These Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips are crunchy and packed with flavor! Perfect for a snack or a party treat, they bring a zesty kick that pickle lovers will adore.
I love how easy they are to make—just slice the pickles and let the air fryer do the magic! You won’t be able to stop munching on them. Warning: they might disappear fast! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Dill Pickle Chips: Thick-cut and crinkle-cut pickles give the best texture and flavor. If you can’t find them, you can use regular sliced pickles or even whole pickles—just slice them yourself!
Flour: All-purpose flour is used for coating, but you can substitute with gluten-free flour if needed. It helps create a base for the batter.
Seasonings: The garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika add nice depth. If you want a milder version, skip the cayenne pepper or use sweet paprika instead.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch, panko is fantastic! If you want a gluten-free option, use gluten-free breadcrumbs or cornmeal, which works well too.
How Do I Get the Perfect Crunchy Texture?
To achieve that ultimate crunch on these pickle chips, follow a few key steps:
- Dry the Pickles: Pat your pickle chips with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps the flour and coating stick better!
- Coat Evenly: Make sure to coat in flour, then egg, and finally the breadcrumbs thoroughly. Each step adds texture.
- Don’t Overcrowd: Cook in batches in the air fryer to avoid steaming the chips. They need space to crisp up!
- Spray for Crispiness: A light spray of oil on the coated chips will make them extra crispy during air frying.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly crunchy and spicy dill pickle chips that are hard to resist!
Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Coating:
- 20 dill pickle chips (preferably thick-cut and crinkle-cut)
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spiciness)
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (reduce if pickles are salty)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal for extra crispiness
- Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil spray)
Time Needed:
This deliciously crunchy snack takes about 5 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook in the air fryer. In total, you’ll be enjoying your spicy dill pickle chips in about 15-20 minutes!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Air Fryer:
Set your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) and let it heat up for about 5 minutes. Preheating helps achieve that perfect crispiness!
2. Prepare the Coating:
In a shallow bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, chili powder, black pepper, and salt. Mix everything together until they are well blended.
3. Beat the Eggs:
In a separate bowl, beat the eggs until smooth. This will help the coating stick to the pickles nicely!
4. Set Up the Breading Stations:
Pour the panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal into a third bowl. This will be the final coating for your pickle chips.
5. Dry the Pickles:
Take a few dill pickle chips and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This is important for helping the coating stick better.
6. Coat the Pickles:
Working in batches, dredge each pickle chip in the seasoned flour mixture. Make sure to shake off any excess flour. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs to coat, and finally, press it into the panko breadcrumbs or cornmeal, ensuring all sides are well covered.
7. Arrange in Air Fryer:
Carefully place the coated pickle chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding them—better to fry in batches for even cooking!
8. Spray for Crispiness:
Lightly spray the top of the pickle chips with cooking oil spray. This helps them become extra crispy while air frying.
9. Air Fry the Chips:
Cook the pickle chips in the air fryer for 8-10 minutes. Remember to shake the basket or flip the chips halfway through to ensure they cook evenly and turn a lovely golden brown.
10. Serve Time:
Once done, carefully remove the spicy dill pickle chips from the air fryer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to absorb any extra oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like ranch dressing or spicy mayo!
Enjoy your crunchy, spicy, and tangy Air Fryer Spicy Dill Pickle Chips!
Can I Use Whole Pickles Instead of Slices?
Yes, you can use whole pickles! Just slice them into thicker chips to ensure they hold up during frying and maintain a good crunch.
How Can I Make These Chips Even Spicier?
If you want extra heat, you can increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add some crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for an additional kick!
What Should I Do with Leftover Chips?
Store any leftover spicy dill pickle chips in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain some crispiness!
Can I Make These Chips Vegan?
Absolutely! You can substitute the eggs with a plant-based egg alternative like a flax egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of water) or use a non-dairy milk splash with a bit of cornstarch for binding. Enjoy!
