Air Fryer Keto Fried Pickles: Quick, Easy, And Delicious!

If you're looking for a fun, unique, and keto-friendly snack, then air-fried pickles are the way to go! This recipe is perfect for those who want to indulge in a crispy treat without the guilt of traditional deep-fried options. By using an air fryer, you can enjoy your favourite fried snacks with less oil and a healthier cooking method.

The key to this recipe is using crushed pork rinds instead of breadcrumbs for the breading. This simple swap significantly cuts down on carbs while still providing a delicious crunch. You can also spice things up by adding some Cajun seasoning or cayenne pepper to the mixture.

The process is simple: after coating the pickles in almond flour and egg wash, you'll dredge them in the pork rind mixture before placing them in a single layer in your air fryer. A quick spray of avocado or olive oil, and they're ready to fry! In just 10-15 minutes, you'll have a tasty, crispy, and keto-approved snack.

So, if you're craving something savoury and crunchy, give air-fried keto pickles a try! They're perfect for snacking, serving as an appetizer, or even alongside a bunless burger. Enjoy them with your favourite dip and experience the magic of fried pickles, without compromising your keto diet.

Keto Air Fryer Pickles Ingredients

The Basics

To make keto-friendly fried pickles in an air fryer, you'll need to start with some dill pickles. You can either buy a jar of dill pickle chips or slices, or you can slice your own pickles to your desired thickness. You'll also need some form of breading or coating, which typically includes flour (coconut, almond, or seasoned), ground pork rinds (also known as pork panko), and spices. Eggs are also essential, as they act as a binding agent for the breading. Finally, you'll need some oil, preferably avocado or olive oil, for spraying or brushing onto the pickles before air frying.

The Breading

For the breading, you have a few options. One popular choice is to use a combination of almond flour and ground pork rinds. You can purchase the pork rinds pre-ground, or grind them yourself using a food processor or blender. If you don't want to use almond flour, coconut flour can be a suitable alternative, although you'll need less of it since it absorbs more moisture. Another option is to use a mixture of almond flour, Parmesan cheese, and spices such as garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. This creates a crispy and flavorful coating.

Spices and Seasonings

When it comes to spices and seasonings, garlic powder is a common addition to the breading mixture. Other options include paprika, salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. If you're feeling adventurous, you can add a little cayenne pepper or Cajun seasoning to the pork rind mixture for an extra kick. Just remember that pickles are already quite salty, so be cautious when adding additional salt.

Dipping Sauces

While keto air fryer pickles are delicious on their own, they can be taken to the next level with the right dipping sauce. Ranch dressing is a classic choice, and you can easily make your own keto-friendly version. Other options include spicy ranch, keto BBQ sauce, chipotle mayo, roasted garlic aioli, sour cream, or even ketchup. Get creative and experiment with different sauces to find your favorite combination!

How to Prepare the Pickles

Ingredients

To make keto-friendly fried pickles in an air fryer, you will need the following ingredients:

• Pickles (dill pickle slices or 'chips')
• Pork rinds (crushed or ground)
• Flour (almond, coconut, or seasoned almond flour)
• Eggs
• Spices (garlic powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and/or cajun seasoning)
• Oil (avocado or olive oil)

Steps

• Remove any excess liquid from the pickle slices by placing them between two paper towels or patting them dry with a kitchen or paper towel.
• Set up three separate bowls for the dredging process:

• Bowl 1: Mix flour with any desired spices (except salt) in one bowl.
• Bowl 2: Whisk eggs with a small amount of pickle juice or heavy cream in the second bowl.
• Bowl 3: Combine crushed pork rinds with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third bowl.

• Dip each pickle slice into the flour mixture, coating all sides.
• Next, dip the floured pickle slice into the egg wash.
• Finally, coat the pickle in the pork rind mixture, pressing gently to ensure it sticks on all sides.
• Repeat this process for all pickle slices.
• Place the coated pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
• Spray the pickles with avocado or olive oil for extra crispness.
• Air fry at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 6-10 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking process and spraying again with oil.
• Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing, keto BBQ sauce, or blue cheese dressing.

Tips

• It is important to remove excess moisture from the pickles before coating them to ensure the breading sticks and they crisp up nicely.
• You can use different types of flour, such as almond or coconut flour, depending on your preference.
• Taste the pickles before breading them to decide if you want to add salt to the pork rind mixture, as some pickles may already be salty enough.
• If you don't have pre-ground pork rinds, you can grind them yourself using a food processor or blender.
• For an extra kick of flavor, try using spicy pork rinds or adding cayenne pepper to the pork rind mixture.

How to Make the Breading

The breading for keto-friendly fried pickles is made from a mixture of almond flour, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and grated Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt

Method:

• Combine the almond flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt in a shallow bowl and stir to combine.
• Dip the pickles first into the egg and then into the almond flour mixture.
• Press the flour mixture onto the pickles to help it stick.

How to Cook the Pickles

Now that you've gathered and prepared your ingredients, it's time to cook your keto fried pickles in the air fryer! Here's a step-by-step guide:

• Prepare the Pickles: Depending on the recipe, you might need to slice your pickles. If using pre-sliced pickles, be sure to pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step is crucial, as it ensures the breading will stick better and the pickles will crisp up nicely.
• Dredge the Pickles: Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour (either coconut or almond flour). In the second bowl, whisk an egg with some pickle juice or heavy cream. In the third bowl, combine the ground pork rinds (also known as pork panko) with seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper, Cajun seasoning, or salt and pepper. You can also add Parmesan cheese to this mixture for extra flavour. Now, take each pickle slice and coat it first in the flour, then the egg wash, and finally, the pork rind mixture. Make sure to press the coating onto the pickles so it sticks well.
• Air Fry the Pickles: Preheat your air fryer to 370-400°F. Place the coated pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spraying them with avocado oil, olive oil, or cooking spray for extra crispness. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Air fry for 6-10 minutes, flipping the pickles halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
• Serve: Keto fried pickles are best served hot and fresh. Enjoy them as a snack or appetizer, and don't forget to dip them in your favourite sauce, like ranch dressing, keto BBQ sauce, or spicy ranch!

With these simple steps, you'll be enjoying delicious, crispy keto fried pickles in no time!

How to Store the Pickles

To store your keto fried pickles, place them in an airtight container or wrap them in aluminium foil and put them in the fridge. They will last up to 3 days.

When you're ready to eat them again, simply place them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees Fahrenheit until they crisp up again. You can also reheat them in the oven, on the stovetop, or by refrying.

If you want to keep your fried pickles for longer than 3 days, it is not recommended to freeze them.

Frequently asked questions