Beer Battered Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Is it possible to have beer battered fried pickles from the air fryer? Yes! I reworked and re-tested this recipe to create the most delicious crispy pickles using beer batter that can be made in the air fryer with only a tiny amount of oil!
What’s special about Beer Battered Air Fryer Fried Pickles?
While it’s possible to make beer battered fried pickles or air fryer fried pickles I’ve finally figured out how to combine the two and make beer battered pickles in the air fryer.
This is no easy task, as any liquid batter tends to run off and into the bottom of the air fryer.
I finally solved it by creating an extra thick batter, adding a coating of panko breadcrumbs and “frying” them at a temp hot enough to make them crisp up quickly without burning or leaving the batter raw on the inside.
How to make beer batter:
The batter is made from three simple ingredients….
- flour
- old bay seasoning
- beer
You can use any kind of beer, although I’d recommend something like a lager, wheat, pale ale or IPA for a light and citrusy flavor.
The batter should be thick. You’ll know if it’s just right as long as you can whisk it smooth but it still sticks to the whisk if you hold it up.
How to batter pickles for the air fryer:
This is a bit of a messy process and you’ll have to get your hands a little dirty to make the best air fryer pickles. Step by step it looks like this….
- Remove pickles from jar and pat dry with paper towel
- Using fingers, drop pickles into beer batter and flip around until well coated, this may take a few trips around the batter bowl
- Carefully and gently transfer to the panko bowl and using other hand sprinkle top with panko while the bottom side gets coated while resting in bowl
- Very carefully place the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket that has been sprayed with avocado oil
You’ll need to work in batches, especially if you have a smaller air fryer. Thankfully they cook up in less than 10 minutes, so hopefully batch two will be ready right as everyone is gobbling down batch one!
Common questions about this recipe:
Do I have to use the panko coating? Yes, this is the only way I’ve found to get the beer batter to stick when air frying instead of running into the bottom of the air fryer basket. I tried flour instead and it tasted and look terrible.
What kind of pickles should I use? I’ve only tested this recipe with sliced pickles. I used dill pickles but I think you could test out different flavors and see what you like best. Check out this article if you want to learn more about the different types of pickles.
What kind of beer should I use? Have fun here!! Try out different beers and see how things turn out. I use a local to me (Boulevard Brewing Company) wheat beer, but anything with a citrus type flavor should give good results.
Do I need a specific air fryer? All air fryers are a bit different, so you’ll need to keep an eye on the timing to ensure you pickles don’t burn. But otherwise, use what you have, and if you have a small air fryer you will need to work in batches. Need an air fryer? This is the one I have.
Can I change the seasonings? Yes! Get creative. I chose Old Bay Seasoning for the ease of use and great flavor, but there’s nothing wrong with trying out different options. A cajun seasoning would be amazing.
If I’m ready to get an air fryer, which one should I buy?
Here is the air fryer I used for this recipe. I love the size and shape and use it often (sometimes daily).
Need to do some more research before buying? Check out all my posts about air fryers to learn more.
What goes well with fried pickles?
I always enjoy my fried pickles dipped in ranch dressing! You could also do a spicy ranch as well.
Fried pickles are perfect for serving up on game day along with bacon wrapped shrimp and chicken wings.
They also make the perfect appetizer when serving up ribeye steak and baked potatoes.
Did you make this recipe or do you have questions? Make sure you leave me a comment below!! I love hearing from you.
Need help finding some of the ingredients? I’ve linked up the recipe card to the products on Amazon in case you need help.
Beer Battered Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 cup flour
- 6 oz beer see notes
- 2 teaspoons old bay seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups panko bread crumbs
- 4 oz pickles juice drained and patted dry
- avocado oil spray
Instructions
- Mix flour and beer with seasoning until smooth
- Batter will be very thick and should stick to whisk or fork
- Use fingers to dip pickles into beer batter and swish around until fully coated
- Carefully transfer to panko and set gently into bowl
- Use fingers to sprinkle coating on top side
- Spray air fryer with avocado oil spray
- Place pickles in single layer in air fryer basket, being careful not to lose coating
- Spray avocado oil spray on top of pickles
- Cook at 380 degrees for 5-6 minutes
- Flip and spray other side with avocado oil spray
- Cook 2-3 more minutes until lighly browned and crisp
