Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles Recipe

Introduction

Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles are a perfect weekend treat that combines tangy dill pickles with a creamy, flavorful filling. With a crunchy panko coating and a hint of smoky bacon, these bites are irresistible and simple to make.

Ingredients

• 8 whole dill pickles (large, halved lengthwise and cored)
• 1 block cream cheese (softened)
• 2 tbsp cooked bacon (crumbled or turkey bacon)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chopped chives (or green onions)
• 1 pinch salt and pepper (to taste)
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs (beaten)
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Olive oil spray (as needed for air fryer)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the pickles dry with paper towels and slice them in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller to carefully scoop out the center of each half to create space for the filling.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled bacon, garlic powder, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Mix until smooth and well blended.
3. Step 3: Fill each hollowed pickle half generously with the cream cheese mixture, leveling the tops for even coating.
4. Step 4: Prepare a dredging station with three bowls: one with flour, one with the beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs.
5. Step 5: Coat each stuffed pickle by first dipping into the flour, then the beaten eggs, and finally press into the panko breadcrumbs to cover evenly.
6. Step 6: Lightly spray each coated pickle with olive oil spray to help crisp the coating in the air fryer.
7. Step 7: Place the pickles in a preheated air fryer at 375°F (190°C) and air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they are golden brown and crispy.

Tips & Variations

• For a vegetarian version, skip the bacon and add extra chives or finely chopped bell peppers to the cream cheese filling.
• Use crushed cornflakes or gluten-free breadcrumbs instead of panko for a different texture or gluten-free option.
• Experiment with spices like smoked paprika or cayenne for added depth and heat.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes to restore crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it can make the coating soggy.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake these stuffed pickles instead of air frying?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes until golden and crispy, turning halfway through for even cooking.

What pickle size works best for this recipe?

Large dill pickles work best since they provide enough space to hollow out and hold the cream cheese filling without breaking apart.

Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 130 reviews

• Author: Noah
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 16 stuffed pickle halves 1x

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Description

These Crispy Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles are a perfect weekend snack, combining tangy dill pickles with a creamy, flavorful bacon and chive filling. Coated in crunchy panko breadcrumbs and air fried to golden perfection, they deliver a crispy exterior with a savory inside that’s irresistible.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pickle and Filling

• 8 whole large dill pickles, halved lengthwise and cored
• 1 block (8 oz) cream cheese, softened
• 2 tbsp cooked bacon, crumbled (or turkey bacon)
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tbsp chopped chives or green onions
• 1 pinch salt and pepper, to taste
• 0.5 tsp red chili flakes (optional)

Breading

• 0.5 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Others

• Olive oil spray, as needed for air fryer

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Pickles: Pat the dill pickles dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Slice each pickle in half lengthwise. Use a melon baller or a small spoon to carefully scoop out the center of each half, creating a cavity for the filling.
2. Make the Filling: In a medium bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, crumbled cooked bacon, garlic powder, chopped chives, salt, pepper, and red chili flakes if using. Mix well until you achieve a smooth and consistent filling.
3. Stuff the Pickles: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each hollowed pickle half. Level off the top to ensure an even surface for breading.
4. Set Up Breading Station: Arrange three shallow bowls: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs. This three-step dredging process ensures a crispy coating.
5. Bread the Pickles: First, coat each stuffed pickle half in the flour, shaking off excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs fully. Finally, press it gently into the panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly. Repeat for all stuffed pickles.
6. Air Fry the Pickles: Lightly spray each breaded stuffed pickle piece with olive oil spray to promote crispness. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket without overcrowding.
7. Cook and Flip: Air fry for 8–10 minutes total, flipping the pickles halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning. Cook until the breadcrumbs are golden brown and crispy.

Notes

• Patting the pickles dry is essential to ensure the breading sticks properly.
• Use cooked and cooled bacon for the best texture in the filling.
• For a spicier kick, increase the red chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
• Serve immediately for the best crispy texture.
• Can be served with ranch or a spicy dipping sauce.
• Make sure to air fry in batches if needed to avoid overcrowding, which can prevent crispiness.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Air Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: air fryer stuffed pickles, crispy pickles, appetizer, bacon cream cheese stuffed pickles