Are you on a keto diet and craving a satisfying snack? Look no further than these keto air fryer fried pickles! They offer the perfect combination of tangy, salty, and crunchy flavors, all while keeping your carb count in check. This recipe transforms ordinary pickles into a guilt-free indulgence, perfect as an appetizer, snack, or a unique side dish.
Why Air Fryer Fried Pickles?
Traditional fried pickles are often loaded with carbs due to thick breadcrumb coatings and unhealthy vegetable oils used for deep frying. Each spear could contain 15-20 carbs! This keto-friendly version solves that problem. By using an air fryer and low-carb breading, you can enjoy the same crispy texture and delicious flavor without the carb overload. These air fryer fried pickles have only 2 grams of net carbs each.
The air fryer offers a healthier alternative to deep frying, using very little oil to achieve a crispy exterior. Cleanup is also a breeze! You can also bake these in the oven for about 15 minutes at 450°F if you don't have an air fryer.
Key Ingredients for Keto Fried Pickles
To make these low-carb fried pickles, you'll need a few simple ingredients:
- Dill Pickle Slices (or Spears): Dill pickles are traditionally used, but you can experiment with other types. Ensure there's no added sugar in your pickle chips by checking the jar. Avoid "bread and butter pickles" as they often contain sugar. Pickle slices tend to crisp up better than spears because they cook faster and have more surface area.
- Coconut Flour: This low-carb flour is used to dust the pickles, helping the egg mixture adhere better. Some recipes use an almond flour mixture, but coconut flour has proven successful in this recipe.
- Egg: The egg acts as a binding agent, helping the pork rind mixture stick to the pickles. Whisk one large egg in a small bowl.
- Pork Panko (Crushed Pork Rinds): This is the secret to the crispy, low-carb breading. Pork panko is just ground-up pork rinds. These replace traditional bread crumbs, providing a satisfying crunch without the carbs. You can crush them yourself in a food processor, but pre-ground pork rinds save time. Spicy pork rinds can add a kick of flavor!
Optional Ingredients
- Spices: Garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper add flavor to the breading. Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper can add heat.
- Avocado Oil or Olive Oil: A light spray of oil helps the pickles crisp up in the air fryer.
- Dipping Sauce: Ranch dressing, spicy ranch dressing, sugar-free BBQ sauce, or a keto ketchup and mayonnaise mix ("fry sauce") are all great options.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here's how to make these irresistible keto air fryer fried pickles:
Read also: Easy Low-Carb Cheese Crackers
- Prepare the Pickles: Remove any excess pickle juice/moisture from the pickle chips with paper towels and place in a bowl. Pat dry the pickle slices with a kitchen or paper towel to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Set up the Breading Station: In a shallow bowl, whisk the egg and heavy cream. In another bowl, combine crushed pork rinds with garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. In a third bowl, add the almond flour.
- Bread the Pickles: Working in batches, dredge the pickle slices in the almond flour, then dip into the egg wash, shaking off the excess. Press into the pork panko mixture to coat on all sides, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with the rest of the pickle slices.
- Air Fry: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F. Arrange the prepared pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You may need to work in a few batches if you have a smaller air fryer basket. Spray pickles with avocado oil cooking spray or any other oil you choose for an extra crispy texture. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then spray with avocado oil again halfway through.
- Serve: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Keto Fried Pickles
- Dry the Pickles: Make sure to pat dry the slices well in the beginning with a paper towel before coating the pickles in the flour to remove as much moisture as possible.
- Taste the Pickles: Taste the pickles before breading them to decide if you want to add salt to the pork panko mixture.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook the pickles in a single layer to ensure even crisping. You may need to work in batches.
- Spray with Oil: For extra crispy pickles, use cooking spray or brush them with cooking oil before you cook each side.
- Serve Immediately: These are best enjoyed hot and fresh for maximum crispiness.
Dipping Sauce Ideas
The dipping sauce is a crucial component of the fried pickle experience. Here are a few keto-friendly options:
- Ranch Dressing: A classic choice that complements the tangy pickles.
- Spicy Ranch Dressing: Add your favorite hot sauce to ranch for a fiery kick.
- Sugar-Free BBQ Sauce: A sweet and smoky option.
- Keto Ketchup and Mayonnaise ("Fry Sauce"): Mix one part keto ketchup with two parts mayonnaise.
Variations and Substitutions
- Flour: You can use coconut flour as a substitute for almond flour. Keep in mind that coconut flour is more absorbent, so you may need to adjust the amount used.
- Vegan Option: Use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binding agent instead of eggs. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to your liking. Smoked paprika can be used instead for a smoky flavor without the heat.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover keto fired pickles in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 400 degrees to restore their crispiness.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of two pickle spears has approximately 3 grams of total carbs and 1 gram of fiber, resulting in 2 grams of net carbs. This nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used. Erythritol carbs are not included in carb counts as it has been shown not to impact blood sugar. Net carbs are the total carbs minus fiber.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use a different type of flour instead of almond flour? Yes, you can use coconut flour as a substitute, but keep in mind that coconut flour is more absorbent, so you may need to adjust the amount used.
- What can I use instead of eggs for a vegan option? You can use flaxseed meal mixed with water as a binding agent. Mix 1 tablespoon of flaxseed meal with 2.5 tablespoons of water and let it sit for a few minutes until it thickens.
- How do I store leftover fried pickles? Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place them in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore their crispiness.
- Can I make these fried pickles spicier? Absolutely! Add Cajun seasoning and cayenne pepper to the breading.
- How do you cook frozen fried pickles in the air fryer? If you are using frozen fried pickles that already come breaded, all you have to do is cook for the same time and at the same temperature as this recipe. No need to defrost or prepare in any other way!
- How do you keep fried pickles from getting soggy? Make sure to pat dry the slices well in the beginning with a paper towel before coating the pickles in the flour to remove as much moisture as possible. It’s also best to eat these right away so they are crispy and delicious.
- How do you reheat fried pickles in the air fryer? The best way to reheat these crispy keto fried pickles is to place them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees F until they crisp up again.
- How many carbs are in these low carb fried pickles? In one serving of this keto fried pickle recipe (about 1 cup), there are only 4 net carbs.
- Can I make keto fried pickles in the oven? Absolutely, you can make these in the oven if you don't have an air fryer. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. While the oven preheats either spray a baking sheet with nonstick cooking spray or line it with parchment paper. Place pickles on a baking sheet and spray the tops with noncook cooking spray and cook for 18 to 20 minutes, flipping halfway through until golden brown.
- Can you deep fry these pickles? I pretty much always prefer air frying to deep frying. It’s healthier, easier, cheaper, and cleaner. We haven’t tested deep frying these, but it should work just fine. I’d fry at 375 degrees for 1-2 minutes per side, until golden.
Read also: Keto Calorie Counting: A Detailed Guide
Read also: Magnesium Supplements for Keto