Air Fryer Pickle Chips

Introduction & Inspiration

Air Fryer Pickle Chips are a game-changer for pickle lovers! This recipe takes the classic, tangy deliciousness of dill pickles and combines it with a crispy, crunchy coating, all without the mess and extra oil of deep frying. It’s a healthier and easier way to enjoy a favorite snack or appetizer.

My inspiration came from a love of fried pickles and a desire to find a way to make them at home without the deep fryer. The air fryer is the perfect tool for achieving that crispy texture with minimal oil. These pickle chips are so addictive; you won’t believe how quickly they disappear!

I also wanted a recipe that was customizable. You can adjust the seasonings in the breading, use different types of pickles, or serve them with your favorite dipping sauces. It’s a great base recipe that you can make your own.

It’s also a very fun snack.

Nostalgic Appeal

Fried pickles, while perhaps not as universally nostalgic as some other foods, have become a popular appetizer at restaurants and bars, particularly in the Southern United States. They might evoke memories of county fairs, sporting events, or casual dining experiences.

Pickles themselves are a classic condiment that many people have fond memories of. They’re a staple in sandwiches, burgers, and relish trays.

These Air Fryer Pickle Chips tap into that sense of fun and flavor, offering a way to enjoy a restaurant-style appetizer at home, in a healthier and more convenient way. They’re perfect for sharing with friends and family, or for enjoying as a satisfying snack on your own.

They are also very easy to make.

Homemade Focus

This recipe emphasizes the homemade element, even though we’re starting with store-bought pickles. We’re creating a seasoned flour mixture, an egg wash with a secret ingredient (pickle juice!), and a crispy panko breadcrumb coating, all from scratch.

I believe that even simple snacks, like fried pickles, are best when made with care and attention to detail. Taking the time to create a flavorful breading and cooking the pickles to perfection makes all the difference.

The process of breading the pickles and air frying them is a simple but satisfying one. It’s about taking a basic ingredient and transforming it into something truly delicious.

And the result is amazing.

Flavor Goal

The primary flavor goal for these Air Fryer Pickle Chips is to achieve a balance of tangy, salty, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, with a crispy exterior and a juicy, pickle-y interior.

The dill pickle slices provide the tanginess and that signature pickle flavor.

The seasoned flour mixture (flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt) adds savory and slightly spicy notes to the coating.

The egg wash, with the addition of pickle juice, helps the breadcrumbs to adhere to the pickles and adds an extra layer of pickle flavor.

The panko breadcrumbs create a super crispy crust when air fried.

The optional Parmesan cheese adds a salty, umami flavor and contributes to the crispiness.

The dipping sauce (ranch dressing or spicy mayo) adds a creamy and flavorful element that complements the crispy, tangy pickles.

Ingredient Insights

Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients:

• Dill pickle slices: The star of the show! Use your favorite brand of dill pickle slices. Hamburger dill chips work well.
• All-purpose flour: Creates the base of the seasoned flour mixture, helping to create a crispy coating.
• Garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt: These spices add savory, smoky, and slightly spicy flavors to the flour mixture.
• Large egg: Creates the base of the egg wash, helping the breadcrumbs to adhere to the pickles.
• Pickle juice: A secret ingredient! Adding pickle juice to the egg wash enhances the pickle flavor and adds a bit of tanginess.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Create a super crispy crust. Panko breadcrumbs are Japanese-style breadcrumbs that are larger and flakier than regular breadcrumbs.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Adds a salty, umami flavor and contributes to the crispiness of the coating.
• Cooking spray: Helps the pickles to brown and crisp up in the air fryer without sticking.
• Ranch dressing or spicy mayo:
• Fresh chopped parsley (optional):

Essential Equipment

Here is what you will need:

• Air fryer: Essential for achieving that crispy texture without deep frying.
• Paper towels: For drying the pickles.
• Shallow dishes (3): One for the seasoned flour mixture, one for the egg wash, and one for the panko breadcrumbs.
• Whisk: For making the egg wash.
• Small bowl: For making the dipping sauce (if desired).
• Baking sheet (optional): For holding the breaded pickles before air frying.
• Measuring cup and spoon.

List of Ingredients

Here’s a complete list of the ingredients you’ll need, with precise measurements:

For the Pickles:

• 1 cup sliced pickles (drained and patted dry)
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 large egg
• 1 tablespoon pickle juice
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or crushed pork rinds for a low-carb option)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for extra crispiness)
• Cooking spray

For the Dip (Optional):

• 1/4 cup sour cream
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup minced onions (the finer the better)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s get cooking! Here’s a detailed, step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Dry Pickles

Lay down a couple of sheets of paper towels. Arrange the pickle slices on the paper towels in a single layer. Place more paper towels on top of the pickles and press gently to absorb excess moisture. Let them dry for a few minutes. This step is crucial for achieving a crispy coating.

