If you love that perfect crunch of a fried snack but want to keep things a little lighter and easier, you’re going to fall head over heels for this Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe. These golden, crispy pickle chips have all the tangy, savory goodness you crave, coated in a flavorful, crunchy panko crust that comes together quickly and cooks up wonderfully in the air fryer. It’s a snack that feels indulgent without weighing you down, and once you try this recipe, it’ll become your go-to appetizer for game days, casual get-togethers, or whenever a salty, crunchy bite calls your name.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is key to nailing this crisp, zesty delight. Each element plays an essential role, from the tangy pickles to the seasoning mix that makes the coating pop with flavor. Here’s a quick look at what you’ll need:
- 16 oz bread and butter pickle chips or dill slices: The star of the show; choose your favorite for sweet or savory notes.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick smoothly to the pickles for an even crust.
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt: Adds a punch of savory garlic flavor with just the right amount of saltiness.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Offers a subtle heat that complements the acidity of the pickles.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Brings a smoky warmth that deepens the overall flavor profile.
- 1 egg: Acts as the glue to hold the breading together and ensure a perfect crust.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Creates that irresistible crunch and light texture everyone loves.
- Cooking oil spray: Used to keep both the air fryer basket and the pickles crisp and golden.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Dry the Pickles
First things first, it’s crucial to drain your pickle chips thoroughly and then pat them dry with paper towels. Excess moisture is the enemy here because it can make your coating soggy instead of crispy. Taking this simple step makes all the difference in the final crunch factor.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Bowls
You’ll want three separate bowls to make the breading process smooth and efficient. In the first, mix your flour with garlic salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to infuse flavor right into the crust. The second bowl holds the beaten egg, which helps the coating adhere. The third bowl is for the panko breadcrumbs, which will give you that beautiful crunch.
Step 3: Bread the Pickles
Time to get your hands a little messy in the best way possible. Working in small batches, dredge each pickle slice first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the egg, and finally coat it well with panko. Press gently to make sure the breadcrumbs stick perfectly, setting up that wonderful crunchy layer.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer
Give your air fryer basket a generous spritz of cooking oil spray to prevent sticking and encourage even browning. Arrange your breaded pickle chips in a single layer, being careful not to crowd them. You may need to work in batches depending on your air fryer’s size. Don’t forget to spray the tops lightly with oil too—this is the trick for extra golden crispiness.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pickles
Set your air fryer to 385°F and let these babies cook for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye out for that gorgeous golden brown color which signals they’re perfectly cooked. Once done, serve immediately for the best taste and texture. These beauties shine brightest when hot and fresh.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or a dash of cayenne pepper on top adds a pop of color and a little extra flavor kick. You can also serve them with a wedge of lemon nearby for a fresh squeeze that cuts through the richness.
Side Dishes
These Air Fryer Fried Pickles pair wonderfully with creamy dips like ranch, blue cheese dressing, or a smoky chipotle mayo. For a heartier spread, serve alongside sliders or chicken wings for a fiesta of flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your snack game by serving the pickles stacked on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of assorted dips. Alternatively, thread the pickles onto skewers for a fun party appetizer that’s easy to share and looks irresistible.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftovers—and it’s easy to do—store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They’ll keep well for up to 2 days, but the crunchiness will start to fade the longer they sit.
Freezing
While you can freeze these fried pickles, be aware that the texture of the coating might slightly change once thawed. To freeze, freeze the breaded but uncooked pickles on a tray first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, cook them directly from frozen in the air fryer, adjusting the time as needed.
Reheating
Reheat leftover fried pickles in the air fryer at 350°F for 3 to 4 minutes to regain some of that crispiness. Avoid microwaving as it tends to make them soggy, which is a real bummer for this dish.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pickles for this recipe?
Absolutely! Bread and butter pickle chips or dill slices are both fantastic options. Each offers a slightly different flavor profile—sweet or tangy—so pick whatever suits your taste buds.
Do I have to use panko breadcrumbs?
Panko is recommended because it creates that light and extra crispy texture. You can use regular breadcrumbs, but the crunch won’t be quite the same.
Is this Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet?
You can easily adapt the recipe by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs to keep it friendly for gluten-sensitive folks.
Can I bake the pickles instead of using an air fryer?
Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes, turning halfway through to get a similar crispy finish, though the air fryer tends to give a better crunch.
What’s the best dipping sauce for fried pickles?
Classic ranch dressing is a favorite, but spicy mayo, honey mustard, or even a garlic aioli add exciting flavors that complement the saltiness and zestiness of the pickles perfectly.
Final Thoughts
This Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a classic Southern snack with a fresh, light twist. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself, these crispy, flavorful pickles hit the spot every time. They’re easy to make, quick to cook, and so delicious that you’ll find yourself reaching for seconds. Give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen—it’s a crunchy, tangy little slice of happiness you really don’t want to miss.
Print
Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer fried pickles made with bread and butter or dill pickle chips coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb crust. This quick and easy appetizer is perfectly crunchy without being greasy, thanks to air frying. Ready in just 17 minutes, these fried pickles are an ideal snack or party starter paired with your favorite dipping sauce.
Ingredients
Pickles
- 16 oz bread and butter pickle chips or dill slices
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Other
- Cooking oil spray (for air fryer basket and pickles)
Instructions
- Dry the Pickles: Drain the pickle chips thoroughly and pat them dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step ensures that the coating adheres well and results in a crispy finish.
- Prepare the Coating Bowls: In one bowl, mix together the all-purpose flour, garlic salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. In a separate bowl, beat the egg until smooth. In a third bowl, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Pickles: Working a few pickle slices at a time, dredge each slice first in the seasoned flour mixture, then dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it completely with panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer basket or grate with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded pickle slices in a single layer, making sure they do not overlap. Cook in batches if needed. Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking oil spray before cooking.
- Air Fry the Pickles: Preheat the air fryer to 385°F (196°C). Air fry the pickles for 5 to 7 minutes or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Patting the pickles dry is crucial for a crispy coating; excess moisture prevents proper crisping.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket—cook in batches for even crispiness.
- Use cooking oil spray lightly to keep the pickles crispy without adding extra oil.
- Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.
- For extra flavor, try different spices in the flour mixture such as cayenne or onion powder.
