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Craving a crunchy, savory snack that’s Weight Watchers friendly? Look no further than these Air Fryer Pickles! This easy recipe takes the hassle out of making homemade fried pickles by using an air fryer, so there’s no need for messy batter or hot oil. Simply dip pickle slices in egg, coat them with a seasoned breadcrumb mix, and let the air fryer work its magic. At just 1 WW point per serving, these pickles are the perfect guilt-free treat for any occasion. Plus, they can be easily adapted for gluten-free or vegan diets, making them a versatile addition to your snack repertoire.
Ingredients in Weight Watchers Easy Air Fried Pickles
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Fried Pickles Recipe Ingredients
- 16 oz jar Dill pickle chip ovals
- ¼ tsp Paprika
- ¼ tsp Garlic powder
- To taste Salt
- 2 pinches Black pepper
- ¾ cup Panko
- 2 EggsCajun Yogurt Dipping Sauce
- ¾ cup Nonfat plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Pickle juice
- ¼ tsp Paprika
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
Instructions for Making Weight Watchers Homemade Air Fried Pickles (Step by Step)
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Savor a crunchy, guilt-free snack with these step-by-step instructions for making Weight Watchers Homemade Air Fried Pickles. Coat pickle slices in a light, flavorful breading, then air fry them to golden perfection for a tasty, low-point treat that’s perfect for any occasion.
Preheat the Air Fryer
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Set the air fryer to 400°F.
Prepare the Pickles:
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Drain the pickle chips, reserving some of the pickle juice. Spread out the pickles and dry them on both sides with a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
Prepare the Coating
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- In a medium bowl, whisk the eggs until thoroughly combined.
- In another bowl, add the seasoning to the panko breadcrumbs and mix to disperse them.
Coat the Pickles
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- Dip the dried pickle chips into the egg mixture.
- Then coat them in the panko breadcrumbs, making sure to cover both sides thoroughly.
- Place the coated pickles on a sheet tray lined with parchment paper as you work. (Tip: You can put the pickles and eggs in a large bowl together, then dip them in the panko one-by-one for convenience).
Air Fry the Pickles
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- Place the coated pickles in the air fryer basket in a single layer with some space in between them.
- Lightly spray them with cooking spray.
- Cook for 5 minutes, then flip them, spray again, and cook for another 4-6 minutes until they reach your desired level of crispiness. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you might need to cook the breaded pickles in batches.
Make the Sauce
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- Mix all of the sauce ingredients together in a bowl.
- Serve the air-fried pickles with the sauce on the side. Enjoy!
Variations and Substitutions for Air Fried Pickles
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Air Fried Pickles with Flour:
- Substitute a Portion of Panko: Replace some of the panko breadcrumbs with flour if desired. Be aware this will affect the WW points, so adjust the recipe in the WW recipe builder accordingly.
Gluten-Free Air Fried Pickles:
- Use GF Panko Crumbs: Swap out regular panko for gluten-free panko crumbs to make the recipe gluten-free.
Air Fried Pickles with Cheese:
- Add Grated Parmesan: Mix some grated parmesan into the panko mixture for a cheesy flavor. Note that this will add extra WW points.
Make it Vegan:
- Egg Substitute: Use plant-based milk instead of eggs. To help the panko stick better, dip the pickle chips in flour before dipping them in plant-based milk.
- Vegan Mayo Dip: Use vegan mayo in place of yogurt for the dipping sauce.
Air Fried Pickle Spears:
- Use Pickle Spears: Substitute pickle chips with pickle spears for quicker preparation. Adjust the cooking time slightly as spears are larger than pickle coins.
Other Sauces for Dipping:
- Try Different Dips: Experiment with dipping sauces such as sriracha, remoulade sauce, or fry sauce. The pickles pair well with a variety of dips, both spicy and creamy.
Tips and Tricks for Making Weight Watchers Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer
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- Pat the Pickles Dry:
- Ensure the pickle chips are thoroughly dried with a kitchen towel or paper towels before coating. This helps the egg and breading adhere properly and prevents sogginess.
- Double Dip for Extra Crunch:
- If you have leftover panko crumbs after coating all the pickles, you can double-dip any pickle chips that need more coverage. Simply dip them back into the egg mixture and then coat them with the crumbs again for an extra crunchy layer.
- Reheating Tips:
- To reheat air fryer breaded pickles, avoid using the microwave as it will make them soggy. Instead, use the oven or air fryer. Reheat at a slightly lower temperature, around 370°F, for a few minutes to crisp them up again and refresh their texture.
