Stuffed Pickles with Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce

 Stuffed Pickles with Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce

Description

Crunchy, air-fried stuffed pickles paired with a smooth cream cheese cheddar filling and served alongside a bold sweet and spicy dipping sauce. The heat of sriracha and red pepper flakes is perfectly balanced by honey and lime.

Ingredients

For the Pickles:

• 12 large dill pickles, halved and hollowed

• Paper towels

For the Cheese Filling:

• 4 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/4 tsp garlic powder

• 1/4 tsp onion powder

• Salt & pepper to taste

For Breading:

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 large egg, beaten

• 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs

• Cooking spray

For the Sweet & Spicy Dipping Sauce:

• 2 tbsp honey

• 1 tbsp sriracha (more or less to taste)

• 1 tsp lime juice (fresh is best)

• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

• Optional: Pinch of ground ginger or soy sauce for umami

Instructions

1. Prep the Pickles:
   Cut pickles in half lengthwise and scoop out the center with a small spoon. Pat them dry to remove any brine.

2. Make the Cheese Filling:
   Combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Blend until smooth.

3. Stuff the Pickles:
   Use a spoon to fill each pickle half with the cheese mixture, spreading it evenly.

4. Coat the Pickles:

   • Dip each filled pickle into flour.

   • Then into the beaten egg.

   • Finally, press gently into panko breadcrumbs until well coated.

   • Lightly spray with cooking spray to help browning.

5. Air Fry the Pickles:
   Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place pickles cheese-side up in a single layer and cook for 6–8 minutes, or until golden and crunchy.

6. Make the Dipping Sauce:
   While the pickles are frying, mix together honey, sriracha, lime juice, red pepper flakes, and optional ginger or soy sauce. Stir until smooth. Adjust sweetness and spice to taste.

7. Serve:
   Plate the pickles warm and crispy, with a bowl of the sweet and spicy dipping sauce on the side for dipping.

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 6

Calories: ~155 per serving

Tips & Variations

• For extra heat: Add cayenne, chipotle powder, or hot sauce directly to the cheese filling.

• Add bacon bits to the cheese mixture for a smoky, savory twist.

• Make it keto: Skip the breadcrumbs and just air fry stuffed pickles with a light sprinkle of Parmesan.

• For crunch: Use crushed pork rinds or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko.