Air-fried pickles are crispy, tangy, and oh so fun! These crunchy bites are perfect for snacking or sharing at a party. Plus, they make you feel a little fancy without all the fuss!
Whenever I make these, I can’t resist dipping them in ranch dressing. It’s like a match made in snack heaven! Try not to eat them all at once—they disappear fast!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickle Slices: Dill pickles give the best tangy flavor. You can use whole pickles, just slice them into 1/4-inch rounds. If you prefer something less intense, consider bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter taste.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps in the breading process. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, almond flour or rice flour works great as substitutes. They give a nice crunch too!
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for that extra crunch. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used. For a different twist, try crushed cornflakes for a unique texture.
Garlic Powder & Onion Powder: These spices add depth to the flavor. Feel free to mix them up! You can also use fresh minced garlic and onions if you prefer a stronger flavor.
Cooking Spray: This is key to achieving a crispy finish without excess oil. If you prefer, you can lightly brush the pickles with oil instead, but use a light hand to avoid sogginess.
How Do I Get My Air-Fried Pickles Extra Crispy?
To achieve that satisfying crunch, one essential step is to dry the pickle slices thoroughly. Excess moisture will lead to soggy pickles. Use paper towels to pat them dry before breading.
- Setup your breading station: flour in one bowl, beaten egg in another, and seasoned breadcrumbs in a third.
- Coat each pickle: Start with flour, then dip in egg, and finish with the breadcrumbs. Ensure each slice is well-covered for full crunchiness.
- Add cooking spray: Just a light spray before air frying helps them turn golden brown. Flip them halfway for an even cook.
How to Make Air-Fried Pickles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Pickles:
- 1 cup dill pickle slices (or whole pickles, sliced)
For the Breading:
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs (preferably panko for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cooking spray (for air frying)
For Serving:
- Optional: ranch dressing or any dipping sauce of choice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This scrumptious recipe will take about 15 minutes to prepare and 10-12 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In about 30 minutes, you’ll have crispy and delicious air-fried pickles ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pickles:
Start by slicing your whole pickles into 1/4 inch thick rounds, if you’re using whole pickles. Then, take some paper towels and gently pat the pickle slices dry. This helps to remove excess moisture, making them crispier when air-fried.
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
Get three shallow bowls ready. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, beat the egg until it’s nice and blended. For the third bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. This will be your flavorful coating!
3. Bread the Pickles:
Now comes the fun part! Take each pickle slice and first dip it into the flour, making sure it’s fully coated. Shake off any extra flour. Next, dip the floured pickle into the beaten egg, letting the excess egg drip off. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumb mixture so it’s well covered. Repeat this for each pickle slice.
4. Preheat Your Air Fryer:
While you’re breading the pickles, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 5 minutes. Preheating helps get that crispy texture you want!
5. Air Fry the Pickles:
Carefully arrange the breaded pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. To help them get beautifully golden, spray them lightly with cooking spray. Air fry the pickles for 10-12 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them until they’re golden brown and crispy!
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Once they’re done, carefully take the pickles out of the air fryer. Serve them immediately with ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce. Enjoy your hot, crispy air-fried pickles—they’re a perfect snack or appetizer!
Can I Use Gluten-Free Flour for This Recipe?
Absolutely! You can substitute all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend or cornstarch for the coating. Just ensure that the breadcrumbs are also gluten-free, which you can find at most grocery stores.
What Can I Use Instead of Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have breadcrumbs, you can use crushed cornflakes or crackers as a substitute. For a healthier option, try using ground oats or almond flour, which also adds a nice crunch!
How to Store Leftover Pickles?
Store any leftover air-fried pickles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain their crispiness!
Can I Make These Pickles in Advance?
Yes, you can prepare the breaded pickles ahead of time! Bread the slices and place them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze until solid, then transfer to a zip-top bag. When ready to cook, just toss them in the air fryer straight from the freezer, extending the cooking time by a few minutes!
