Crispy, tangy, and perfectly golden brown, Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a delicious snack or appetizer that’s surprisingly easy to make. Using the air fryer, these fried pickles come out crispy without the excess oil, making them a healthier version of the traditional deep-fried treat. Paired with a creamy, flavorful dipping sauce, they’re a perfect finger food for parties or a fun snack anytime!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a quick, simple, and healthier way to enjoy crispy pickles with a golden, crunchy coating. The air fryer does all the hard work, giving you a crispy exterior and a tangy pickle center with less oil. Plus, the homemade dip adds the perfect creamy contrast to the heat and crunch of the pickles. These are perfect for game days, family gatherings, or anytime you want a snack that’s both savory and satisfying.

Ingredients

For the Pickles:

1 cup sliced pickles
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Dip:

¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup minced onions (the finer, the better)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Pickles:
Lay down a couple of sheets of paper towels and arrange the sliced pickles on top. Place more paper towels on top of the pickles and press gently to dry them out. Let them sit for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
Make the Egg Wash:
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Coat the Pickles:
In a second shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. One at a time, dip the dried pickle slices into the egg wash, ensuring they’re fully coated. Then, coat them in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure they stick. Transfer the coated pickles to a baking sheet.
Preheat the Air Fryer:
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the pickles will cook evenly and get crispy.
Cook the Pickles:
Arrange the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure there’s some space between each pickle. Spray the pickles lightly with oil. Air-fry the pickles for 5-7 minutes, then flip them over, spray with a bit more oil, and air-fry for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Make the Dip:
While the pickles are cooking, mix together the sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, minced onions, garlic, and dried dill (if using) in a small bowl. Stir well to combine.
Serve:
Once the pickles are crispy and golden, remove them from the air fryer and serve hot with the dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes

Variations

Spicy Pickles: Use spicy pickles or add more hot sauce to the egg wash for a spicier kick.
Cheese Coating: Add some grated parmesan or cheddar to the panko breadcrumbs for extra cheesy flavor.
Herb Infusion: Toss some fresh or dried herbs like oregano, thyme, or parsley into the breadcrumbs for added flavor.
Crispy Double Dip: For an extra crispy coating, dip the pickles back in the egg wash and breadcrumbs for a double coat before air-frying.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Reheating: To re-crisp, place the pickles back in the air fryer for 2-3 minutes at 350°F until heated through and crispy again. Alternatively, you can reheat them in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 375°F.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pickles?

Yes, you can use any type of pickle you prefer, such as dill, bread-and-butter, or spicy pickles. Choose whichever flavor you enjoy the most!

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, but panko breadcrumbs provide a lighter, crunchier texture, which is ideal for this recipe. If you don’t have panko, regular breadcrumbs will work, but the texture may be slightly less crisp.

Do I need to soak the pickles before air frying?

No, just make sure to dry the pickles thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This will help them crisp up better in the air fryer.

Can I make these fried pickles gluten-free?

Yes! You can easily make this recipe gluten-free by using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs and flour. Be sure to double-check that your hot sauce and other ingredients are gluten-free as well.

Can I bake these pickles instead of using an air fryer?

Yes, you can bake them in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Spray them lightly with oil to get them crispy.

What other dips can I serve with these pickles?

Besides the creamy sour cream and mayo dip, you can serve them with ranch dressing, blue cheese dip, or even a spicy sriracha mayo for extra heat.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?

You can prepare the pickles and coat them in breadcrumbs ahead of time. Store them in the fridge for up to a few hours before air-frying.

Can I make these pickles without eggs?

Yes, you can replace the eggs with a dairy-free option such as a flax egg or cornstarch mixture to make the recipe vegan or egg-free.

Can I use frozen pickles?

While fresh pickles are best for this recipe, you can use frozen pickles if you prefer. Be sure to thaw and pat them dry before coating and cooking.

Can I double this recipe?

Yes, you can easily double the recipe to serve more people. Just be sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches if necessary.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a crispy, tangy treat that’s incredibly easy to make and perfect for any occasion. With a golden, crunchy coating and a tangy dip to complement the flavor, they’re the ultimate snack or appetizer. With the air fryer doing all the work, these fried pickles are healthier without sacrificing any of the flavor. Enjoy them with family, friends, or just by yourself—these crispy bites are sure to be a hit!