Air-Fryer Pickle Spears: A Crunchy, Crispy Treat

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious, crunchy snack that can be made in minutes. They are a healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles and are perfect for game days or parties. This guide will take you through the simple steps to make your own fried pickle spears in an air fryer.

Choosing the right pickles

When it comes to making fried pickle spears in an air fryer, choosing the right pickles is essential to ensure the best flavour and texture. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect pickles for this delicious treat:

Type of Pickles

While you can use any type of pickle, dill pickles are the most popular choice for fried pickle spears. They offer a classic, tangy flavour that pairs well with the crispy coating. However, don't be afraid to experiment with other varieties such as bread and butter pickles or even spicy dills if you prefer a bolder flavour.

Pickle Shape and Size

For fried pickle spears, it is best to choose pickles that are already in a spear shape or cut your own pickles into thick spears. This ensures that the pickles have the right size and shape to create juicy, bite-sized treats. Look for pickles that are uniform in size so that they cook evenly in the air fryer.

Thickness

When cutting your own pickle spears, aim for a thickness of about 1/4-inch. This thickness ensures that the pickles are substantial enough to hold the coating and provide a satisfying bite without becoming too soggy or soft.

Freshness

Always choose fresh, crisp pickles for frying. Avoid pickles that are past their prime or have been sitting in the brine for too long, as they may become mushy or lose their distinctive flavour. Look for pickles with a firm texture and a bright, vibrant colour.

Moisture Content

Before coating and frying your pickle spears, it is crucial to remove excess moisture. Pat the pickles dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel until they are as dry as possible. This step helps the coating adhere better and creates a crispier final product.

Personal Preference

Ultimately, the best pickle for frying is the one you enjoy eating! If you prefer a specific brand or variety of pickle, don't be afraid to use it for your fried pickle spears. Experiment with different types of pickles to find the ones that suit your taste buds.

Preparing the pickles

Firstly, you'll need to choose your pickles. Dill pickles are the most popular choice for this recipe, but you can also use bread and butter pickles or even make your own. Just make sure they're uniform in shape and about 1/4-inch thick. If you're using pickle spears, you can buy them pre-cut or cut them yourself by slicing each pickle lengthwise into four quarters.

Once you have your pickles, place them on paper towels and let them dry. This step is important because it helps the coating stick to the pickles. Leave them for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid is almost fully absorbed. You can also pat them dry with a paper towel to speed up the process.

Now it's time to set up your dredging station. You'll need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with your choice of spices. You can add salt and pepper, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, or dried dill. In the second bowl, whisk together your egg mixture. This can be a simple combination of eggs and water, or you can add some pickle juice, hot sauce, or milk for extra flavour. In the third bowl, add your breadcrumbs. Panko breadcrumbs are a popular choice as they create an extra crispy texture, but you can also use regular breadcrumbs or seasoned breadcrumbs.

With your dredging station set up, it's time to start coating your pickles. First, dip each pickle spear into the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides, and then shake off any excess. Next, dip them into the egg mixture, followed by the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs into the pickles to help the coating adhere. It's a good idea to use one hand for dry ingredients and the other hand for wet ingredients to avoid mess.

Once your pickles are coated, place them in a single layer on a greased tray or directly into the air fryer basket, making sure they're not overcrowded. You may need to work in batches. Spray the pickles with cooking spray or drizzle them with olive oil to help them get extra crispy.

Now you're ready to air fry your pickles! Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the pickles for about 10-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Keep an eye on them to make sure they don't burn.

And that's it! You now have crispy, crunchy, and delicious air-fried pickle spears. Serve them while they're still hot with your favourite dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Making the batter

Ingredients:

You will need the following ingredients to make the batter:

• All-purpose flour
• Cornstarch (optional)
• Hot sauce (optional)
• Cold water
• Spices (salt, pepper, garlic powder, dried dill, etc.)

Instructions:

• Combine the dry ingredients: In a shallow bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, cornstarch (if using), and spices. Whisk them together until they are well combined.
• Add liquid ingredients: Slowly add the cold water and hot sauce (if using) to the flour mixture. Whisk continuously until you have a thick, smooth batter. You can adjust the consistency by adding more or less water as needed.
• Spice it up: If you want to add some extra spice and tang to your pickles, you can include hot sauce in your batter. This is optional but can add a nice kick to your fried pickles.
• Consistency: The batter should be thick enough to coat the pickle spears and help the breadcrumbs adhere. If it seems too thin, add a little more flour. If it becomes too thick, you can add a small amount of water to thin it out.
• Dipping: Once your batter is ready, you can set up a dredging station. Have one bowl with the batter, and another bowl with the breadcrumbs. Dip each pickle spear into the batter, letting the excess drip off, and then place it into the bowl of breadcrumbs.
• Coating: Use one hand as your dry hand and the other as your wet hand. With your wet hand, remove the pickle spear from the batter and place it into the breadcrumbs. With your dry hand, roll the spear in the breadcrumbs to ensure an even coating. Gently shake off any excess breadcrumbs.
• Air frying: Place the breaded pickle spears into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they are not overcrowded. Air fry according to your air fryer's instructions, flipping the spears halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Coating the pickles

First, it's important to dry the pickles thoroughly with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. This will help the coating stick to the pickles and ensure that the batter doesn't slide off during cooking.

Next, set up a dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with spices. You can use all-purpose flour, or coconut or almond flour for a low-carb option. The flour will help the crunchy coating adhere to the pickles. In the second bowl, whisk together a combination of eggs, water, and/or milk. You can also add in some hot sauce or pickle juice for some extra tang. The egg mixture will act as a binder for the coating. The third bowl should contain breadcrumbs, preferably Panko, as they create an ultra-crispy coating. You can also add in some fresh or dried dill for extra flavour.

Now you're ready to start coating the pickles. Dip each pickle spear into the flour batter first, letting the excess drip off. Then, place the spear into the bowl of egg mixture, and finally into the breadcrumbs. Use one hand as your 'dry hand' to press the breadcrumbs into the pickle, and your other hand as the 'wet hand' to handle the batter and egg mixture. Make sure to coat the pickle spears evenly and thoroughly.

Once all your pickle spears are coated, they're ready to be placed into the air fryer!

Cooking the pickles

Now that your pickles are coated, it's time to cook them! Place the pickles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between them to ensure even cooking. If your air fryer is on the smaller side, you may need to cook the pickles in batches.

Cook the pickles for 5-7 minutes, then flip them over and spritz with cooking spray. Air fry for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

If you're using an oil mister or cooking spray, spritz the pickles before placing them in the air fryer. This helps the coating become golden and crispy, but be careful as cooking spray can damage the air fryer basket over time.

Depending on the size of your pickles, you may need to adjust the cooking time. Bigger pickles may take a minute or two longer to cook through.

Once the pickles are golden brown and crispy, remove them from the air fryer and serve immediately. They are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, simply place the pickles back in the air fryer at 350-400°F for 3-5 minutes until heated through.

Frequently asked questions