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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- Stuff the Pickles: Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each hollowed pickle half. Level off the top to ensure an even surface for breading.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
