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Air Fryer Fried Pickles

A crunchy, tangy snack made of pickle slices coated in seasoned batter and cooked in an air fryer for a healthier twist on a classic appetizer.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Cuisine: American, Southern
Calories: 220

Ingredients
  

For the Coating
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour Used for the first coat.
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 2 large eggs Whisked with buttermilk.
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs Gives a crunchy texture.
  • 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Optional for heat.
For the Pickles
  • 16 ounces dill pickle chips Well drained.
  • cooking spray – avocado oil or olive oil spray For crisping.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Drain pickle chips in a colander for 5-10 minutes and pat them dry with paper towels.
  2. Combine flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a bowl. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk. In a third bowl, mix panko, cornmeal, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Coating the Pickles
  1. Working one at a time, toss each pickle chip in the flour mixture, dip in the egg-buttermilk, and press into the panko-cornmeal mix until evenly coated. Place on a wire rack to rest for 5 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
  2. Lightly spray coated pickles with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  3. Transfer cooked pickles to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil, then move to a wire rack to keep crisp.
Serving
  1. Serve immediately with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or remoulade.

Notes

Ensure pickles are not dripping wet before coating to prevent splattering. To reheat, use the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes.