Air Fryer Fried Pickles

These Air Fryer Fried Pickles are the perfect balance of crispy, tangy, and flavorful with much less grease than traditional deep-fried pickles. Paired with a creamy sour cream and onion dip, they make the perfect appetizer or snack for any gathering. With the help of an air fryer, these crispy delights are quick and easy to make without all the extra oil.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Crispy fried pickles are always a crowd-pleaser, and this air fryer version takes the classic appetizer to a whole new level. They’re light, crispy, and packed with flavor, and the tangy, creamy dip adds the perfect contrast. The air fryer ensures that the pickles are crispy without being overly greasy, making them a healthier alternative to the deep-fried version. Whether you’re serving them for game day, at a BBQ, or as a snack, these Air Fryer Fried Pickles are sure to be a hit!

Ingredients

For the Pickles:

• 1 cup sliced pickles (dill or any kind you prefer)

• 2 large eggs

• 3 tablespoons flour

• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Tabasco or your favorite)

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Dip:

• ¼ cup sour cream

• ¼ cup mayonnaise

• ½ teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon black pepper

• ¼ cup minced onions (finely chopped)

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Dry the Pickles:

Lay out a couple of sheets of paper towels. Place the pickles on one sheet and cover with another sheet. Let them dry for a few minutes to ensure the egg wash sticks to them. This step helps prevent sogginess when cooking.

2. Prepare the Egg Wash:

In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper. This mixture will coat the pickles and give them a crispy crust.

3. Coat the Pickles:

In another shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Working one pickle at a time, dip it into the egg wash, then coat it with breadcrumbs. Transfer the breaded pickles to a baking sheet and repeat with the remaining pickles.

4. Air Fry the Pickles:

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Add the pickles to the air fryer basket in a single layer, leaving space between each. Lightly spray the pickles with oil for that perfect crisp. Air-fry for 5-7 minutes, flip the pickles, spray with more oil, and air-fry for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Prepare the Dip:

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, minced onions, garlic, and optional dried dill. Stir until everything is well combined.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the crispy pickles with the creamy dip and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy and tangy flavors!

Servings and Timing

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 10 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

• Servings: 6 servings

Variations

• Spicy Pickles: Add more hot sauce or cayenne pepper to the egg wash to kick up the spice level.

• Cheese Lovers: Mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the panko breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy crust.

• Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour to make these pickles gluten-free.

• Add Herbs: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the breadcrumbs for added flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Reheating: To keep them crispy, reheat the fried pickles in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 2-3 minutes until warmed through.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen pickles for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen pickles, but make sure to thaw and dry them well before coating them in the egg wash to avoid excess moisture.

2. Can I make the dip ahead of time?

Yes, the dip can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

3. How do I prevent the pickles from becoming soggy?

Ensure the pickles are well-drained and patted dry before coating them. Also, be sure to cook them in a single layer in the air fryer, leaving space between each pickle.

4. Can I deep fry these pickles instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can deep fry these pickles in hot oil at 375°F (190°C) for about 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown and crispy.

5. Can I use a different type of pickle?

Feel free to use your favorite pickles—dill, bread and butter, or even spicy pickles. Each will bring a unique flavor to the dish.

6. Can I make these pickles in advance?

While the fried pickles are best served fresh, you can prep and bread the pickles ahead of time. Store them in the refrigerator and cook them when ready to serve.

7. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Panko breadcrumbs are ideal for a crispy texture, but if you don’t have them, regular breadcrumbs will work too. Just note that they may not be as crispy.

8. Can I make this recipe without hot sauce?

Yes, you can omit the hot sauce if you prefer a milder flavor or substitute it with a dash of cayenne pepper for a different type of heat.

9. How do I know when the pickles are done in the air fryer?

The pickles are done when they are golden brown, crispy on the outside, and when you tap them, they should sound hollow.

10. Can I make this recipe without the dip?

Yes, the fried pickles are delicious on their own, but the dip adds extra creaminess and flavor. You can serve them with other dips like ranch or blue cheese if you prefer.

Conclusion

These Air Fryer Fried Pickles are the perfect crunchy snack or appetizer, with the perfect balance of tangy pickles, crispy breadcrumbs, and a flavorful, creamy dip. With minimal effort and healthier cooking methods thanks to the air fryer, you’ll enjoy a delicious treat with all the flavor of deep-fried pickles without the extra oil. Whether for a party or as a solo snack, these crispy pickles are sure to be a crowd favorite!

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