Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer or Baked!

Fried Pickles are one of our favorite appetizers when we go out. So, why not make them at home and have them anytime?? Now, we all know frying in oil is not the healthiest or lowest in calories way to have a treat, so we decided to air fry (or bake) the pickles. Here's what we found

1. It's super easy to make "Fried Pickles"
2. The flavor is the same. . .maybe better than fried
3. The pickles can be reheated and the great pickle flavor is still there!
4. Air Fried or Baked...they both tasted the same

Air Fry Vs Baking for "Fried Pickles"!

We decided to see if there was actually a difference in the flavor of fried pickles when using an air fry method over a baking method. The big thing we found was the flavor is the same. What really matters is the quality of the pickle and the seasoning used in the breading.

OK, for both methods (air frying or baking) we used the same seasoning and preparations.

First, and most importantly, drain the pickles and dry the pickles on paper towels for at least 15 minutes.

Using three different bowls: First mix together the flour and salt in one bowl. In the second bowl beat the eggs and a little juice from the dill pickles. In the third bowl mix together the cayenne pepper, garlic powder, Parmesan Cheese and Panko.

Dip the Pickles in the flour mixture then in the eggs and then into the Panko mixture.

Air Fry Pickles

Spray the air fryer basket with olive oil cooking spray, place the breaded pickles in the air fryer, and also spray the top of the pickles with the olive oil spray. Air fry at 400 degrees for 4 minutes and flip the pickles. Continue to air fry for an additional 4 minutes.

ENJOY with your favorite dip. We like Ranch Dressing and I have to say Litehouse Ranch dressing has become one of our favorite brands.

Baking Pickles

Same steps for breading the pickles as for air frying. Place the breaded pickles on a foil-lined baking sheet. We suggest using non-stick foil, it seems to work the best for this recipe. Generously spray the foil with olive oil cooking spray. This helps give that crunch just like fried pickles. Place in a 400-degree preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes. Remove and enjoy!!!

What's the difference between air frying and baking "Fried" Pickles?

We discovered that the flavor is the same and both ways have a great crunch.

Air frying is faster. It only takes 8 minutes and you don't have to preheat the air fryer. The kitchen won't heat up. But the air fryer doesn't cook as many pickles at one time

Baking the pickles requires preheating the oven. It takes 10 minutes for the pickles to be nice and crispy. Plus, you have to spray a good amount of olive oil on the baking sheet foil, but, more pickles can be made at one time.

Conclusion Air Fry vs Baked

It is all your preference. For us, if we want a few pickles at a time we air fry. But if we have a game on, and friends over, it's quicker in the oven for a large quantity of pickles.

The best part, is if you have leftover pickles, which I doubt you will, they can be reheated in the oven or air fryer. For reheating I prefer the air fryer, it only takes 4 minutes and the pickles come out nice and crispy!!!

Another fun Air Fryer recipe to have with the fried pickles is our Air Fryer Chicken Wings.