Air-Fryer Fried Pickles: A Breadcrumb-Free Crunch

Air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack or appetizer that can be made at home with just a few simple steps. They are a healthier alternative to traditional deep-fried pickles, as the air fryer eliminates the need for excessive oil. This results in a lighter, crispier, and less greasy snack that can be prepared with minimal ingredients and cleanup. By following a few key tips, such as drying the pickles thoroughly and creating a flavorful batter, you can achieve the perfect crispy texture and tangy taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more.

How to choose the right pickles

When making fried pickles in an air fryer, there are several things to consider when choosing the right pickles. Here are some tips to help you select the perfect pickles for your air fryer creation:

Type of Pickles:

• Dill Pickles: Dill pickles are the most commonly used variety for fried pickles. They offer a tangy and briny flavour that pairs well with the crispy coating. Look for thick-cut dill pickle chips or spears to ensure a better pickle-to-breading ratio. You can also cut your own pickle chips from whole dill pickles to achieve your desired thickness.
• Bread and Butter Pickles: While less common, bread and butter pickles can also be used for a slightly sweeter flavour profile.

Pickle Size and Shape:

• Uniform Size: Try to choose pickles that are uniform in size, especially if you're cutting them yourself. This ensures even cooking and a consistent texture in the final product.
• Thickness: Opt for thicker-cut pickles or slices that are just under 1/4 inch thick. Thicker pickles provide a better balance between the pickle and the breading. They also give a satisfying crunch in every bite.
• Shape: You can use either pickle chips (rounds) or spears. Chips are great for easy snacking and can be used as toppings on burgers and sandwiches. Spears, on the other hand, offer more pickle flavour in each bite.

Pickle Preparation:

• Drying: Before coating your pickles, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial to ensuring that the breading adheres properly.
• Brining: If you're creating a batter, you can use the pickle brine (juice) to add extra flavour.

When choosing pickles for air fryer fried pickles, the key considerations are the type, size, and preparation. By selecting the right pickles and following the above tips, you'll be on your way to creating delicious and crispy air fryer fried pickles.

How to dry the pickles

To dry the pickles, start by draining the pickle juice from the jar. You can then lay the pickles on a paper towel and pat them dry. Alternatively, you can place the pickles on a wire rack set on a baking sheet, and then lay paper towels on top and pat them dry. Either way, make sure to remove as much moisture as possible.

Once the pickles are dry, you can start the dredging process. Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, combine flour with salt and/or other seasonings. In the second bowl, whisk together an egg or egg whites with water or pickle juice. In the third bowl, combine breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and/or Panko with salt and/or fresh dill.

Dip the pickles into the flour mixture, coating both sides, and shake off any excess. Then, dunk them in the egg mixture to completely coat and shake off any excess. Finally, toss them in the breading mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

How to coat the pickles

Coating the pickles is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to ensure your pickles are evenly and thoroughly coated.

Firstly, you'll want to prepare your dredging station. For this, you will need three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour and any seasonings you wish to add, such as salt, garlic powder, or cayenne pepper. In the second bowl, whisk together the egg and a small amount of water or milk. You can also add some pickle juice to this mixture for extra flavour. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with parmesan cheese, cornmeal, or fresh dill.

Before coating the pickles, ensure they are as dry as possible. Place them on paper towels and gently pat them dry. This will help the coating adhere better and prevent sogginess.

Now you are ready to start coating! Begin by dipping the pickles in the flour mixture, making sure to coat both sides. Shake off any excess flour. Next, dunk the pickles in the egg mixture, and again shake off any excess. Finally, toss them in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the coating adheres.

Place the coated pickles on a rack or plate while you prepare the rest. If you want an extra crispy texture, spritz the coated pickles with cooking spray, or drizzle them with olive oil.

And that's it! You're now ready to air fry your pickles to golden perfection.

How to cook the pickles

Ingredients

• Pickles (dill, bread and butter, or homemade)
• Flour (all-purpose, coconut, or gluten-free)
• Eggs
• Breadcrumbs (seasoned, panko, or cornmeal)
• Parmesan (optional)
• Italian seasoning (optional)
• Spices (garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, etc.)
• Cooking spray or oil
• Dipping sauces (optional)

Instructions

• Prepare the pickles: Pat the pickles dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This will help the coating stick better and prevent sogginess. You can also try freezing the pickles for at least 30 minutes before coating them.
• Create a dredging station: Set up three small bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour and any desired spices. In the second bowl, whisk the eggs with a small amount of water or pickle juice. In the third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and any additional seasonings.
• Coat the pickles: Dip each pickle first in the flour, then the egg, and lastly in the breadcrumb mixture. Make sure to coat them evenly and shake off any excess.
• Arrange the pickles in the air fryer: Place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding, which can lead to soggy spots.
• Cook the pickles: Preheat your air fryer to between 390-400°F. Spray the pickles with cooking spray or drizzle them with oil. Air fry for 8-15 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: For the best experience, serve the fried pickles immediately while they are still hot and crispy. They can be enjoyed on their own or with a variety of dipping sauces, such as ranch dressing, fry sauce, aioli, or remoulade.

How to serve the pickles

Serving your fried pickles is almost as important as the pickles themselves. Here are some tips to elevate your fried pickle-eating experience:

Dipping Sauces

The right dipping sauce can take your fried pickles to the next level. Here are some sauces that pair well with fried pickles:

• Ranch dressing
• BBQ sauce
• Mayo-ketchup sauce (a mixture of mayonnaise and ketchup)
• Remoulade sauce
• Creamy chipotle sauce
• Vegan ranch
• Cheese sauce
• Fry sauce (a grown-up version of ketchup)
• Yum Yum Sauce (a light, sweet, and tangy sauce)

Presentation

In addition to the sauce, the way you present your fried pickles can also enhance their appeal. Here are some tips for plating and serving:

• Serve the pickles immediately while they are still hot and crispy.
• Use tongs to serve the pickles to avoid touching them with your fingers.
• If serving a large batch, consider using a wire rack on a baking sheet to keep them crisp.
• For an extra crispy texture, spritz the pickles with cooking spray (preferably olive oil-based) before placing them in the air fryer.

Frequently asked questions