How To Air Fry Pickles For A Quick Crispy Snack

What not to do when making air-fried pickles

Just because air-fried pickles are simple to prepare doesn’t mean they can’t be easily messed up. To fully enjoy this tangy, crispy, and classic appetizer, keep in mind the key mistakes to avoid when air-frying pickles.

Pickles are preserved in brine, which is essentially a liquid. The first step in air-frying them should be to dry them off with a paper towel or tea towel. Removing excess moisture is crucial for ensuring that the panko breadcrumb coating sticks properly. While pickles coated in a thick, gooey batter are undeniably tasty, wet batters won’t set correctly in an air fryer and are more likely to create a mess rather than a delightful snack. Clare Andrews emphasizes that the way you place them in the air fryer is also important. "Arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket," she advises. "Avoid overcrowding; otherwise, the pickles won’t get crispy!" When preparing fried pickles for a larger crowd, she suggests, "Always work in batches if needed."

While it’s not absolutely essential, neglecting to season your breadcrumbs is a common beginner's error. Enhancing your panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and dried herbs like parsley and chives will elevate your fried pickles above the ordinary. And of course, it’s essential to serve fried pickles with a side of ranch, remoulade, or cocktail sauce.

No matter the occasion, air-fried pickles are a quick and easy snack that you’ll find yourself returning to again and again. Did we mention that using an air fryer can also save you money? What’s not to love? For more valuable insights on air frying, check out Clare Andrews' new book, "The Ultimate Air Fryer Cookbook: One Basket Meals," available on Amazon.