Crispy Air Fryer Pickles with Dill Aioli

Blog by Laura Hearn, CNE + Recipe by Katie Stewart, RHN

The Super Bowl is nearly upon us, and whether you’re a die-hard football fan or just in it for the halftime show, the commercials, or maybe celebrity sightings ;), one thing’s for sure: Super Bowl Sunday calls for epic snacks.

But here’s the twist: I’m not willing to compromise my health for a few tasty bites. Instead, we’re on a mission to create skin-loving versions of our favourite comfort foods—because who says indulgence can’t be good for you?

These zesty, flavor-packed delights are both crunchy and tangy, and they’re a breeze to whip up. The best part? They’re guilt-free! Whether as a snack or appetizer, these pickles are sure to be a crowd-pleaser. The air fryer ensures that irresistible extra crispy texture we all love.

The Star of the Show: Fermented Pickles

When it comes to making these crispy air fryer pickles, while any type of pickle will work for this recipe, I highly recommend using fermented pickles. They not only taste amazing but also bring several skin and gut-loving properties to the table. 

Fermented pickles are different from vinegar-based pickles in that they are made through a natural fermentation process that involves good bacteria, or probiotics. These probiotics can help improve your gut health by promoting the growth of beneficial bacteria in your digestive system. Fermented pickles are also a good source of antioxidants, which can help reduce inflammation and protect your cells from damage. You can find fermented pickles in the refrigerator section of your grocery store.

Whether you’re hosting a Super Bowl party or just craving a savory snack, these addictive pickles are perfect for dipping, munching, and sharing. Trust me, you’ll want to make a double batch—they’re that good!

More Superbowl Recipes

Get ready for game day with a lineup of more irresistible Superbowl snacks! 

Hot Spinach Artichoke Dip: This crowd-pleasing dip is not only delicious but also a great pre-make and bake-later option. Serve it with grain-free tortilla chips, plantain strips, or sliced veggies. 

Vegan Queso Dip: It’s smooth, super creamy, and packed full of flavourful spices. I love topping it with my homemade pico de gallo and using plantain chips to dip!

Crispy Baked Chicken Wings with Ranch Aioli: These flavorful wings are a classic Superbowl staple. I season them with a flavour-packed spice blend before baking in the oven or air fryer for a crispy finish!

Super Crispy Potato Wedges: The perfect addition to any game day spread.

Chips + Dip: Chips and dip are a staple of any Superbowl spread. Try a classic like guacamole, or mix it up with some hummus

Pizza: Pizza is another classic Superbowl food that never fails to satisfy. If you’re looking for a grain-free version, I make mine with cassava flour.

Burgers: Another classic is a burger with a soft fluffy bun.

Crispy Air Fryer Pickles with Dill Aioli

Ditch the box apps and make your own easy crispy air fryer pickles! Great for the gut and the perfect addition to any game day spread.

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Ingredients

For the Baked Pickles:

• 6 pickles (sliced into spears)
• ½ cup almond flour
• ¼ cup arrowroot starch
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp onion powder
• 1 egg (whisked)
• 1 tbsp avocado oil

For the Dill Aioli:

• ½ mayo of choice (see notes)
• 1 tsp dried dill (or 2 tsp of fresh)
• 1 small garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• ¼ tsp sea salt

Instructions

• Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the almond flour, arrowroot starch, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well mixed.
• Whisk the Egg: In another bowl, whisk an egg until it's nice and smooth.
• Prep the Pickles: First, dip each pickle slice into the whisked egg, ensuring it's fully coated. Then, dredge it in the almond flour mixture. Ensure each slice is well-coated with the dry mix for the ultimate crispy finish.
• Air Fry: Arrange the coated pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. You should do this in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer. Drizzle the avocado oil over the pickles evenly.
• Cooking Time: Set your air fryer to 400°F and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Halfway through, flip the pickles to ensure they're getting crispy on both sides.
• Make the Dill Aioli: While the pickles are air frying, let's prepare the aioli. Combine the mayo, dill, minced garlic, lemon juice, and sea salt in a small bowl. Mix well until smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
• Serving: Once the pickles are done, let them cool for a minute or two (if you can wait that long!). Serve them hot with the dill aioli on the side for dipping.

Notes

Mayo of Choice: You can use any mayo you like for this recipe. There are several great options out there, including avocado oil mayo and a vegan-based mayo, ideally made with grapeseed oil over canola.

Adjust Cooking Time: Depending on your air fryer model and the thickness of your pickle slices, cooking time might vary. Keep an eye on them to ensure they don't burn.