These Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips are a crunchy and tangy snack that packs a punch! Just slice your pickles, mix them with some spicy seasoning, and let the air fryer do the magic.
Perfect for munching while watching a movie or as a fun appetizer. I can’t resist grabbing a handful—just watch out, they might disappear fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill pickle slices: Use thick slices, about 1/2-inch, for that satisfying crunch. If you can’t find crinkle-cut, regular slices work just fine. Homemade pickles can also add a unique flavor.
All-purpose flour: This flour helps the seasoning stick. If you’re gluten-free, almond flour or chickpea flour are great alternatives that also add flavor!
Panko breadcrumbs: These provide an extra crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture won’t be as crispy. You can also use crushed cornflakes for a fun twist.
Cayenne pepper: Adjust the spice level to your taste. If you prefer a milder flavor, substitute with paprika or omit it altogether, adding more smoked paprika instead for flavor.
How Do I Ensure My Pickles Get Crispy in the Air Fryer?
The trick to achieving crispy pickle chips is all in the coating process. Make sure to properly dredge each slice, giving them a good coat in flour, then egg, and finally panko. Press the panko gently to ensure it sticks well.
- Preheat the air fryer—this step is key for a crispy exterior.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the basket. If needed, small batches work best for even cooking.
- A light spray of cooking oil helps with browning. Flip the pickles halfway through cooking for even crispiness.
Let them cool slightly before serving, as they will crisp up even more as they rest. Enjoy your crunchy snack!
Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips
Ingredients
- 2 cups dill pickle slices (about 1/2-inch thick, crinkle-cut if possible)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (or regular paprika for less smokiness)
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (for crunch)
- Cooking spray or a light coating of olive oil spray
- Optional dip: ranch or a creamy dill sauce
Time Needed
This recipe will take around 15 minutes for preparation and about 10 minutes for cooking. So, in total, set aside about 30 minutes to make these delicious spicy dill pickle chips!
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Air Fryer
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This should take about 5 minutes. A hot air fryer will help achieve that perfect crunch on your pickle chips.
2. Prepare the Coating Mixture
In a shallow bowl, mix together the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, dried dill, black pepper, and salt. This mixture will give your pickle chips a flavorful kick!
3. Set Up Your Dipping Stations
In another bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. Then, place the panko breadcrumbs in a third bowl. You’re all set for the dredging process!
4. Dredge the Pickle Slices
Take one pickle slice and first dip it into the flour mixture to coat, then into the beaten eggs, and finally into the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure to press the breadcrumbs lightly so they stick well to the pickles. Do this step with all the pickle slices.
5. Arrange in the Air Fryer
Carefully arrange the coated pickle chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Be sure not to overcrowd them—this helps them cook evenly. Lightly spray the chips with cooking spray or olive oil to promote browning.
6. Air Fry the Chips
Air fry the pickle chips for about 8-10 minutes. Remember to flip them halfway through for even cooking. They should come out golden, crispy, and slightly browned!
7. Cool and Serve
Once they are done, carefully remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool for a minute or two. This allows them to get even crispier!
8. Enjoy!
Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch or a creamy dill sauce. Enjoy your crunchy, spicy dill pickle chips with that perfect blend of flavors!
Can I Use Different Pickles for This Recipe?
Absolutely! While dill pickles are traditional, you can try sweet pickles for a contrasting flavor or spicy pickles for an extra kick. Just make sure they’re sliced to about 1/2-inch thick for the best result.
What If I Don’t Have Panko Breadcrumbs?
No problem! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can be used, though they won’t provide the same crunchy texture. Alternatively, crushed cornflakes or even seasoned crackers can give your pickle chips a delightful crunch!
How Can I Store Leftover Pickle Chips?
Store any leftover pickle chips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. They’re best enjoyed fresh, but you can re-crisp them in the air fryer for a few minutes if you like them warm.
Can I Make These Spicy Dill Pickle Chips Vegan?
Yes! You can substitute the eggs with a vegan egg replacer, such as a mixture of ground flaxseed and water (1 tablespoon flaxseed meal + 2.5 tablespoons water per egg). This will help the breading stick just as well!