Crunchy, creamy, salty, and absolutely addictive—these stuffed pickles are the ultimate snack or party appetizer!
Ingredients:
• 4 large dill pickles (whole, not spears)
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened to room temperature
• 1 tablespoon ranch seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese (you can mix in mozzarella for a gooey texture)
• ¼ cup real beef bacon bits (cooked and crispy)
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (optional)
• Optional topping: crushed pork rinds, breadcrumbs, or crushed fried onions for extra crunch
Instructions:
1. Prep the Pickles:
Start by drying the pickles thoroughly with paper towels to reduce moisture—this helps them get crispy in the air fryer.
Slice each pickle lengthwise in half. Then, using a small spoon or melon baller, gently scoop out the seeds and flesh to create little “pickle boats.” Be careful not to scoop too deep—you want a good base to hold the filling.
2. Make the Creamy Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, ranch seasoning, shredded cheddar, and beef bacon bits. Mix well until everything is fully blended and creamy. Add a little black pepper if you like a bit of extra flavor.
3. Stuff the Pickles:
Spoon the filling into the hollowed-out pickles, pressing it in gently and piling it up slightly. If you want to add crunch, sprinkle some crushed pork rinds, breadcrumbs, or crispy onions on top of each stuffed pickle.
4. Air Fry:
Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
Place the stuffed pickles carefully in the air fryer basket in a single layer—don’t overcrowd them.
Air fry for 8 to 10 minutes, or until the tops are golden, bubbly, and lightly crisped.
5. Cool & Serve:
Let them cool for 2–3 minutes before serving. The filling will be hot!
Serve warm as-is, or with a dipping sauce like ranch, spicy mayo, or even a smoky chipotle aioli.
Tips & Variations:
• Make it spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a few dashes of hot sauce to the cream cheese mix.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the bacon bits or use plant-based alternatives.
• Make it extra cheesy: Mix in a little parmesan or a touch of blue cheese for depth.
• Meal prep friendly: You can stuff the pickles ahead of time and air fry them when ready to serve.
