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Crispy, tangy, and full of flavor, Crispy Air Fryer Pickles are the snack you didn’t know you needed! If you’re a fan of fried pickles but want a healthier twist, air-frying is the way to go. This method ensures a golden, crunchy coating without the mess and guilt of deep frying. Perfect for game days, parties, or just a casual afternoon snack, air fryer pickles are easy to make, quick to cook, and absolutely irresistible.
Imagine biting into a pickle chip that’s perfectly crisp on the outside, juicy and tangy on the inside, and served with a creamy dipping sauce. Whether you’re an air fryer pro or a beginner, this recipe will be a delightful addition to your snack lineup.
Why You’ll Love Crispy Air Fryer Pickles
If you’ve never tried air-fried pickles, you’re in for a treat! Here’s why they’re worth making:
- Healthier Alternative: With no need for deep frying, these pickles are lower in fat but just as delicious.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re a great last-minute snack idea.
- Customizable: Adjust the seasoning or dipping sauce to match your taste preferences.
- Perfect Texture: The air fryer creates a crunchy coating while keeping the pickles juicy inside.
- Kid-Friendly: These crispy treats are a hit with kids and adults alike!
Ingredients for Crispy Air Fryer Pickles
To make these pickles, you’ll need a few basic ingredients, many of which you may already have in your kitchen.
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Main Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) jar dill pickle chips or ovals (60–65 pickles or 40–45 ovals)
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Cooking spray
For the Dipping Sauce
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Step-by-Step Instructions for Crispy Air Fryer Pickles
Follow these simple steps to achieve perfectly crispy pickles every time.
Step 1: Prep the Pickles
- Drain the jar of dill pickle chips or ovals and place them on a layer of paper towels in a single layer.
- Pat the tops of the pickles dry with additional paper towels. This step is essential to help the coating stick and prevent sogginess.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg White
- In a medium bowl, add 1 large egg white.
- Whisk vigorously until soft white peaks form, about 5 minutes.
Step 3: Coat the Pickles
- Add the pickles to the whisked egg white and stir gently to coat.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal, 1/3 cup all-purpose flour, and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning. Seal the bag and shake to mix thoroughly.
- Transfer the pickles to the bag with the cornmeal mixture. Seal the bag again and shake to evenly coat the pickles. Gently press the coating onto the pickles to help it adhere. Separate any pickles that stick together and toss them again in the coating.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Air-Fry the Pickles
- Working in batches, place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding, as this can prevent them from crisping properly.
- Spray the tops of the pickles with more cooking spray to help them turn golden and crispy.
- Air-fry for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pickles are lightly golden and crispy.
- Repeat with the remaining pickles, shaking the coating bag to redistribute the mixture before each batch.
Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, combine 1/4 cup mayonnaise, 3 tablespoons ketchup, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.
- Stir until smooth and well combined.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
- Serve the pickles warm or at room temperature alongside the dipping sauce.
- Enjoy the irresistible crunch of these crispy air fryer pickles!
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Nutrient | Amount |
---|---|
Calories | 90 kcal |
Total Fat | 3 g |
Saturated Fat | 0.5 g |
Carbohydrates | 12 g |
Protein | 2 g |
Sodium | 350 mg |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on ingredients used.
Tips for Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Pickles
- Dry the Pickles Thoroughly: Removing excess moisture ensures the coating sticks and prevents sogginess.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Cook the pickles in batches for even crisping. Overlapping will result in unevenly cooked pickles.
- Customize the Seasoning: Feel free to experiment with different spice blends, such as paprika, garlic powder, or even ranch seasoning.
- Serve Immediately: These pickles are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer while they’re still hot and crispy.
- Make It Spicy: Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the coating mix for a spicy kick.
FAQs About Crispy Air Fryer Pickles
1. Can I use pickle spears instead of chips or ovals?
Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time slightly, as pickle spears are larger and may take a bit longer to crisp.
2. What’s the best type of pickles for this recipe?
Dill pickles are the classic choice for this recipe, but you can experiment with bread-and-butter pickles or spicy pickles for a unique twist.
3. Can I make these ahead of time?
Air fryer pickles are best enjoyed fresh for maximum crispiness. However, you can coat the pickles ahead of time and store them in the fridge until ready to air-fry.
4. What dipping sauces pair well with air fryer pickles?
While the mayonnaise-ketchup dipping sauce is classic, you can also serve them with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a honey mustard sauce.
5. Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Swap the all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend, and use gluten-free cornmeal.
6. Can I reheat leftover air fryer pickles?
Yes! Reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
Conclusion: Make Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Today!
With their crunchy coating, tangy flavor, and easy preparation, Crispy Air Fryer Pickles are a must-try snack for pickle lovers. Whether you’re making them for a party, game day, or just to satisfy your cravings, they’re sure to impress. Plus, with the healthier air-frying method, you can enjoy them guilt-free!
PrintBest Crispy Air Fryer Pickles for a Quick Snack
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Description
Crunchy, tangy, and absolutely addictive, these Crispy Air Fryer Pickles are the perfect snack for any occasion! Made with dill pickle chips or ovals, a zesty Cajun-spiced coating, and no deep frying required, they’re a healthier take on the classic appetizer. Pair them with a creamy dipping sauce for the ultimate treat that’s quick, easy, and incredibly satisfying. Whether you’re hosting a party, planning a game-day menu, or just craving a salty snack, these air fryer pickles will be a hit!
Ingredients
For the Pickles
- 1 (16-ounce) jar dill pickle chips or ovals (60–65 pickles or 40–45 ovals)
- 1 large egg white
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- Cooking spray
For the Dipping Sauce
-
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons ketchup
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
Step 1: Prep the Pickles
- Drain the jar of dill pickles and lay them out in a single layer on paper towels.
- Pat the tops of the pickles dry with additional paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: Whisk the Egg White
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- In a medium bowl, whisk the egg white until soft white peaks form. This should take about 5 minutes of vigorous whisking.
Step 3: Coat the Pickles
- Add the pickles to the whisked egg white and gently stir to coat evenly.
- In a large zip-top bag, combine yellow cornmeal, all-purpose flour, and Cajun seasoning. Seal the bag and shake to mix well.
- Transfer the pickles to the bag, seal, and shake to coat them evenly. Gently press the coating onto the pickles to help it adhere. Separate any pickles that stick together and toss again.
Step 4: Preheat the Air Fryer
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
Step 5: Air-Fry the Pickles
- Working in batches, place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding for even cooking.
- Spray the tops of the pickles lightly with cooking spray.
- Air-fry for 10 to 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pickles are golden and crispy. Repeat with remaining batches.
Step 6: Make the Dipping Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, black pepper, and garlic powder until smooth.
Step 7: Serve
-
- Serve the pickles warm or at room temperature with the prepared dipping sauce. Enjoy!
Notes
- Dry Pickles Thoroughly: Patting the pickles dry ensures the coating sticks and the pickles stay crispy.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Air circulation is key to getting a perfectly crispy texture, so cook in batches if necessary.
- Customize the Coating: Adjust the Cajun seasoning to your preferred spice level, or add a pinch of paprika or cayenne for extra heat.
- Reheating Leftovers: If you have leftovers, reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–5 minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Make It Gluten-Free: Substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snack
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American