Step 2: Prepare Breading Station

Set up your breading station with three shallow dishes:

• Dish 1: In the first dish, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, black pepper, and salt.
• Dish 2: In the second dish, beat the egg with 1 tablespoon of pickle juice.
• Dish 3: In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan cheese (if using).

Step 3: Bread Pickles

Working one at a time, dredge a pickle slice in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess.

Dip the pickle slice into the egg wash, making sure it’s fully coated.

Coat the pickle slice in the panko breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.

Transfer the breaded pickle to a baking sheet (optional, but helps with organization). Repeat with the remaining pickle slices.

Step 4: Preheat Air Fryer

Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Step 5: Air Fry Pickles

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.

Arrange the breaded pickle chips in the air fryer basket in a single layer, with some space between each pickle. Don’t overcrowd the basket; work in batches if necessary.

Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray for extra crispiness.

Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.

Step 6: Make Dip (Optional)

While the pickles are air frying, make the dipping sauce (if desired). In a small bowl, combine the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, minced onions, minced garlic, and dried dill (if using). Stir well to combine.

Step 7: Serve

Remove the Air Fryer Pickle Chips from the air fryer and serve immediately with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley, if desired.

Enjoy these crispy, tangy, and flavorful treats!

Troubleshooting

Here are some potential issues and how to address them:

Problem: My pickles aren’t crispy.

Solution: Make sure you’ve dried the pickles thoroughly before breading them. Also, make sure your air fryer is preheated to the correct temperature, and don’t overcrowd the basket. Spraying the pickles with oil before air frying helps with browning and crisping.

Problem: The breading is falling off.

Solution: Make sure the pickles are evenly coated in the egg wash before dredging them in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the pickles to help them adhere.

Problem: My dip is too thick.

Solution: Add a teaspoon of milk or water at a time, stirring until the dip reaches your desired consistency.

Problem: My dip is too bland.

Solution: Add more salt, pepper, minced onions, or garlic. You can also add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a touch of heat, or other herbs and spices.

Problem: My pickles are burning. Solution: Reduce the cooking time.

Tips and Variations

Here are some tips and variations to customize your Air Fryer Pickle Chips:

Tip: For the best flavor, use high-quality dill pickle slices.

Tip: If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko will give you the crispiest results.

Variation: Add other spices to the breadcrumb mixture, such as:

• Cayenne pepper (for extra heat)
• Dried dill
• Italian seasoning

Variation: Use different types of pickles, such as:

• Spicy pickles
• Sweet pickles
• Bread and butter pickles

Variation: Serve with different dipping sauces, such as:

• Honey mustard
• BBQ sauce
• Vegan blue cheese dressing
• Sriracha Mayo.

Variation: Make pickle fries instead of chips by cutting the pickles into spears before breading and air frying. Variation: After air-frying, sprinkle the hot pickles with a little extra salt.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

These Air Fryer Pickle Chips are a versatile snack or appetizer that can be enjoyed in many ways:

• As an appetizer: Perfect for parties, game days, or any gathering.
• As a snack: A fun and flavorful alternative to chips or other snacks.
• As a side dish: They pair well with burgers, sandwiches, or salads.

Pairing Suggestions:

• The homemade dipping sauce (recipe provided)
• Vegan ranch dressing
• Other dipping sauces (see variations above)
• Celery sticks and carrot sticks
• A crisp, refreshing beer or other beverage

Nutritional Information

Here’s an estimate, but keep in mind nutritional information will vary depending on specific ingredients used.

Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving (assuming 4 servings, including the dip):

• Calories: 250-350
• Fat: 15-20g
• Saturates: 3-6g
• Protein: 5-8g
• Carbohydrates: 25-35g
• Fiber: 2-4g
• Sugar: 5-10g
• Sodium: 600-800mg (depending on the pickles and salt added)

These Air Fryer Pickle Chips are a relatively low-fat alternative to deep-fried pickles.

Print

Recipe Summary and Q&A

Let’s recap the recipe and address some frequently asked questions:

Recipe Summary: We made Air Fryer Pickle Chips by drying pickle slices, making an egg wash (eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, pepper), coating the pickles in the egg wash and then panko breadcrumbs (with optional Parmesan), and air frying them until golden brown and crispy. We also made a simple dipping sauce with sour cream, mayonnaise, minced onions, garlic, and optional dill.

Q&A:

Q: Can I make these without an air fryer?

A: Yes, you can bake these in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the breaded pickles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through, or until golden brown and crispy. You can also pan-fry them, but air frying or oven-baking is much healthier.

Q: Can I make these ahead of time?

A: These fried pickles are best served immediately. However, you can prepare the dipping sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use a different type of breadcrumb?

A: Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but panko breadcrumbs will give you the crispiest results.

Q: Can I make these gluten-free?

A: Yes, use gluten-free flour in the egg wash and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Also, ensure your hot sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: How can I store the leftovers? A: Keep them in the fridge in airthight container, and warm them in the airfryer.