Air Fryer Pickle Spears Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about air frying pickles, transforming them from simple spears into crispy, tangy delights. As I dipped the air-fried pickles into a creamy ranch, it was a crunchy accompaniment to a lazy afternoon, delivering on every vibrant promise of flavor with each bite.

I love to create recipes that give classic snacks a crispy twist, and air fryer pickle spears do just that. Dredging dill pickles in all-purpose flour seasoned with garlic and onion powders, smoked paprika, and black pepper yields a well-rounded flavor profile.

Panko breadcrumbs add crunch. These are a bit healthier than most fried snacks, yet I find them just as satisfying.

Air Fryer Pickle Spears Recipe Ingredients

• Dill Pickle Spears: Tart and crunchy; add briny, refreshing tanginess.
• All-Purpose Flour: Provides a crisp coating; basic carb source.
• Garlic Powder: Adds aromatic, savory flavor; beneficial compounds.
• Onion Powder: Enhances depth; offers subtle sweetness and antioxidants.
• Smoked Paprika: Delivers smoky, sweet warmth; rich in antioxidants.
• Panko Breadcrumbs: Light and crispy texture; low in calories.
• Eggs: Serves as binder; packed with protein and nutrients.

Air Fryer Pickle Spears Recipe Ingredient Quantities

• 8 dill pickle spears
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 large eggs
• 1 tablespoon water
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Non-stick cooking spray
• Ranch or preferred dipping sauce (optional)

How to Make this Air Fryer Pickle Spears Recipe

1. Wipe the dill pickle spears with a paper towel to make them dry.

2. In a shallow bowl, combine the following ingredients thoroughly:

– All-purpose flour (2 cups)
– Garlic powder (1/2 tsp)
– Onion powder (1/2 tsp)
– Smoked paprika (1 tsp)
– Salt (1/2 tsp)
– Ground black pepper (1/4 tsp)

3. In another bowl, beat together the eggs and 1 tablespoon of water until well combined.

4. In another bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.

5. Coat each pickle spear thoroughly in the mixture of flour and spices.

6. Immerse the flour-dusted pickle spear into the egg wash, letting any extra wash fall back into the bowl.

7. Put the panko breadcrumbs on a plate. Take a pickle spear (or spear a pickle; we are not judging). Coat the spear with the breadcrumbs on one side. Turn the spear and coat the breadcrumbs on the other side. Press down gently as you do so, because you want them to stick.

8. Set the air fryer to 400°F (200°C) to preheat for about 5 minutes.

9. Mist the basket of the air fryer with a non-stick cooking spray. Lay the pickle spears in the basket. Do not let them touch.

10. Cook the food in an air fryer at 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius) for 8 to 10 minutes, turning halfway through the cooking time; they will be golden brown and crispy. Serve with ranch sauce or any dipping sauce you prefer.

Air Fryer Pickle Spears Recipe Equipment Needed

1. Paper towels
2. Shallow bowl (for flour and spices mixture)
3. Bowl (for egg wash)
4. Plate (for panko breadcrumbs)
5. Spoon or whisk (for mixing)
6. Air fryer
7. Non-stick cooking spray
8. Tongs or fork (for handling pickle spears)

FAQ

• Q: Can I use sweet pickle spears instead of dill?A: Yes, if you like a sweeter flavor, you can use sweet pickle spears. Just know that it’ll change the final taste of the dish.
• Q: How do I prevent the breading from falling off?A: Ensure that the pickles are patted dry prior to breading, and press the breadcrumbs on with firmness. Chilling them for a short time before air frying can also be beneficial.
• Q: Can I make these gluten-free?A: Yes, you can use gluten-free alternatives to the all-purpose flour and panko breadcrumbs.
• Q: What temperature should I set my air fryer to?1. For best results, an air fryer should be preheated before cooking. Unlike a traditional oven, an air fryer does not circulate a lot of air during the preheating stage. That means the warming element is quite concentrated. Because of this, the air fryer basket can get very hot, very fast.
  2. An air fryer should be preheated in the same way you would preheat a skillet. If you have a small amount of food to cook, skip this step. Air frying works best in the 20/80 rule: 20 percent food, 80 percent air. If the air can’t circulate around the food, you’re not air frying; you’re roasting.
• Q: How long should I cook the pickle spears in the air fryer?A. Air fry for 8-10 minutes or until the coating is a golden brown and crispy.
• Q: Can I prepare these ahead of time?A: Yes, you can bread the pickles and refrigerate them a few hours before air frying, but they are best served hot and fresh. 1. Can breading be done ahead of time? Yes, you can do it the night before and refrigerate the pickles until you are ready to fry them.

Air Fryer Pickle Spears Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Dill pickle spears: Use spicy pickle spears for a kick, or bread-and-butter spears for a sweet twist.
Gluten-free all-purpose flour: Substitute with something else to make it gluten-free. You can use many kinds of flour, such as rice flour, for the substitution.
Panko breadcrumbs: Substitute crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a different texture or for accommodating dietary restrictions.
Smoked paprika: Replace with ordinary paprika for a flavor that’s not as smokey. For an extra kick, use cayenne pepper.
Eggs: If you want to prepare an egg-free version, substitute 3 tablespoons of aquafaba for each egg.

Pro Tips

1. Pat Dry Thoroughly Ensuring the pickle spears are completely dry before coating them helps the flour mixture adhere better, which prevents the coating from becoming soggy during cooking.

2. Season the Panko Add a little extra flavor by mixing a small amount of garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika into the panko breadcrumbs for an even more flavorful and crispy crust.

3. Double Dip for Extra Crunch For a thicker, crunchier coating, dip the pickle spears back into the egg wash and panko breadcrumbs a second time after the initial breading.

4. Uniform Coating Press the panko gently onto the pickle spears to ensure a uniform, even coating. This helps achieve a consistent crunch and prevents gaps in the breading.

5. Avoid Overcrowding Arrange the pickle spears in the air fryer basket in a single layer without touching each other to ensure even air circulation for perfect crispness on all sides.