Crispy, golden, and full of flavor, Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a perfect appetizer or snack. With a crunchy coating and a tangy, spicy dipping sauce, these fried pickles are a healthier twist on the classic deep-fried version. They’re quick to make and incredibly addictive!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a deliciously crispy treat without the mess of deep frying. The air fryer gives them a light and golden crunch while keeping them lower in fat. The pickles are perfectly coated in a seasoned flour and cornmeal mix that adds an extra layer of flavor. Pair them with a spicy and creamy sriracha mayo dipping sauce, and you have the perfect combination of salty, tangy, and spicy. Whether you’re serving them as an appetizer or enjoying them on your own, these fried pickles are sure to be a hit.
Ingredients
For Sriracha Mayo:
-
½ cup mayonnaise
-
2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (or to taste)
For Pickle Chips:
-
1 (16 ounce) jar dill pickle chips
-
1 large egg
-
2 tablespoons milk
-
½ cup all-purpose flour
-
½ cup cornmeal
-
½ teaspoon seasoned salt
-
¼ teaspoon paprika
-
¼ teaspoon garlic powder
-
⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
-
Cooking spray
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
Prepare the Dipping Sauce:
-
Mix mayonnaise and sriracha sauce together in a small bowl until well combined.
-
Refrigerate until ready to serve.
Prepare the Pickles:
-
Drain the pickle chips and dry them on paper towels.
Prepare the Coating:
-
In one bowl, whisk together egg and milk.
-
In another bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
Coat the Pickles:
-
Dip each pickle chip into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, coating both sides and lightly pressing the flour mixture into each pickle.
Air Fry the Pickles:
-
Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray.
-
Place pickles in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if necessary).
-
Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes. Carefully flip the pickles and air fry for another 4 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
Serve:
-
Serve the fried pickles with the prepared sriracha mayo dipping sauce.
Servings and Timing
-
Servings: 8
-
Prep Time: 10 minutes
-
Cook Time: 10 minutes
-
Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
-
Cheesy Fried Pickles: Add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese to the coating mixture for a cheesy flavor.
-
Spicy Pickles: For an extra spicy kick, add more sriracha sauce to the mayo, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper into the flour mixture.
-
Vegetarian Option: Replace the dill pickles with sliced zucchini or eggplant for a fun veggie twist.
Storage/Reheating
-
Storage: Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
-
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes to restore their crispy texture. Alternatively, you can reheat them in a conventional oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 5-7 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use sweet pickles for this recipe?
Yes, sweet pickles can be used, but they will result in a different flavor profile—tangy and sweet instead of tangy and salty.
Can I make the coating in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the flour and cornmeal mixture ahead of time and store it in an airtight container until ready to use.
Can I use frozen pickles for this recipe?
It’s best to use fresh or refrigerated pickles as frozen pickles may release too much moisture during the cooking process.
Can I make this recipe without an air fryer?
Yes, you can deep fry the pickles in hot oil (375°F or 190°C), or bake them in a preheated oven at 425°F (220°C) for 15-20 minutes.
How do I know when the pickles are done cooking?
The pickles are done when they are golden brown and crispy. You should be able to easily flip them, and the coating will feel firm.
Can I add more heat to the dipping sauce?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of sriracha sauce to your taste or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra spice.
What can I serve with these fried pickles?
Fried pickles are great on their own or paired with sides like coleslaw, potato wedges, or a simple salad.
Can I make the dipping sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sriracha mayo up to 2 days in advance. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Can I freeze leftover fried pickles?
While it’s best to eat them fresh, you can freeze the fried pickles for up to 3 months. Reheat in the air fryer to restore some of their crunch.
Are these fried pickles gluten-free?
You can make them gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and cornmeal alternatives.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a crispy, flavorful snack that’s healthier and just as satisfying as traditional deep-fried pickles. The crunchy, seasoned coating and spicy sriracha mayo dipping sauce make them irresistible. Perfect for parties, game days, or a simple treat, these fried pickles are a must-try for pickle lovers and anyone looking for a fun, easy recipe. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy, golden fried pickles made in the air fryer, served with a spicy sriracha mayo dipping sauce for a perfect snack or appetizer.
Ingredients
- Sriracha Mayo:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sriracha sauce (or to taste)
- Pickle Chips:
- 1 (16 ounce) jar dill pickle chips
- 1 large egg
- 2 tablespoons milk
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornmeal
- ½ teaspoon seasoned salt
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ⅛ teaspoon ground black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: Mix mayonnaise and sriracha sauce together in a small bowl until well combined. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Prepare the Pickles: Drain the pickle chips and dry them on paper towels.
- Prepare the Coating: In one bowl, whisk together egg and milk. In another bowl, mix together flour, cornmeal, seasoned salt, paprika, garlic powder, and black pepper.
- Coat the Pickles: Dip each pickle chip into the egg mixture, then into the flour mixture, coating both sides and lightly pressing the flour mixture into each pickle.
- Air Fry the Pickles: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place pickles in a single layer in the basket (cook in batches if necessary). Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for 4 minutes. Carefully flip the pickles and air fry for another 4 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
- Serve: Serve the fried pickles with the prepared sriracha mayo dipping sauce.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, spray the pickles lightly with cooking spray before air frying.
- Adjust the sriracha sauce to your preferred spice level for the dipping sauce.
- These fried pickles can be served as an appetizer or a side dish to your favorite meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 4 pickles)
- Calories: 120
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 35mg