Name: Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 1/2 – 2 cups pickle chips; 2 eggs; 1/3 cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour; 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; Non-stick cooking spray

Jump to Recipe

Crispy, tangy, and absolutely irresistible, Air Fryer Fried Pickles bring together the zesty punch of dill pickles with a golden, crunchy coating—minus all the oil of traditional deep frying. This snack is a total crowd-pleaser, perfect for game days, parties, or whenever you crave something a little out of the ordinary. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 20 minutes, you’ll have a savory appetizer that’s sure to disappear fast. Get ready to make Air Fryer Fried Pickles your new go-to favorite!

Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You won’t believe how straightforward it is to whip up Air Fryer Fried Pickles at home—all it takes are pantry staples, a handful of pickles, and your trusty air fryer. Every ingredient plays a role, from ensuring that trademark crunch to boosting flavor and color. Here’s what you’ll need to make your batch shine:

Pickle chips: Go for classic dill chips for their tang and shape; make sure they’re sliced evenly for consistent texture.
Eggs: These are the secret to helping the breading cling, creating that all-important crunchy outside.
All-purpose or gluten-free flour: A light dusting helps the eggs stick and adds subtle crispiness—choose gluten-free if you need it.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs create the best airy, crunchy crust for your fried pickles.
Paprika: Just a touch brings beautiful color and a whisper of smokiness to every bite.
Salt and pepper: Essential for flavor—season to your liking for just the right contrast with the pickles’ tang.
Non-stick cooking spray: A light mist ensures your pickles crisp up evenly and release perfectly from the air fryer basket.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Step 1: Prep the Pickle Chips

Start by patting your pickle chips completely dry with paper towels. This might sound trivial, but it’s the secret to achieving an ultra-crispy coating—any excess moisture would make the breading soggy, so take your time and press gently but firmly.

Step 2: Set Up the Breading Station

Arrange three shallow bowls: one for whisked eggs, one for flour, and one for your breadcrumb mixture (combine panko, paprika, salt, and pepper here). Lining up your bowls makes assembly a breeze, helping you work quickly before the pickles soak up too much moisture.

Step 3: Preheat the Air Fryer Basket

Preheating is crucial for great results! Heat the air fryer basket and spray generously with non-stick cooking spray so the pickles won’t stick and the bottom crisps right up as soon as they’re in.

Step 4: Bread the Pickles

Take each pickle chip and dip it first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally in the panko breadcrumb blend. Make sure each chip is coated evenly for ultimate crunch. A fork helps keep things tidy, but don’t be afraid to get a little hands-on!

Step 5: Arrange and Spray

Place your coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. It’s important not to crowd them—air needs to circulate for even crisping. Give the tops a light mist of cooking spray before closing up the basket.

Step 6: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Cook at 400°F for 5-6 minutes, then carefully flip each pickle chip and air fry for another 3-4 minutes until they’re deeply golden and irresistibly crispy. Keep an eye out for even browning—some air fryers are a little hotter than others!

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Garnishes

For a restaurant-worthy finish, sprinkle chopped fresh dill, a dash of smoked paprika, or a light dusting of flaky sea salt right as the pickles emerge from the air fryer. This finishing touch heightens both aroma and visual appeal—plus, that pop of green or deep red looks stunning on the plate.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a natural match for classic comfort food sides. Serve them with creamy ranch or zesty chipotle mayo on the side, pair them with seasoned fries, or nestle them next to a juicy burger for the ultimate homemade feast. Their punchy flavor also pairs well with a crisp, simple coleslaw.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your Air Fryer Fried Pickles up a notch by threading a few on skewers for playful finger food, piling them high on a platter with small bowls of different dips, or making them the star of a party grazing board next to other snack favorites. They also add a delightful crunch atop sliders or hot sandwiches!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you wind up with extra Air Fryer Fried Pickles (though honestly, that’s rare!), let them cool completely before storing in an airtight container. Place a sheet of paper towel at the bottom to absorb moisture and keep them crisp for up to 2 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing

Need to prep ahead? Freeze cooked and cooled fried pickles in a single layer on a baking sheet until solid, then transfer to a zip-top freezer bag. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month and make the perfect quick snack—no need to thaw before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, reheat leftover Air Fryer Fried Pickles right back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-4 minutes. This brings back their signature crunch—avoid the microwave, which tends to make the coating soggy.

FAQs

Can I use whole pickle spears instead of chips?

Absolutely! While pickle chips get perfectly crisp all over, pickle spears can be used for a heartier bite. Just increase cooking time by a couple of minutes to make sure the breading gets golden and crunchy all around.

What sauces pair best with Air Fryer Fried Pickles?

Classic ranch is a must-try, but don’t be afraid to get creative—spicy Sriracha mayo, herbed Greek yogurt dip, or even a creamy blue cheese dressing all play off the pickles’ tang and crunch beautifully.

Can I make these vegan?

Yes! Simply swap the eggs for a plant-based milk whisked with a tablespoon of cornstarch or use aquafaba (chickpea brine) as your “glue.” The rest of the ingredients are already vegan (as long as your breadcrumbs are dairy- and egg-free).

How do I keep the breading from falling off?

Be sure to dry your pickles thoroughly before breading and follow the sequence carefully: flour first, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press the coating gently onto each chip, and don’t forget to spray for extra stick and crunch.

Are Air Fryer Fried Pickles gluten-free?

They can be! Just use your favorite gluten-free all-purpose flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs—the results are just as crunchy and satisfying as the traditional version.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a snack that delivers big flavor, lots of crunch, and a hefty dose of fun, give Air Fryer Fried Pickles a try! They’re surprisingly easy to make and always get rave reviews. Gather your ingredients, fire up that air fryer, and get ready to wow yourself and any lucky friends who get to share these crispy bites with you.

Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 8 reviews

Author: Noah
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Crunchy and flavorful air fryer fried pickles are a delicious snack or appetizer that’s easy to make at home. These pickles are coated in a crispy panko breadcrumb mixture and air-fried to perfection, resulting in a tasty treat that’s perfect for sharing.

Ingredients

Scale

Pickle Chips:

1 1/2 – 2 cups pickle chips

Batter:

2 eggs
1/3 cup all-purpose or gluten-free flour
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper to taste

Coating:

Non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

Dry Pickle Chips: Thoroughly dry pickle chips with paper towels.
Prepare Bowls: Set up three bowls – one with whisked eggs, one with flour, and one with a mix of panko breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer basket and generously spray with non-stick cooking spray.
Coat Pickles: Coat each pickle chip in flour, dip in the egg mixture, and then coat with the breadcrumb mixture.
Air Fry: Arrange coated pickle chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket, spray the tops with cooking spray, and air fry at 400°F for 5-6 minutes. Flip the pickles and continue cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until crispy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Fry
Cuisine: American