Crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor, air fryer fried pickles strike that perfect middle ground between snack and comfort food. Whether you need an easy appetizer, a salty snack for movie night, or a crowd-pleaser for game day, this recipe delivers. The air fryer locks in juiciness while transforming the breading into a light, golden crunch, all without the mess of deep frying.
Here’s everything you need to know about making perfect air fryer fried pickles at home, plus how to customize, serve, store, and reheat them to crispy perfection.
Why Make Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer?
Switching from traditional frying to the air fryer comes with a few clear advantages:
- Healthier: Air frying uses a fraction of the oil needed for deep-frying.
- Easy Cleanup: No splattered oil, no vats to drain, just a quick wipe-down.
- Consistent Results: The circulating air ensures an evenly crisped exterior.
- Juicy on the Inside: A crisp shell surrounds a juicy, tangy pickle chip.
Air frying opens the door for weeknight snacking without the mess or heaviness.
Ingredients
Fried pickles require just a handful of pantry staples and your favorite dill pickles.
| Ingredient | Purpose | Example or Note |
|---|---|---|
| Dill pickle chips | Main ingredient, tart flavor & crunch | Use chips, not spears |
| Flour (all-purpose) | Helps the breading stick | Light dusting |
| Seasonings | Add depth and savory notes | Paprika, garlic, onion |
| Eggs | Binds breading layers | Large, lightly beaten |
| Panko breadcrumbs | Crunchy exterior | Or regular breadcrumbs |
| Non-aerosol spray | Prevents sticking, adds crispiness | Olive oil spray |
Seasoning suggestion:
- ½ tsp paprika
- ¼ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper
Why Panko?
Panko breadcrumbs provide extra crunch, a texture that holds up well in the air fryer. If you want a softer bite, try regular or homemade breadcrumbs.
Prep and Dredging
1. Get Pickles Ready
Drain the pickle chips and pat them dry between paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial. Wet pickles will turn soggy, and the breading may slide off.
2. Set Up Dredging Stations
Use three shallow bowls. Fill one with flour mixed with your chosen seasonings. Fill the second with beaten eggs. Add the breadcrumbs to the third.
Assembly line:
– Flour and seasonings
– Beaten eggs
– Panko breadcrumbs
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Follow these step-by-step instructions for crispy, flavorful pickle chips:
Step 1: Preheat and Prep
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 4–5 minutes).
- Spray the air fryer basket lightly with oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Dredge the Pickles
- Dip a pickle chip into the seasoned flour, ensuring a light, even coating.
- Quickly dunk the floured pickle into the egg, shaking off any excess.
- Press the pickle into the breadcrumbs, coating it on all sides.
Tip: Use one hand for dry ingredients and one for wet to avoid sticky fingers.
Step 3: Arrange and Spray
- Lay breaded pickle chips in the basket in a single layer. Leave space so the hot air can circulate.
- Lightly mist the tops with more oil spray. This helps them crisp up.
Step 4: Air Fry
- Cook for 5 minutes.
- Carefully flip each pickle chip using tongs.
- Air fry for another 5 minutes, or until golden brown and crisp.
Total cook time may vary by brand and pickle thickness.
Step 5: Serve Hot
Transfer pickles to a plate lined with paper towels to absorb any extra oil. Serve immediately for the best crunch.
Tips and Variations
Air fryer fried pickles are endlessly adaptable. Try these ideas:
Keep Them Dry
Pat the pickles as dry as possible. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness.
Flavor Swaps
- Swap paprika for cayenne if you crave heat.
- Add a touch of dried dill for extra tang.
- Toss a little chili powder into the breadcrumbs.
Keto-Friendly Option
Replace flour and breadcrumbs with grated Parmesan and finely ground pork rinds for a low-carb, keto snack.
Cheese Crust
Dust pickles with shredded Parmesan before air frying for an extra-rich crust.
Mustard Breading
Coat pickles in a thin layer of yellow or Dijon mustard before dipping in breadcrumbs. This gives a bold, tangy punch.
Use Tongs
Avoid burns and help keep your breading intact by handling pickles with tongs.
Dipping Sauces for Fried Pickles
Fried pickles take well to a variety of creamy, tangy, or spicy dips:
- Ranch dressing
- Spicy sriracha mayo: Mix mayonnaise with a spoonful of sriracha.
- Buttermilk dill dip: Blend plain Greek yogurt, chopped dill, and lemon juice.
- Honey mustard
Set out a few options. The contrast of cool dip and hot pickles makes them even more irresistible.
Storage and Reheating
Air fryer fried pickles taste best fresh, but you can store and reheat them if needed.
How to Store
- Allow fried pickles to cool fully.
- Layer them in a container with paper towels between layers.
- Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
- Place pickles back in the air fryer in a single layer.
- Heat at 400°F for 2–3 minutes, or until warm and crisp.
Avoid the microwave. It will turn them soggy.
What to Serve with Air Fryer Fried Pickles
These crunchy snacks shine alone or paired with various burgers, sliders, or wraps. Consider making a batch for:
- Burger night, alongside sweet potato fries
- Game day snack trays, next to chicken wings and mozzarella sticks
- A side for grilled sandwiches or barbecue
- Picnics or potlucks—just bring your air fryer and crisp them up right before serving
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use pickle spears or halves?
Pickle chips work best; spears can get soggy inside. If you only have spears, pat them very dry and cut into thick slices.
Do I need to shake or flip during cooking?
Flipping halfway ensures both sides cook evenly and get equally crisp.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, but work in batches. Crowding the air fryer prevents proper crisping.
What if I don’t have Panko?
Use regular breadcrumbs or even crushed crackers, though the final texture will be softer.
Recipe at a Glance
For quick reference:
| Step | Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Preheat | 400°F, 4–5 minutes | Oil spray in basket |
| Dredge | Flour → Egg → Breadcrumbs | Shake off excess as you go |
| Arrange | Single layer in basket | Don’t crowd |
| Spray | Light mist of oil on top | Helps crisping |
| Air Fry | 5 min per side | Flip carefully with tongs |
| Serve | While hot | Best crunch when fresh |
Air fryer fried pickles bring together the best elements of tangy pickles and crispy coating, but without the grease of deep frying. The steps are easy to follow, the ingredients are budget-friendly, and the variations are limitless. With a little prep, you can serve up a crave-worthy snack that disappears quickly—so make plenty.
Experiment with seasonings, customize your dips, and don’t forget to pack up any extras for tomorrow’s lunchbox. Once you try them, air fryer fried pickles will find a permanent spot in your snack rotation.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
These air fryer fried pickles are crispy. They are easy to make. They are delicious. In 20 minutes or less, you’ll have a savory snack. Everyone will love it.
Ingredients
- 1 (16-ounce) jar dill pickle chips, drain and pat dry
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- cooking spray
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs, or any breadcrumbs
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Add the flour, paprika, garlic, onion powder, salt, and pepper to a shallow bowl. Whisk until well mixed.
- Transfer the beaten eggs to a second shallow bowl and the breadcrumbs to a third.
- Dip each pickle first in the flour mixture. Then, dip them into the eggs and, finally, the breadcrumbs. Be sure to coat both sides evenly.
- Coat the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Then, arrange the pickles in a single, non-overlapping layer at the bottom.
- Cook for 10 minutes total, flipping the pickles once halfway through. When ready, the pickles will be crispy and golden brown.
- Repeat steps 5 and 6 until all the pickles are ready.
- Serve hot with dipping sauces (if desired) and enjoy!