These crispy air fryer fried pickles are the ultimate snack or appetizer when I want something crunchy, tangy, and satisfying without the extra oil. With just a handful of ingredients and my trusty air fryer, I can whip up a batch in no time. They’re golden on the outside, juicy inside, and incredibly addictive.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how easy and mess-free this recipe is compared to traditional deep-fried pickles. There’s no greasy cleanup, and the results are still perfectly crispy. These are a great way to elevate a jar of pickles into a fun, crowd-pleasing snack. Whether I’m watching a game or hosting friends, they disappear fast.
Ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dill pickle slices
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cooking spray
Directions
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I start by preheating my air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
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I drain the pickle slices and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
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I set up a dredging station with three bowls: flour in one, beaten eggs in the second, and a mix of panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper in the third.
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I dip each pickle slice into the flour, then the egg, and finally coat it well in the seasoned panko mixture.
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I place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
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I spray them lightly with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
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I air fry them for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they’re golden and crunchy.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 4 servings, depending on how generous I get with the pickles. It takes me about 10 minutes to prep and another 10 minutes to cook, so I can have these ready in just 20 minutes.
Variations
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I sometimes add cayenne pepper to the breadcrumbs for a spicier kick.
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For a gluten-free version, I use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.
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I’ve also tried this with pickle spears instead of chips—they take a few minutes longer but come out just as tasty.
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Adding grated Parmesan to the breadcrumb mix gives them a cheesy twist.
storage/reheating
These are best enjoyed fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes to restore their crispiness.
FAQs
Can I use homemade pickles?
Yes, I use homemade or store-bought pickles interchangeably. Just make sure they’re sliced evenly for consistent cooking.
Why are my pickles soggy?
If I skip drying the pickles thoroughly, the coating doesn’t crisp up well. I always pat them dry first for the best texture.
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?
I can, but panko gives a much crunchier texture. If I only have regular breadcrumbs, I sometimes toast them slightly before using.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Yes, preheating ensures even cooking and helps the pickles crisp up faster. I usually preheat mine for about 3 minutes.
What’s the best dipping sauce for these?
I love serving these with ranch, spicy mayo, or a mix of ketchup and sriracha. Anything creamy or tangy works great.
Conclusion
Air fryer fried pickles are one of my go-to snacks when I want something fun and flavorful with minimal effort. They’re crunchy, zesty, and seriously addictive. Whether I’m sharing with friends or just treating myself, they never stick around for long.
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizerµ
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Crispy Air Fryer Fried Pickles are the ultimate guilt-free snack or appetizer. Crunchy, golden, and packed with tangy flavor, they deliver all the satisfaction of deep-fried pickles—without the mess or oil. Perfect for game day, parties, or anytime you’re craving a savory treat, this easy air fryer recipe will be your new go-to.
Ingredients
- Dill pickle slices
- All-purpose flour
- Eggs
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Drain pickle slices and pat dry thoroughly with paper towels.
- Set up dredging station:
- Bowl 1: flour
- Bowl 2: beaten eggs
- Bowl 3: panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper
- Dip each pickle slice into the flour, then egg, then coat in seasoned panko.
- Place coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket—do not overlap.
- Lightly spray with cooking spray for extra crispiness.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crunchy.
Notes
- For spicier pickles, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mix.
- Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs for a GF-friendly version.
- Pickle spears can be used instead of chips; add 2–3 minutes to cook time.
- Add Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy upgrade.
- Best served fresh, but can be reheated in the air fryer to regain crispiness.
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