Crispy Air-Fried Pickles

Enjoy a delightful and healthier twist on a classic snack with these Crispy Air-Fried Pickles. Whether you prefer dill, bread and butter, or homemade pickles, this recipe ensures a crunchy and flavorful bite every time. Perfect as an appetizer or a fun side dish, these air-fried pickles are sure to become a favorite.

Ingredients

  • For the Pickles:
    • Pickles of your choice, sliced uniformly about 1/4-inch thick (dill pickles, bread and butter pickles, or homemade pickles)
  • For the Seasoned Flour:
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a bit of heat)
  • For the Egg Wash:
    • 2 large eggs
    • 2 tablespoons pickle juice
    • 1/4 teaspoon salt
    • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
    • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • For the Panko Coating:
    • 1 cup panko bread crumbs
    • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, snipped (or 2 teaspoons dried dill)
  • Additional Ingredients:
    • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pickles: Pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture.
  2. Season the Flour: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper. Mix well.
  3. Make the Egg Wash: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, pickle juice, salt, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper until well combined.
  4. Prepare the Panko Coating: In a third shallow dish, combine the panko bread crumbs and fresh dill. Mix well to distribute the dill evenly.
  5. Dredge the Pickles:
    • First, dredge each pickle slice in the seasoned flour, shaking off any excess.
    • Then dip the floured pickle slice into the egg wash, allowing any excess to drip off.
    • Finally, coat the pickle slice with the panko mixture, pressing gently to ensure the crumbs adhere well.
  6. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes.
  7. Air-Fry the Pickles: Place the coated pickle slices in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Lightly coat them with cooking spray to aid in achieving a crispy texture. Air-fry for 8-10 minutes until the coating turns golden brown and crispy. Depending on your air fryer’s capacity, you might need to cook them in batches.
  8. Serve: Serve the crispy air-fried pickles hot, garnished with additional fresh dill if desired. Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch, honey mustard, or a spicy aioli for extra flavor.

Conclusion

These Crispy Air-Fried Pickles are a fun and flavorful snack that’s easy to make and sure to satisfy your cravings. With their crunchy coating and tangy pickle flavor, they’re perfect for game day, parties, or just as a tasty treat. Enjoy this delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried pickles!