Step 1: Prep the Pickles
- Drain and Dry: Carefully drain the pickle slices from the jar. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the breading adhere better and ensures a crispier coating.
Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station
- Flour Coating: In a shallow dish, place the flour. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Buttermilk Mixture: In another shallow dish, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk until well combined.
- Breadcrumb Mixture: In a third shallow dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried dill (if using). Mix thoroughly.
Step 3: Bread the Pickles
- Coat with Flour: Dredge each pickle slice in the flour, shaking off excess.
- Dip in Buttermilk: Next, dip the floured pickle slice into the buttermilk mixture, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Coat with Breadcrumbs: Finally, coat the pickle slice with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well.
Step 4: Air Fry
- Preheat the Air Fryer: Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and preheat for about 3 minutes.
- Arrange Pickles: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded pickle slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they are not overcrowded. You may need to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Cook: Air fry the pickles for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time. They should be golden brown and crispy on all sides. Adjust the time as needed based on your air fryer’s performance.
Step 5: Prepare the Dipping Sauce
- Mix Sauce Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the ranch dressing with hot sauce (if using) and chopped fresh dill. Stir well to blend the flavors.
Step 6: Serve
- Cool and Garnish: Once the pickles are done, let them cool slightly on a wire rack to maintain their crispiness. Serve immediately with the dipping sauce on the side.
Tips for Perfect Fried Pickles
- Dry Pickles Thoroughly: Ensuring your pickle slices are thoroughly dried before breading helps achieve a crispier coating.
- Batch Cooking: Avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket. If needed, cook the pickles in batches to ensure they cook evenly.
- Cooking Spray: Lightly spraying the pickles and the air fryer basket helps achieve a golden, crispy exterior without excessive oil.
- Adjust Seasonings: Feel free to adjust the seasoning in the breadcrumb mixture to suit your taste. You can add cayenne pepper for extra heat or other spices for variation.
Why Air Fryer Fried Pickles?
The air fryer is a game-changer for making fried pickles. It creates a crispy, golden crust without the need for deep frying, reducing the amount of oil used and making the pickles lighter and healthier. The convection heat of the air fryer ensures even cooking and perfect crunch every time.
Air fryer fried pickles are an irresistible treat that’s perfect for game day, parties, or as a savory snack. With their crispy coating and tangy pickle flavor, these bites are sure to be a hit. Enjoy your crunchy, delicious pickles with a tangy dipping sauce for the ultimate snack experience!