Air Fryer Pickles

Air fryer pickles are a crispy, tangy, and delicious snack that’s perfect for any occasion. They are easy to make and much healthier than the deep-fried version. Here’s a detailed recipe to guide you through the process:

Ingredients:

  • 1 jar dill pickle slices or spears
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 2 cups panko breadcrumbs
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • Cooking spray

Equipment Needed:

  • Air fryer
  • Three shallow bowls for dredging
  • Tongs

Instructions:

  1. Drain the Pickles:
    • Drain the pickle slices or spears from their brine and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and keeps the pickles crispy.
  2. Set Up Your Dredging Station:
    • In the first shallow bowl, place the flour.
    • In the second shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk.
    • In the third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper, and salt.
  3. Coat the Pickles:
    • Working in batches, dredge each pickle slice or spear first in the flour, shaking off any excess.
    • Then, dip it into the egg mixture, making sure it’s fully coated.
    • Finally, press it into the seasoned panko breadcrumbs, ensuring an even coating.
  4. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
    • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes.
  5. Arrange the Pickles:
    • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
    • Place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they do not overlap. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  6. Air Fry the Pickles:
    • Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray to help them crisp up.
    • Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy.
  7. Cool and Serve:
    • Once the pickles are done, remove them from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. This helps the coating set and ensures they are not too hot to eat.
    • Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or a spicy aioli.

Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Pickles:

  • Dry the Pickles Well: Make sure to pat the pickles dry thoroughly to help the coating stick and stay crispy.
  • Season the Coating: Feel free to adjust the seasonings in the panko breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste. Adding a bit of cayenne pepper can give the pickles a nice kick.
  • Even Coating: Ensure each pickle slice or spear is evenly coated in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for the best results.
  • Batch Cooking: If you have a smaller air fryer, cook the pickles in batches to avoid overcrowding and ensure even cooking.

Variations to Try:

  • Spicy Pickles: Use spicy dill pickles and add extra cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the egg mixture for an extra kick.
  • Cheesy Pickles: Mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist.

Conclusion:

Air fryer pickles are a fun and tasty snack that’s easy to make and much healthier than traditional deep-fried pickles. They are perfect for game day, parties, or just a delicious treat anytime. Enjoy the crispiness and tanginess of these air fryer pickles with your favorite dipping sauce and share them with friends and family!

Leave a Comment