Quick Gluten-Free Crispy Fried Pickles in an Air Fryer

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If you’re looking for a fast, delicious treat that’s both crispy and gluten-free, then this recipe for air-fried pickles is exactly what you need. Perfect for a quick snack, a side dish, or a unique appetizer, these gluten-free crispy fried pickles are made in an air fryer with minimal ingredients and effort. Whether you’re a pickle lover or just want to try something new, this recipe will surely impress with its golden brown, crunchy exterior and tangy, flavorful interior.

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Our Love for Fried Pickles

We didn’t grow up eating fried pickles but discovered them for the first time at the Ozark Cafe in Jasper Arkansas. If you ever get the chance to drive down that way we would highly recommend this charming town for the good food and beautiful scenery along the Buffalo National River. Sliced dill pickles should be on your bucket list to try fried, along with okra and potatoes!

The Perfect Pickles Recipe

For this gluten-free air fryer pickle recipe, you’ll want to start with high-quality dill pickles. You can use pickle chips or pickle spears, depending on your preference. Pickle chips are great for bite-sized pieces, while pickle spears offer a heartier snack. Either way, the key is to ensure that the pickles are well-drained and patted dry with a paper towel before coating them. This helps the coating stick better and gives you a crispier result.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this recipe is that it requires minimal ingredients.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 1 jar (16 oz) dill pickles (chips or spears), drained and patted dry
• 1 cup Gluten Free Flour
• 2 large eggs + 1 tablespoon water, whisked (egg mixture)
  Almond Flour Mixture:
• 1/2 cup almond flour
• 1/2 cup PORQ gluten free panko crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a spicy kick)
  Cooking Oil:
• Olive oil or vegetable oil spray

Step-by-Step Recipe

1. Prep the Pickles:
   • Drain and pat dry the dill pickles with a paper towel.

1. Set Up the Breading Station:
   • Flour Bowl: Place 1 cup of gluten-free flour.
   • Egg Mixture Bowl: Whisk 2 large eggs with 1 tablespoon water.
   • Almond Flour Mixture Bowl: Combine 1/2 cup almond flour, 1/2 cup gluten-free panko crumbs, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (if using). Mix well.

1. Coat the Pickles:
   • Dip each pickle into the gluten-free flour, shaking off excess.
   • Next, dip into the egg mixture.
   • Finally, coat with the almond flour mixture, ensuring full coverage.

1. Preheat and Arrange:
   • Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
   • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil or vegetable oil spray.
   • Arrange coated pickles in a single layer in the basket. Avoid overcrowding.

1. Air Fry:
   • Cook pickles for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown.
2. Serve and Enjoy:
   • Transfer pickles to a wire rack to cool slightly.
   • Serve immediately with ranch dressing or a creamy dip of choice.
3. Notes:
   • For crispier pickles, ensure they are well-dried before coating.
   • Reheat leftovers in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes.

Storing and Reheating

If you have any leftovers (though that’s unlikely because they’re so good!), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To reheat, simply pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes until they’re crispy again.

Tips for First-Timers

If this is your first time making air fryer pickles, here are a few expert tips to ensure success:

• Dry the Pickles Well: Make sure to pat the pickles dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This is crucial for the coating to stick and become crispy.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air circulation is key in the air fryer, so arrange your pickles in a single layer and avoid overcrowding. This helps achieve an even golden brown color.
• Use Minimal Oil: While the air fryer uses less oil than traditional frying, a light spray of olive oil or vegetable oil is still necessary to achieve that crispy texture.

Other Cooking Options

While this recipe is focused on using an air fryer, there are other ways to make gluten-free crispy fried pickles if you don’t have an air fryer. You can bake them in the oven or even shallow fry them in a skillet. However, keep in mind that these methods might not deliver the same crispiness as the air fryer.

Oven Method:

Preheat your oven to 425°F. Place the coated pickles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly spray with cooking oil and bake for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Skillet Method:

Heat a thin layer of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the coated pickles in a single layer. Fry for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate before serving.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This gluten-free air fryer pickle recipe is a game-changer. The crispy coating, made with almond flour and PORQ panko crumbs, pairs perfectly with the tangy dill pickles. Whether you’re making them for the first time or you’re a seasoned air fryer pro, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. The best part is that it requires minimal ingredients and effort, making it an easy appetizer, like our Classic Deviled Eggs, for any occasion.

Serve with Style

For an added touch, serve these air fryer pickles with a creamy dip like ranch dressing, which complements the flavors perfectly. Whether you’re serving them at a party, as a side dish with burgers, or just as a snack, these gluten-free crispy fried pickles are guaranteed to be a hit.

Recipe Card

Don’t forget to save this recipe card for the next time you’re in the mood for a quick, delicious, and gluten-free treat. It’s a versatile recipe that you can easily customize by adding your favorite spices or using different types of pickles. No matter how you enjoy them, these crispy fried pickles are sure to satisfy your cravings from the first bite to the last.