Hey, fellow pickle lover! I’ve got something for you! My Air Fryer Pickles recipe will turn your favorite tangy snack into a crispy and crunchy delight without guilt! My favorite part is that you don’t have to deal with any mess of hot oil. Trust me, your love for pickles is about to reach a whole new level with this tasty, guilt-free snack.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Why You’ll Love Air Fried Pickles
When I first heard about air-fried pickles, I was skeptical. How could anything beat the traditional deep-fried version? But after trying them for myself, my family and I fell in love with this delicious snack. Let me tell you why!
- Besides the perfect crunch, what sets them apart is that they are not greasy at all. No more oily fingers or feeling guilty about indulging in fried food!
- The air fryer brings out all the delicious flavors of the pickles and breading. They come out perfectly seasoned with a hint of tanginess from the pickles themselves. And because they are cooked in an enclosed space, there is no loss of moisture or flavor like with traditional frying methods.
- Easy to make. No more dealing with hot oil splatters or trying to find a place to dispose of used oil. All you need to do is bread your pickles with Panko crumbs, pop them in the air fryer, and in 10 minutes, you have a tasty snack ready to be enjoyed.
How to Make Fried Pickles in Air Fryer
Here I highlight my ingredient choices for my pickles in air fryer recipe, alternatives, and tips and tricks. For exact quantities and nutritional info, please scroll down to the printable recipe card below.
Making air fryer pickles is surprisingly simple. You’ll need just a few basic ingredients: dill pickles (or your preferred variety), flour, eggs, breadcrumbs (I highly recommend Panko for extra crunch), and seasonings like garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. I also added a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
Instructions
Prep your pickles: Slice a whole dill pickle into ¼-inch thick rounds. Whole dill pickles sliced into thick rounds or spears work exceptionally well. The key is to ensure they aren’t too thin—this helps maintain their juicy interior during frying without becoming soggy. Once sliced, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this is crucial for achieving that coveted crispiness.
Dredge: Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (mix in your chosen spices here), another with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. I highly recommend mixing in additional seasoning to the panko because it doesn’t have much flavor on its own unless you use seasoned panko. Dip each pickle slice first into the flour (shaking off excess), then into the egg wash before finally pressing it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly. Please refer to the picture above.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly grease the basket or rack with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and arrange your coated pickle slices in a single layer without overcrowding them and giving them some space; this ensures even cooking on all sides. Depending on your air fryer’s size, you may need to cook in batches—patience will be rewarded!
Cook each batch of pickles for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy perfection is achieved. Halfway through cooking time—around 5-6 minutes—give them a gentle shake or flip using tongs to promote even browning on both sides.
Tip: Once you finish a jar of pickles, don’t throw away its pickle juice. You won’t believe the taste explosion that brine can bring to your table. This zesty liquid, infused with garlic, dill, and spices, can make your meals truly memorable. If you marinate your chicken in pickle juice, it tenderizes the meat like a dream, while adding a punchy depth of flavor. Here are Pickle Juice Chicken Drumsticks and Pickle Brine Fried Chicken Breast recipes. Or let it jazz up a classic potato salad with a tangy twist that gets your taste buds dancing. Even dipping sauces or dressings can benefit from a splash of this zesty concoction.
Serving Suggestions and Variations
Air fryer pickles are versatile and can be served in various ways. Enjoy them as a standalone snack, or pair them with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, sriracha mayo, or honey mustard. My family and guests thoroughly enjoyed dipping them in Homemade Spicy Chipotle Mayo. Air-fried pickle chips also make a great addition to sandwiches or burgers, adding a crunchy texture and tangy flavor.
Experiment with different seasonings in your batter for unique twists. For a spicy variation, add extra cayenne pepper or chili powder. For more savory flavor I mix in ⅓ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to Panko for a cheesy coating. You can also try different types of pickles, such as dill, bread and butter, or spicy pickles, to suit your taste preferences.
How to Store and Reheat
Store air fryer fried pickles in an airtight container for up to a week. To reheat, place the chilled pickles in the air fryer for 4-5 minutes at 350°F, letting the hot air restore their delightful crispness while enhancing their flavor. The result is a savory snack that feels just as fresh and enjoyable as when it came out of the fryer the first time.
Want to save this recipe?
Enter your email & I’ll send it to your inbox. Plus, get great new recipes from me every week!
Crispy and Crunchy Air Fryer Fried Pickles (Pickle chips)
Ingredients
- 16 oz Dill Pickles or your preferred variety. I used Trader Joe's Dill pickle chips, already pre-sliced
- 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
- 1 egg
- 3/4 cup flour
- 2 Tablespoons Seasoning of your choice. I used garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper to taste. I also added a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick. Use 1 tablespoon to add to the flour and the second tablespoon to add to Panko breadcrumbs. Unless you use seasoned Panko.
- Cooking oil spray I use Ghee butter oil spray.
Instructions
- Prep your pickles: Slice a whole dill pickle into ¼-inch thick rounds. Whole dill pickles sliced into thick rounds or spears work exceptionally well. The key is to ensure they aren’t too thin—this helps maintain their juicy interior during frying without becoming soggy. Once sliced, pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this is crucial for achieving that coveted crispiness.
- Dredge: Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls: one with seasoned flour (mix in your chosen spices here), another with beaten eggs, and the third with panko breadcrumbs. I highly recommend mixing in additional seasoning to the panko because it doesn't have much flavor on its own unless you use seasoned panko. Dip each pickle slice first into the flour (shaking off excess), then into the egg wash before finally pressing it firmly into the breadcrumb mixture to coat evenly.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes. Lightly grease the basket or rack with non-stick spray to prevent sticking and arrange your coated pickle slices in a single layer without overcrowding them and giving them some space; this ensures even cooking on all sides. Depending on your air fryer's size, you may need to cook in batches—patience will be rewarded!
- Cook each batch of pickles for 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown and crispy perfection is achieved. Halfway through cooking time—around 5-6—give them a gentle shake or flip using tongs to promote even browning on both sides.
How about Air Fryer actual Dill Pickles, can I use the your recipe for chips as I would rather make a full dill pickle in Air Fryer!
Absolutely, you can use this recipe for whole dill pickles, instead of cut them into slices. I would still cut the whole pickle into halves and even quarters for easier air frying experience. Good luck. Please let me know how they come out.