Air Fryer Za’atar Pickles with Bloody Mary Sauce

Air Fryer Za’atar Pickles with Bloody Mary Sauce is an easy and healthy-ish snack to make in the air fryer. Gently fried spiced pickles are dipped into a Bloody Mary infused sauce for the ultimate game day, weeknight, or holiday appetizer! 

If you’re a fan of pickles and bold flavors, get ready to meet your new favorite snack: Air Fryer Za’atar Pickles with Bloody Mary Sauce. This creative take on the classic fried pickle is crispy, tangy, and bursting with zesty Middle Eastern and cocktail-inspired flavors. It’s a snack you didn’t know you needed, but one you’ll definitely want to make again and again.

What Makes These Air Fryer Pickles Special

Za’atar Coating: Forget plain breading—this recipe uses za’atar, a Middle Eastern spice blend of thyme, sumac, sesame seeds, and more. It adds a nutty, tangy, and slightly citrusy flavor that pairs beautifully with the tartness of the pickles. Other za’atar inspired recipes: Baked Za’atar Fish Sticks & Chips, Za’atar Roasted Chicken, and Za’atar Steak Lettuce Wraps.   

Air-Fried Goodness: Achieve that satisfying crunch without the heavy oils of deep frying. The air fryer makes these pickles golden and crispy while keeping things light.

Bold Dipping Sauce: Inspired by the flavors of a Bloody Mary, the accompanying sauce combines tomato, horseradish, hot sauce, and Worcestershire for a smoky, spicy, and slightly tangy kick.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is made in under 30 minutes which is perfect for impromptu cravings or last-minute appetizers. Plus, it’s healthier comfort food that you can enjoy eating without the guilt! Lastly, it’s versatile & fun. Great as a party snack, a side dish, or even a unique brunch addition.

Ingredients Use to Make Air Fryer Za’atar Pickles with Bloody Mary Sauce

Making a delicious and healthy-ish snack doesn’t take long! You will only need a handful of ingredients to make these air fried pickles: 

• Dill Pickle Spears
• All-purpose flour
• Egg
• Panko
• Vodka
• Za’atar Seasoning
• Grape tomatoes
• Capers
• Shallots
• Worcestershire sauce
• Tabasco
• Celery seed 
• Grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Air Fryer Za’atar Pickles with Bloody Mary Sauce

You are only steps away from a delicious and easy snack! Follow the below steps to ensure pickle success: 

• In a medium saucepan preheated to medium-high heat add the olive oil, shallots, and capers. Saute for a few minutes until the shallots have turned slightly golden. Next, add in the vodka and let it simmer for a few minutes or until slightly reduced.
• Add in the tomatoes, Worcestershire sauce, celery seed, Tabasco, kosher salt and pepper. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Remove from the heat and allow to cool slightly. Transfer the mixture to the food processor and pulse until smooth. Set aside.
• In a bowl, mix together the Za’atar and panko. In a second bowl, whisk the two eggs together. In a third bowl, add the flour. Next, take a pickle and dredge it through the flour followed by the egg and then the panko. Repeat the process until all pickles have been coated. 
• Place the pickles into an air fryer preheated to 400 degrees. Cook the pickles for about 8 to 10 minutes. If they need more time in the air fryer that’s okay. You want the pickles to be nice and golden brown. Place the pickles on a plate, dust with Parmesan cheese and serve with Bloody Mary dipping sauce. Enjoy! 

Variations of Air Fryer Za’atar Pickles with Bloody Mary Sauce

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility! With just a few tweaks, you can tailor these Air Fryer Za’atar Pickles to suit different flavor profiles, dietary preferences, and occasions. Here are some fun and creative variations to try:

Dill-Enhanced Za’atar Pickles

• How to Adjust: Add dried dill or freshly chopped dill to the breading mixture. You can also garnish the finished pickles with dill for a fresh note. 

Smoky BBQ Pickles

• How to Adjust: Swap the za’atar for a smoky barbecue seasoning blend. Pair with a BBQ-inspired dipping sauce, such as a smoky tomato or chipotle mayo.

Cheese-Stuffed Pickles

• How to Adjust: Use large pickle spears and stuff them with shredded mozzarella or cream cheese before breading and air frying.

Proper Storing

To enjoy your Air Fryer Za’atar Pickles and Bloody Mary Sauce at their best, proper storage is essential. Follow these tips to keep them fresh and delicious:

• Cool Completely: Let the pickles cool completely before storing them. 
• Use an Airtight Container: Place the pickles in a single layer inside an airtight container. If stacking is necessary, separate the layers with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
• Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat for Crispiness: To bring back the crunch, reheat the pickles in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 3-5 minutes. 

Storing Bloody Mary Sauce

1. Transfer to a Jar or Container: Place the sauce in a clean, airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
2. Refrigerate: Store in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
3. Stir Before Serving: The sauce ingredients may separate over time, so give it a good stir before serving.

Pro Tips for Success

• Choose the Right Pickles: Thick pickle chips or spears work best for this recipe, offering a hearty crunch and holding up well during frying.
• Double Down on Za’atar: For extra flavor, sprinkle a pinch of za’atar on the pickles after frying.
• Spice It Your Way: You can tweak the Bloody Mary Sauce to suit your heat tolerance—add more hot sauce or horseradish for a fiery punch.