These Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips are crunchy and bursting with flavor! Perfect as a snack or for game day, they offer a zesty kick that pickle lovers will adore.
Honestly, who knew pickles could be this fun? I love crunching on these crispy treats while binge-watching my favorite shows—guilt-free and oh-so-yummy!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickle Slices: The star of this recipe! Look for whole dill pickles to slice at home if you want thicker or thinner chips. If you prefer a milder flavor, choose bread-and-butter pickles instead.
Panko Breadcrumbs: I love using panko for extra crunch. If you can’t find panko, regular breadcrumbs work, but they won’t be as crispy. You could also use crushed cornflakes for a different texture!
Cayenne Pepper: Adjust this based on your spice tolerance. If you want more heat, you can crank it up or even add some crushed red pepper flakes. For a milder version, leave it out altogether.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunch on My Pickle Chips?
Getting that ideal crispy texture is vital, and it’s all in the preparation! Start by thoroughly drying your pickles; moisture can lead to soggy chips.
- Drain pickles and pat them dry using paper towels.
- Coat them properly by dipping each slice in flour, then the egg mixture, and lastly the seasoned breadcrumbs. Make sure they stick!
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for even crispiness.
- Spraying with cooking spray helps them brown beautifully.
Letting the chips cool slightly after cooking ensures they stay crispy—just don’t wait too long, or you might miss that fantastic crunch!
Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large jar dill pickle slices (about 20-25 slices), drained on paper towels
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon milk
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste for spice)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Cooking spray or oil mister
- Fresh dill sprigs for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. You’ll be enjoying your crunchy snacks in no time, so get ready to indulge!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Pickle Slices:
Start by draining the pickle slices on paper towels. Gently pat them dry to remove any excess moisture. This is a crucial step to ensure your chips turn out crispy!
2. Set Up Your Breading Station:
In a shallow bowl, place the flour for dredging. In another bowl, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, black pepper, and salt.
3. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. This helps to achieve that perfect crunch!
4. Bread the Pickle Chips:
Now it’s time to coat the pickle slices! Working in batches, dredge each slice in flour, shaking off any excess. Then dip it into the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to help the coating stick.
5. Air Fry the Chips:
Place the coated pickle chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray them with cooking spray. Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.
6. Cool and Serve:
Once done, remove the chips from the air fryer and let them cool slightly to crisp up even more. Garnish with fresh dill sprigs if desired and serve immediately! They are fantastic on their own or with your favorite dipping sauce like ranch or spicy mayo.
Enjoy your crunchy, tangy, and spicy snack!
Can I Use Other Types of Pickles?
Absolutely! While dill pickle slices are the star of this recipe, you can experiment with bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter flavor or even spicy pickles for an extra kick. Just be aware that different types may change the overall taste of the chips.
What Can I Use Instead of Panko Breadcrumbs?
If you don’t have panko on hand, regular breadcrumbs will work, although they won’t give the same crunchy texture. For a unique twist, try crushed cornflakes or even grated Parmesan for a different flavor and crunch.
How Do I Store Leftover Chips?
For best results, store any leftover pickle chips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. They may lose some crunch, but you can re-crisp them briefly in the air fryer or oven to bring back some texture before enjoying.
Can I Make These in Advance?
Yes! You can bread the pickle chips in advance and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours before air frying. For an even longer option, freeze the breaded slices in a single layer on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. Cook from frozen, adding extra time as needed.