These Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips are crispy, tangy, and just the right amount of spicy! Perfect for a quick snack or as a delicious side.
Honestly, I can’t get enough of these! They’re so easy to make, and you can munch on them while binge-watching your favorite shows. Who needs popcorn?
I love that they are healthier since they’re air-fried. Just coat the pickles in a little spice and enjoy a guilt-free treat that’s packed with flavor!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickle Slices: Use thick-cut dill pickles for the best crunch. If dill pickles aren’t available, try bread and butter pickles for a sweeter flavor or spicy pickles for even more heat.
Cornmeal or Pork Rinds: Cornmeal gives a great texture, but if you’re looking for a low-carb option, crushed pork rinds work wonders! They add a satisfying crunch and are a great gluten-free option.
Spices: Garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika offer the best flavor combo. Feel free to substitute other spices based on your taste, like chili powder for more heat or Italian seasoning for a different twist!
How Can I Get My Pickles Extra Crispy?
Getting crispy pickle chips is all about moisture management and coating techniques. First, always pat your pickle slices dry with paper towels before breading. This step prevents sogginess and helps the coating adhere.
- Set up your breading stations with flour, egg wash, and the spice mix.
- Make sure to coat each pickle chip well, pressing gently to ensure the mixture sticks evenly.
- Cook in a single layer in the air fryer; this allows hot air to circulate around each chip for even crispiness.
- Don’t skip the cooking spray! A light mist helps to create a beautiful golden crust.
Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup dill pickle slices (about 20-25 thick-cut pickle chips)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup cornmeal or crushed pork rinds (for extra crunch)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (optional, as pickles are already salty)
- 2 large eggs
- Cooking spray or a little oil for spraying
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes of prep time and 10 minutes to cook. In just about 25 minutes, you’ll have crunchy, spicy dill pickle chips ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Coating Stations:
In one shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs until well combined. In another shallow bowl, mix the flour, cornmeal (or crushed pork rinds), garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dill weed, black pepper, and optional salt. Now you have your egg wash and coating ready!
2. Drain the Pickles Well:
Lay the pickle slices out on paper towels and pat them dry. This step is super important! By removing excess moisture, the coating will stick better, and you’ll avoid sogginess.
3. Bread the Pickle Chips:
Take a pickle slice and dip it first into the egg wash—let the excess drip off—and then dredge it in the flour and spice mixture. Make sure to press gently so that the coating sticks well! Place the coated pickles on a plate or wire rack.
4. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to preheat at 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes while you finish coating the pickles.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer Basket:
Carefully place the coated pickle chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding them; if necessary, cook in batches to make sure they’re crispy.
6. Cook:
Spray the pickle chips lightly with cooking spray or oil. Air fry them at 400°F for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through for even cooking. They should turn a beautiful golden brown and be deliciously crispy!
7. Cool and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the pickle chips from the air fryer and let them cool on a wire rack for a few minutes. This helps maintain their crispiness. Serve your spicy dill pickle chips immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like spicy ranch or chipotle mayo. Enjoy!
Can I Use Different Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are recommended for that classic flavor, you can experiment with bread and butter pickles for a sweeter taste or spicy pickles for an extra kick.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To re-crisp, pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes before serving.
What Can I Use Instead of Cornmeal?
If you don’t have cornmeal, crushed pork rinds are a great alternative for added crunch. You can also use panko breadcrumbs for a different texture!
Can I Prepare These in Advance?
Yes! You can bread the pickles ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to an hour before air frying. Just make sure to let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes before cooking to ensure even frying.
