Ditch the mess of deep-frying and instead craft golden fried pickles the easy way!
Before I moved to the South, I didn’t understand why Southerners were so obsessed with fried food. It’s such an integral part of their culinary culture, you can’t drive five minutes down the road without stumbling upon a fried chicken restaurant or even a few fried food trucks. Now that I’ve tasted some local delicacies, I realize why it’s such a big craze. Even the humble fried pickle has become a comfort food icon. And now my mouth waters just thinking about it!
Today, it’s easier than ever to whip up some crispy fried pickles in the air fryer. Less oil means less mess than a deep fryer, without sacrificing time or taste. In fact, the finished product is so delicious, it might even be addictive. The combination of crisp, savory breading with a punch of juicy pickle inside creates a satisfying little snack that even Yankees like me can’t resist. They make a great side dish or appetizer, especially when paired with dipping sauces or melted cheese. I also like to add them to the top of my burgers for some extra tang and crunch.
The very first fried pickles
Originally deep-fried in oil like most other fried Southern snacks, fried dill pickles were initially served as an appetizer with ketchup in 1963 in Arkansas. Restaurant owner Bernell “Fatman” Austin spent the whole summer perfecting his fried pickles to try and attract new customers. As that first fried pickle became popular, other chefs tried to copy it, but no one has been able to replicate Bernell’s breading, which still remains a closely guarded secret. Today, various versions of fried pickles are scattered across the nation, and even some northern restaurants have included them on their menus.
How do I store leftovers?
Make sure your fried pickles are completely cool before transferring them to an airtight container. Refrigerate for 2-3 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. To ensure they’re just as crispy as the first time, reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for 5-10 minutes. Frozen fried pickles will require more time, so keep that in mind when cooking.
Similar recipes to try
If you’re seeking a similar appetizer with a bit more protein and smoky flavor, then I suggest trying Bacon-Wrapped Pickles (Pickle Poppers). They’re another excellent finger food to get your pickle fix in without making a huge mess. But if you want a dish that stands out as one-of-a-kind, whip up some Easy Keto Dill Pickle Dip—a cheesy, zesty way to enjoy dippable finger foods like veggie sticks, Keto Onion Rings, or Pigs In A Blanket.
Air-Fryer Fried Pickles
Ingredients
- 2 cups dill pickle slices drained
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 2 teaspoons water
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- Preferred sauce for dipping
Instructions
- Lay the dill pickle slices on paper towels and gently pat them dry to remove excess moisture.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Set up three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, add the flour. In the second, whisk the egg with water. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, Parmesan cheese, and dried parsley.
- Dip each pickle slice in the flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
- Place the slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring they do not overlap. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden and crisp. Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
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