, try using garlic dill pickles for an extra kick of flavour. You can use pre-sliced pickle chips or cut your own pickle spears into coins. For the perfect crunch, aim for a thickness of about 1/4 inch.

Once you've chosen your pickles, it's time to dry them. Place the pickles on paper towels and let them rest for around 15 minutes, or until most of the liquid has been absorbed. This step is crucial as it helps the coating adhere better and prevents sogginess. Make sure to pat them dry thoroughly to absorb as much moisture as possible.

Now, you're ready to set up your dredging station. Line up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with your choice of seasonings. You can use simple salt and pepper, or add spices like garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper for an extra kick. In the second bowl, prepare your egg wash by whisking together eggs, and if you like, a dash of pickle juice, and any additional seasonings. For a vegan option, you can use JustEgg instead of eggs. The third bowl should contain your coating of choice, typically panko bread crumbs, but you can also use Italian breadcrumbs or cornflake crumbs. For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

With your dredging station ready, it's time to coat the pickles. Dip each pickle into the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides, and then shake off any excess flour. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, followed by the bread crumb mixture, gently patting to help the coating adhere. Make sure to coat all sides evenly. If your bread crumb mixture becomes wet and clumpy, simply add some fresh breadcrumbs and stir to combine.

Finally, spritz or drizzle the coated pickles with a light layer of cooking oil or spray. This step will help them achieve a golden brown colour and extra crispiness. You can use grapeseed oil spray, olive oil, or a regular cooking spray, but be cautious as some cooking sprays can damage your air fryer basket.

Now your pickles are ready for the air fryer! Remember to arrange them in a single layer, ensuring they don't overlap, and avoid overcrowding the basket. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to cook them in batches.

Creating a dredging station

Firstly, you'll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with salt and any desired seasonings. For a classic dill flavour, you can add dried dill, or you could experiment with other spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or paprika. If you want to make your fried pickles extra crispy, you can also add some panko bread crumbs to this mixture.

In the second bowl, you'll prepare the egg wash. Whisk together eggs, and for an extra kick, add some pickle juice and a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper. You can also season the egg wash with salt, garlic powder, or any other spices you prefer.

The third bowl will contain the final coating for your pickle spears. Combine panko bread crumbs with fresh or dried dill. You can also add other seasonings to the panko mixture, such as garlic powder or dried spices.

Once your dredging station is set up, you can start coating your pickle spears. First, dip them in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Then, shake off any excess flour. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, and finally, into the panko bread crumb mixture. Make sure to pat the bread crumbs onto the pickles to help the coating adhere.

Repeat this process for all your pickle spears, and you'll be ready to move on to the next step of air frying!

Coating the pickles

To coat the pickles, you'll need to follow a few simple steps. First, dry the pickles with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help the coating stick to the pickles better. Next, set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with salt and any desired spices, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together eggs, water, and hot sauce or pickle juice. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with fresh or dried dill.

Now you're ready to start coating the pickles. Dip each pickle spear into the flour mixture first, making sure both sides are coated, and then shake off any excess flour. Next, dip the floured pickle into the egg mixture, and then into the breadcrumb mixture, patting it to help the coating adhere. Repeat this process for all the pickle spears. It's important to work in batches and not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure proper cooking and crispiness.

Some recipes suggest freezing the pickles for at least 30 minutes before breading them, as this helps the coating adhere better. You can also spritz the coated pickles with cooking spray or oil to make them extra crispy and golden.

Air-frying the pickles

Step 1: Prepare the Pickles

Start by choosing your pickles. Dill pickles are a popular choice, but feel free to experiment with other varieties like spicy or bread-and-butter pickles. For the best results, opt for thicker-cut refrigerated pickle spears or slices. If you're using a jar of pickles, drain the brine and pat the pickles dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture will help the coating adhere better.

Step 2: Create a Dredging Station

Line up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with your choice of seasonings. You can add spices like garlic powder, cayenne pepper, paprika, or Cajun seasoning to the flour for extra flavour. In the second bowl, prepare an egg wash by whisking together eggs, and if desired, a small amount of water, milk, or pickle juice. You can also add extra seasonings to the egg mixture. In the third bowl, place your breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for an ultra-crispy coating, but you can also use seasoned breadcrumbs or gluten-free alternatives. You can even make a low-carb version by using crushed pork rinds or a combination of almond flour and crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs.

Step 3: Coat the Pickles

Now it's time to coat the pickles. First, dip the pickles in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides, and then shake off any excess flour. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, and finally, into the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs into the pickles to ensure an even and thorough coating. Repeat this process for all the pickles.

Step 4: Air-fry the Pickles

Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F. Place the coated pickles in a single layer on a greased tray or directly into the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overlapping. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Spritz or spray the pickles with cooking oil or grapeseed oil, being careful not to use too much as it can damage the air fryer basket.

Air-fry the pickles for about 5 minutes, and then flip them over. Air-fry for an additional 4 to 6 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. The exact cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer model, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Once they're done, remove the pickles from the air fryer and serve them immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.

There you have it! Crispy, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned air-fried pickles, made right in your air fryer. Enjoy them as a snack or serve them as a tasty appetizer at your next gathering.

Frequently asked questions