These Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips are crunchy, zesty, and a little bit spicy! They’re perfect for snacking or as a fun side dish. Plus, making them is super easy!
Honestly, I can’t resist these chips! They disappear so fast when I serve them at parties. Just slice the pickles, season, and let the air fryer work its magic—so tasty!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickles: Make sure to use fresh dill pickles for the tangy flavor. If you can’t find dill pickles, you might try using jalapeño slices for a spicy twist, but note they’ll change the taste significantly.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These add a great crunch! If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs can work, but they might not give the same crispy texture. Alternatively, you can crush some cornflakes for a gluten-free option.
Cayenne Pepper: This gives the chips their spice! If you prefer less heat, feel free to cut back on the cayenne, or substitute with paprika for more flavor without the kick. You can also use chili powder for a different spice profile.
All-Purpose Flour: This helps the coating stick. If you’re looking for gluten-free, almond flour or coconut flour makes a good substitute.
How Do You Get Pickle Chips Extra Crispy?
Getting the perfect crispiness is key to a great pickle chip! Be sure to remove excess moisture by patting the pickle slices dry—this helps the coating adhere better and achieve that crunch. Here’s how to ensure perfection:
- Use fresh, not soggy, pickles. The drier they are, the crispier they’ll get.
- Lightly spray or brush the coated chips with oil before air frying. This promotes browning and crispness.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket! Allowing space helps the hot air circulate, ensuring every chip gets crispy.
- Flip the chips halfway through cooking for even browning.
With these tips and tricks, your Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips will turn out crunchy and delicious every time!
Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Coating:
- 3 to 4 large dill pickles, sliced into 1/4-inch thick chips (use fresh dill pickles, not bread and butter)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to preferred spice level)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons dried dill or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
- Cooking spray or a light drizzle of oil for air fryer
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep and roughly 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer, making it a quick treat! Total time: around 25 minutes. Perfect for a quick snack or movie night!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 5 minutes. This ensures your pickle chips will cook evenly and get that lovely crispy texture.
2. Prepare the Pickles:
Take the pickle slices and pat them dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is important so that the coating sticks better and helps them cook crispier.
3. Set Up Breading Stations:
Get three bowls ready for the breading. In the first bowl, place the flour. In the second bowl, whisk together the eggs until smooth. In the third bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and dill. Mix well!
4. Bread the Pickles:
Now, for the fun part! Take a pickle slice and first dredge it in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the egg wash to coat it well. Finally, roll it in the seasoned panko mixture, pressing the crumbs onto the slice to ensure they stick nicely.
5. Oil the Chips:
Once all the pickle slices are breaded, lightly spray or brush them with oil on both sides. This step is crucial for getting that delightful crunch when air frying!
6. Arrange in the Air Fryer:
Place the coated pickle chips into the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap. You might have to cook them in batches depending on the size of your air fryer!
7. Air Fry the Chips:
Cook the pickle chips at 400°F (200°C) for about 8 to 10 minutes, flipping them halfway through. Keep an eye on them until they turn golden brown and crispy!
8. Sprinkle with Fresh Dill:
Once they’re done, carefully remove the chips from the fryer. If you used fresh dill, sprinkle it over the hot chips for an extra flavor kick!
9. Serve and Enjoy:
These spicy dill pickle chips are best served warm. Dip them into your favorite sauces, such as spicy ranch, chipotle mayo, or classic ketchup. Enjoy your crunchy, tangy, and spicy treat!
These chips are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. Happy snacking!
Can I Use Sugar-Free Dill Pickles?
Yes, you can use sugar-free dill pickles in this recipe! They’ll still provide that tangy flavor and work perfectly with the crispy coating.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Pickle Chips?
If you happen to have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep in mind that they may lose some crispiness, but you can reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes to refresh their crunch!
Can I Air Fry Other Vegetables the Same Way?
Absolutely! You can use this breading technique on other vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or even cauliflower. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since different veggies may take a little more or less time to become crispy.
Can I Make Them Less Spicy?
Of course! Simply reduce or omit the cayenne pepper to adjust the spice level to your preference. If you still want flavor without the heat, consider adding more garlic powder or smoked paprika instead!
