Air Fryer Fried Pickles (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Pickle Base

01 - 1 cup sliced pickles, patted dry
02 - 2 large eggs
03 - 3 tablespoons flour
04 - 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Tabasco works great)
05 - ½ teaspoon salt
06 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
07 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
08 - Cooking spray or oil mister

→ Creamy Dip

09 - ¼ cup sour cream
10 - ¼ cup mayonnaise
11 - ½ teaspoon salt
12 - ½ teaspoon black pepper
13 - ¼ cup finely minced onions
14 - 1 clove garlic, minced
15 - 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional but recommended)

# Instructions:

01 - Grab some paper towels and lay your pickle slices out. Pat them down well with more paper towels on top. You want to get as much moisture out as possible – this is the secret to crispy coating that actually sticks!
02 - In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until smooth. It'll look like a thick, speckled batter. In a separate dish, pour out your panko breadcrumbs and give them a little crush with your fingers for extra crunch.
03 - One by one, dunk each pickle slice in the egg mixture, making sure it's fully coated. Then roll it in the panko, pressing gently so the breadcrumbs stick all over. Place your coated pickles on a clean plate or baking sheet, giving them some space.
04 - Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. When it's hot, lay your pickles in a single layer - don't crowd them or they'll steam instead of crisp! Give them a light spray of oil, then air fry for 5-7 minutes until the bottom side starts looking golden.
05 - Carefully flip each pickle slice, give them another light spray of oil, and cook another 5-7 minutes until they're evenly golden brown and irresistibly crispy. You might need to work in batches depending on your air fryer size.
06 - While your pickles are getting crispy, mix up your dip. Just throw all the dip ingredients in a bowl and stir until smooth. The longer it sits, the more the flavors mingle, so make it first if you can!

# Notes:

01 - These pickles are best served immediately while they're hot and extra crispy.
02 - If you like extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne to your breadcrumbs or more hot sauce to your dip.
03 - The dip can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge - the flavors actually get better overnight!