If you are craving a crispy, tangy snack with a little kick, this Air Fryer Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe is going to become your new favorite. Imagine the perfect crunch of dill pickle chips coated in a crunchy, golden Shake n Bake crust, paired with a creamy dipping sauce that dances between zesty, sweet, and spicy flavors. It’s an irresistible combination that’s quick and easy to whip up, making it the ultimate snack to impress friends or satisfy your own pickle-loving cravings anytime.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step toward creating these crunchy delights and that flavorful dipping sauce. Each ingredient is simple but plays a vital role; from the tangy dill pickles providing the star flavor, to the Shake n Bake coating which ensures that irresistible crunch, and the carefully balanced sauce ingredients that add a burst of zest and spice.
- 1 16 ounce jar Dill pickle chips: The crispy tangy main ingredient that delivers classic pickle flavor.
- 1 pkg Extra crunchy Shake n Bake Chicken Coating: Creates a crunchy, golden crust around each pickle chip for perfect texture.
- Spray Olive Oil: Helps achieve that crispy finish in the air fryer without added grease.
- 1 cup Miracle Whip: A creamy base for the spicy dipping sauce, adding a mild tang.
- 1/4 cup Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and rich color to the sauce.
- 1/4 teaspoon Dill: Enhances the pickle flavor in the dipping sauce with herbal notes.
- 1 teaspoon Sugar: Balances acidity and spice in the sauce perfectly.
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice: Provides freshness and brightness to the dipping sauce.
- 1 teaspoon Garlic salt: Infuses savory depth into the sauce.
- 3 – 4 shakes of Tabasco: Brings just the right amount of heat to keep things exciting.
How to Make Air Fryer Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Coat the Pickles
Grab a few dill pickle chips from your jar and toss them into the Extra Crunchy Shake n Bake packaging. Shake gently until each pickle chip is fully coated in that crispy chicken coating mix—this is what will give you that signature crunch.
Step 2: Arrange in the Air Fryer
Carefully lay the coated pickles into your air fryer basket in a single layer. This ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
Step 3: Spray with Olive Oil
Give the pickles a quick spray of olive oil. This light coating will help them crisp up beautifully without soaking in grease.
Step 4: Repeat Until Full
Continue coating batches of pickles and placing them in the air fryer, spraying each layer with olive oil until your air fryer basket is full but not overcrowded.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Set your air fryer to 400 degrees and cook for 9 minutes. This quick blast of high heat crisps the coating while warming the pickles inside.
Step 6: Create the Spicy Dipping Sauce
While the pickles are cooking, whisk together Miracle Whip, ketchup, dill, sugar, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Tabasco in a small bowl. Stir until the sauce is smooth and flavors meld to perfection.
Step 7: Serve and Enjoy
Plate the hot, crunchy Air Fryer Pickles alongside your spicy dipping sauce. Dip generously, savoring that delightful crunch combined with creamy, tangy heat.
How to Serve Air Fryer Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped parsley or dill over the pickles just before serving to add a pop of color and a hint of fresh herbal aroma that complements the tangy pickles beautifully.
Side Dishes
These Air Fryer Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe snacks pair wonderfully with BBQ ribs, burgers, or even a crisp green salad to balance the crunch with light freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pickles in mini baskets or on skewers with little ramekins of the dipping sauce. This makes for a playful presentation, perfect for parties or casual get-togethers.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (though rare!), place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They stay tasty for up to 2 days, but be aware the crunchiness may reduce over time.
Freezing
Because of their coating and moisture content, it’s best not to freeze these air fryer pickles. They tend to lose their crisp texture and become soggy once thawed.
Reheating
To bring back some of that fresh crunch, reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350 degrees for 3-4 minutes. Avoid microwaving, as it will make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use fresh pickles instead of jarred dill chips?
Fresh pickles have a higher moisture content and might not crisp up as well in the air fryer. For the best crunch and flavor, stick to dill pickle chips from a jar.
What if I don’t have Shake n Bake coating?
You can substitute with panko breadcrumbs mixed with your choice of seasoning. It won’t be exactly the same, but you’ll still get a tasty crunchy coating.
How spicy is the dipping sauce?
The heat level can be easily adjusted by adding more or fewer shakes of Tabasco. Start with 3-4 shakes as the recipe suggests, then add more if you want extra kick.
Can I make this recipe vegan-friendly?
To keep it vegan, use a plant-based mayo alternative and ensure the Shake n Bake or coating used contains no animal products. Double-check ingredients for complete vegan compliance.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating the air fryer helps achieve the perfect crispy texture faster. If your model recommends preheating, it’s a good idea to do so before cooking your pickles.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe is such a fun and flavorful snack that will quickly become a go-to for when you want something crispy, tangy, and spicy. It’s amazing how a few simple ingredients can come together for such a satisfying treat. Go ahead, give it a try, and watch how fast these crunchy pickles disappear—your taste buds will thank you.
Print
Air Fryer Pickles with Spicy Dipping Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 9 minutes
- Total Time: 24 minutes
- Yield: One 16-ounce jar of pickles served as fried pickles, approximately 4-6 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Pickles coated in a crunchy Shake n Bake mixture, paired with a tangy and spicy homemade dipping sauce made from Miracle Whip, ketchup, dill, lemon juice, and Tabasco. This quick and easy appetizer is perfect for snacking or serving at gatherings.
Ingredients
Pickles and Coating
- 1 16 ounce jar Dill pickle chips
- 1 package Extra Crunchy Shake n Bake Chicken Coating
- Spray Olive Oil
Dipping Sauce
- 1 cup Miracle Whip
- 1/4 cup Ketchup
- 1/4 teaspoon Dill
- 1 teaspoon Sugar
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Garlic salt
- 3 – 4 shakes Tabasco (or more, to taste)
Instructions
- Coat the Pickles: Take a few dill pickle chips from the jar and place them into the Extra Crunchy Shake n Bake coating package.
- Shake to Coat: Shake the pickles in the coating mix well to ensure each pickle chip is completely covered in the crunchy coating.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Lay the coated pickle chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray with Olive Oil: Lightly spray the coated pickles with olive oil spray to help achieve a golden crispy finish.
- Repeat Coating Batches: Continue coating and spraying more pickles, arranging them in the air fryer basket until it is full but still allowing air circulation.
- Air Fry the Pickles: Set the air fryer temperature to 400°F and cook the pickles for 9 minutes until they are crispy and golden brown.
- Prepare the Dipping Sauce: While the pickles cook, combine the Miracle Whip, ketchup, dill, sugar, lemon juice, garlic salt, and Tabasco in a small bowl.
- Mix the Sauce: Stir the ingredients well until thoroughly blended to create a flavorful dipping sauce.
- Serve: Remove the fried pickles from the air fryer and serve immediately with the prepared dipping sauce. Enjoy this crispy, tangy appetizer!
Notes
- Make sure to coat the pickles evenly for the best crispiness.
- Use spray olive oil for light and even coverage without added greasiness.
- Adjust Tabasco quantity in the sauce to control the spice level.
- Serve immediately for the best texture as fried pickles tend to soften over time.
- If your air fryer basket is small, cook the pickles in batches for even cooking.
