If you’re craving a snack that perfectly balances crispy crunch with tangy zest, this Air Fryer Fried Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe is going to be your new best friend. Imagine succulent dill pickle chips coated in a golden, extra-crunchy exterior, effortlessly prepared in the air fryer for a guilt-friendly twist on a classic fried favorite. Paired with a creamy, flavorful spicy dipping sauce that delivers just the right hint of heat, this recipe is begging to be your go-to appetizer for game days, casual gatherings, or those moments when you want to treat yourself to something truly irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe relies on simple, accessible ingredients that come together to create a dish bursting with layers of flavor and texture. Each ingredient plays its part in ensuring your fried pickles are perfectly crispy on the outside, tangy on the inside, and accompanied by a spicy sauce that packs a punch.
- Dill pickle chips: The star of the show, offering that signature briny tang and perfect size for frying.
- Extra crunchy Shake n Bake Chicken Coating: Provides an unbeatable crispy crust to your pickles without needing deep frying.
- Spray olive oil: Helps achieve a golden finish with a light, healthy crisp.
- Miracle Whip: Adds creamy texture and a slight tanginess to the dipping sauce.
- Ketchup: Brings sweetness and a familiar red color that balances the spice.
- Dill: Amplifies the herbaceous notes complementing the pickles perfectly.
- Sugar: A touch of sweetness to round out the sauce’s flavor profile.
- Lemon juice: Offers fresh acidity to brighten the sauce’s taste.
- Garlic salt: Delivers savory depth and a pinch of saltiness for enhanced flavor.
- Tabasco sauce: Adds a smoky, vinegary heat that makes the dipping sauce irresistibly spicy.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Dill Pickle Chips
Start by grabbing a handful of dill pickle chips from your jar and drop them into the Extra Crunchy Shake n Bake Chicken Coating. This coating is the secret to that perfectly crispy texture you want without the mess of traditional frying.
Step 2: Shake to Fully Coat
Give the pickles a good shake in the coating mix until they are thoroughly covered. This ensures each bite has that satisfying crunch and makes the flavors pop.
Step 3: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Lay the coated pickles in a single layer inside your air fryer basket. This setup allows hot air to circulate evenly, giving you a golden finish every time.
Step 4: Spray with Olive Oil
Before cooking, lightly spray the pickles with olive oil. This step helps to crisp up the coating and develop a beautiful golden color.
Step 5: Fill the Air Fryer Basket
Repeat the coating and spraying process until your air fryer basket is full but not overcrowded. You want space for the air to flow freely for the best crispy results.
Step 6: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and cook the pickles for 9 minutes. This timing gives the coating enough time to crisp up without overcooking the delicate pickle inside.
Step 7: Prepare the Spicy Dipping Sauce
While the pickles crisp up, whisk together your dipping sauce ingredients in a small bowl: Miracle Whip, ketchup, dill, sugar, lemon juice, garlic salt, and 3 to 4 shakes of Tabasco. Stir until smooth and well combined for that perfect tangy and spicy dip.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Once the air frying is done, serve your golden fried pickles hot with the spicy dipping sauce on the side. Get ready to dive into crispy, tangy, and spicy goodness!
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Adding a little garnish can elevate this snack’s visual and flavor appeal. Try sprinkling some freshly chopped parsley or a dash of smoked paprika on the pickles. These small touches add brightness and a hint of smoky aroma that make each bite feel special.
Side Dishes
These fried pickles with spicy dipping sauce shine as a snack, but they also pair wonderfully with classic Southern sides such as coleslaw, baked beans, or sweet potato fries. Their crunch and tang balance beautifully against creamy or sweet sides.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party spread, serve the Air Fryer Fried Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe in a rustic basket lined with parchment paper, alongside mini cups of the dipping sauce for easy grabbing. Or elevate your appetizer game by serving the pickles skewered on toothpicks with a drizzle of the sauce over the top for a playful, bite-sized treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To keep the coating from getting soggy, place a paper towel inside the container to absorb moisture and help maintain the crispiness.
Freezing
While best enjoyed fresh, if you want to save some for later, freeze the uncooked coated pickles on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, pop them straight into the air fryer, adding a few extra minutes to the cook time.
Reheating
The secret to reheating fried pickles without losing crispness is using an air fryer or oven. Heat at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 4-5 minutes, checking frequently so they crisp up perfectly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pickles instead of jarred dill pickle chips?
Absolutely! Just slice fresh pickles into chips and pat them dry before coating to ensure the breading sticks well and crisps up nicely.
Is Shake n Bake necessary or can I use another coating?
Shake n Bake adds a unique crunch and flavor, but you can substitute with panko breadcrumbs mixed with your favorite seasonings for a similar effect.
Can I make the spicy dipping sauce less spicy?
Definitely! Adjust the amount of Tabasco or substitute with a milder hot sauce to suit your taste buds.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can shallow fry the coated pickles in a few inches of oil until golden, though the air fryer version is much lighter and easier to clean up.
How long do the fried pickles stay crispy?
They’re best enjoyed immediately! Stored properly and reheated carefully, you can keep them crispy for up to 1 day.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Air Fryer Fried Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe, it’ll become a staple snack in your kitchen. The satisfying crunch, tangy punch of the pickles, and that creamy, spicy dip make for a combo that’s simply irresistible. Give it a whirl—you’ll be sharing it with friends and family in no time!
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Air Fryer Fried Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: 3-4 servings (1 jar of pickles)
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Pickles coated in a crunchy Shake n Bake coating, served with a tangy and spicy dipping sauce made from Miracle Whip, ketchup, and spices. This snack is quick to prepare and perfectly golden in just 9 minutes, making it a delicious appetizer or party treat.
Ingredients
Pickles
- 1 16 ounce jar Dill pickle chips
- 1 pkg Extra crunchy Shake n Bake Chicken Coating
- Spray Olive Oil
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup Miracle Whip
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 1/4 teaspoon Dill
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic salt
- 3 – 4 shakes Tabasco sauce (or more for spicier sauce)
Instructions
- Coat Pickle Chips: Take a few dill pickle chips from the jar and place them in the Extra Crunchy Shake n Bake coating to cover them completely.
- Shake to Coat: Shake the pickles thoroughly in the coating mix, ensuring each chip is evenly coated, then lay them in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Apply Olive Oil Spray: Lightly spray the coated pickles with olive oil spray to help achieve crispiness during cooking.
- Repeat Layering: Continue coating the remaining pickles, placing them in the air fryer and spraying each layer with olive oil, until the air fryer basket is full but not overcrowded.
- Air Fry: Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook the pickles for 9 minutes until they turn golden and crispy.
- Prepare Dipping Sauce: While the pickles cook, combine Miracle Whip, ketchup, dill, sugar, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Tabasco in a small bowl.
- Mix Sauce: Stir the dipping sauce ingredients thoroughly until smooth and well blended.
- Serve: Remove the pickles from the air fryer, serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce, and enjoy the crispy snack.
Notes
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to ensure even crispiness.
- Adjust the amount of Tabasco in the dipping sauce to your preferred spice level.
- Use fresh olive oil spray to prevent sticking and add flavor.
- This recipe yields approximately 1 jar (16 ounces) of pickles, suitable for 3-4 servings as an appetizer.
- For best results, serve the pickles immediately after air frying to maintain crisp texture.
