Air Fryer Pickles are a fantastic way to enjoy a crispy, tangy snack without the need for deep frying. They’re perfect as an appetizer, snack, or side dish, and they come together quickly in the air fryer.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes.
- Healthier Option: Less oil compared to traditional frying.
- Crispy and Tangy: Perfectly crunchy with a tangy bite.
- Great Snack: Ideal for parties, game days, or anytime you crave a crunchy treat.
Ingredients
- 1 jar of dill pickle chips or slices (about 16 ounces)
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Pickles
- Drain and Dry: Drain the pickle slices from the jar and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the coating adhere better and keeps them crispy.
Step 2: Set Up Breading Station
- Flour Mixture: Place the flour in a shallow bowl.
- Egg Mixture: In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
Step 3: Bread the Pickles
- Coat in Flour: Dredge each pickle slice in the flour, shaking off any excess.
- Dip in Egg: Dip the flour-coated pickle slices into the egg mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat in Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the pickle slices in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Step 4: Air Fry the Pickles
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange in Basket: Place the breaded pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. You may need to do this in batches to avoid overcrowding.
- Cook: Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, or until the pickles are golden brown and crispy. Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Hot: Transfer the air-fried pickles to a serving plate and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, such as ranch dressing or spicy mayo.
Tips for Success
- Pat Dry: Ensure the pickles are well-dried before breading to achieve the crispiest result.
- Even Coating: Press the breadcrumbs onto the pickles firmly to ensure they stick well.
- Batch Cooking: Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary for the best texture.
Variations
- Spicy Pickles: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Pickles: Mix some grated Parmesan cheese into the breadcrumbs for a cheesy twist.
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Pickles are a delicious and healthier alternative to traditional fried pickles. They’re perfectly crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside, making them an irresistible snack. Whether you’re hosting a party or just craving a crunchy treat, these air-fried pickles are sure to be a hit. Enjoy your crispy, tangy bites with your favorite dipping sauce and happy snacking!
