Why You’ll Love Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe
Air fryer fried pickles are crunchy on the outside and juicy on the inside, and you don’t need deep‑frying to get that satisfying texture. They cook quickly, are perfect for parties or movie nights, and pair beautifully with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Sliced dill pickles
Eggs
Flour
Hot sauce (optional)
Salt
Black pepper
Panko breadcrumbs
Oil spray or cooking spray
Sour cream and mayonnaise (for dip)
Minced onions (optional, for dip)
Garlic and dried dill (optional, for dip)
Directions
Lay down paper towels and place the pickle slices on them. Top with more paper towels to dry the pickles thoroughly so the breading sticks better.
In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper to make the egg wash.
Put the panko breadcrumbs in another shallow dish.
Dip each pickle into the egg wash, then coat both sides with the panko breadcrumbs, placing them on a baking sheet as you go.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (about 200°C).
Add the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, giving them space. Lightly spray with oil.
Air‑fry for about 5–7 minutes, flip the pickles, spray again, and cook another 5–7 minutes until golden and crispy.
For the dip, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, minced onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and dried dill in a small bowl. Serve with the fried pickles.
Servings and timing
Servings: About 6 people
Prep time: ~15 minutes
Cook time: ~10–14 minutes
Total time: ~25–30 minutes
Variations
Spicy kick: Add cayenne or chili powder to the breadcrumb mix.
Cheesy crunch: Mix grated Parmesan into the panko.
Spears instead of coins: Slice whole pickles into spears for larger bites.
Different dips: Try ranch, chipotle mayo, or even a tangy barbecue sauce for serving.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2–3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for about 3–5 minutes to help them crisp up again.
FAQs
How do I prevent the coating from falling off?
Pat the pickles very dry before breading and press the breadcrumbs onto the slices firmly so the coating sticks better.
Can I use gluten‑free breadcrumbs?
Yes, gluten‑free panko or other gluten‑free crumbs work fine and still give a nice crunch.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
Preheating helps achieve a crispier texture, so it’s recommended if your air fryer model allows.
What dipping sauce goes best with fried pickles?
Classic ranch, spicy mayo, sour cream and onion dip, or even barbecue sauce all pair well.
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can pre‑bread the pickles ahead and refrigerate them, but air fry right before serving for best crispiness.
Are air fryer fried pickles healthy?
They use less oil than deep frying, making them a lighter option, but they’re still breaded and best enjoyed in moderation.
Can I freeze breaded but uncooked pickles?
Yes, flash‑freeze them on a tray, then store in a freezer bag to air fry later.
What temperature should the air fryer be?
Around 400°F (about 200°C) is ideal for crispy coating.
How long should I air fry them?
Typically 5–7 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
Can I make these without eggs?
You can try using a vegan egg substitute or a mixture of milk and flour, though texture may vary.
Conclusion
Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a delicious snack that turns simple dill pickles into crispy, golden bites with minimal oil. They’re easy to make, great for sharing, and perfect with a variety of dipping sauces. Whether for a party or a quick appetizer, this recipe brings big flavor with less mess.
