Air fryer fried pickles bring all the crunch and tang of the classic Southern appetizer without the guilt of deep-frying. With just a light spray of oil and a quick 8-minute cook time, you’ll get golden, crispy pickle chips that are perfect for game day, movie night, or a casual gathering with friends.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in about 15 minutes.
- Healthier Crunch: Uses minimal oil yet still yields a satisfyingly crispy coating.
- Customizable Flavor: Tweak the spice level or swap in your favorite breadcrumbs.
- Crowd-Pleasing: Tangy, salty pickles meet a savory, crunchy crust—always a hit!
Ingredients
- 16–20 dill pickle chips
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Set Up Breading Stations
- Flour Mixture: Whisk together flour, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne.
- Egg Wash: Beat the eggs in a shallow bowl.
- Breadcrumb Mix: Stir panko and Parmesan together in a third bowl.
- Coat the Pickles
- Pat pickle chips dry on paper towels.
- Dredge each chip in the flour mixture, shaking off excess.
- Dip into the egg wash, then press into the panko-Parmesan mix until fully coated.
- Air Fry
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3 minutes.
- Arrange pickles in a single layer (you may need batches).
- Lightly spray with cooking oil.
- Cook for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crisp.
- Serve
- Transfer to a paper-towel lined plate.
- Serve immediately with ranch, blue cheese, or spicy aioli.
Tips & Variations
- Gluten-Free Option: Use almond flour instead of all-purpose flour and GF panko.
- Extra Heat: Add an extra pinch of cayenne or toss pickles in hot sauce before breading.
- Double Coating: For ultra-crunchy pickles, dip back into egg and panko for a second coat.
- Cheesy Upgrade: Mix in 2 tablespoons of shredded cheddar with the panko.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with classic ranch dressing and celery sticks for a pub-style snack.
- Add to a game-day platter alongside sliders, wings, and onion rings.
- Serve as an unexpected side for burgers or grilled cheeses.
Enjoy these crispy, tangy bites that prove you don’t need a vat of oil to get restaurant-quality fried pickles!
Print
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a crispy, tangy snack that’s easy to make and healthier than traditional deep-fried versions. Perfect for game days or as a unique appetizer, they deliver all the crunch without the grease.
Ingredients
- 2 cups dill pickle slices
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Lay the pickle slices on a paper towel and pat dry to remove excess moisture.
- In a small bowl, add the flour.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and water.
- In a third bowl, combine the bread crumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning.
- Dip each pickle slice into the flour, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the bread crumb mixture.
- Place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Lightly spray the pickles with cooking spray.
- Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
- Ensure pickles are thoroughly dried to achieve maximum crispiness.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the bread crumb mixture.
- Serve with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or your preferred dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 167
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 839mg
- Fat: 4g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 8g
- Cholesterol: 52mg