Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Crispy, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned, these Air Fryer Fried Pickles are my healthier twist on a classic appetizer. I love how they come out golden brown and full of flavor without the need for deep frying.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 jar dill pickle slices

1 cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

2 large eggs, beaten

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon paprika

Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking spray

Directions

Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).

Drain the pickle slices and pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

In a shallow bowl, mix the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

In another bowl, beat the eggs.

In a third bowl, add the breadcrumbs.

Dip each pickle slice into the flour mixture, then into the egg, and finally coat it in breadcrumbs.

Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the pickle slices in a single layer.

Spray the tops of the pickles with a little more cooking spray.

Air fry at 400°F for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden brown and crispy.

Serve immediately with a favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings. It takes me about 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, so I can have them ready in just 20 minutes. Each serving is around 120 calories, which makes it a lighter snack option compared to deep-fried pickles.

Variations

I sometimes switch up the coating by using crushed cornflakes or seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. For a spicy kick, I add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mix. If I want a tangier bite, I use spicy dill pickles instead of regular ones.

Storage/Reheating

I like these best when eaten fresh, but if I have leftovers, I store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I pop them back in the air fryer at 375°F for about 3–4 minutes until they’re crispy again. I avoid microwaving because it makes them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use pickle spears instead of slices?

Yes, I can use pickle spears, but I usually adjust the cooking time to make sure they get crispy all the way through.

Do I need to preheat my air fryer?

I like to preheat the air fryer because it helps the pickles cook evenly and get that golden crisp.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Yes, I just swap the flour and breadcrumbs for gluten-free alternatives, and they come out just as tasty.

What dipping sauces go best with fried pickles?

I enjoy them with ranch, spicy mayo, or even a zesty chipotle sauce. It really depends on what flavor I’m in the mood for.

Can I freeze fried pickles?

I don’t recommend freezing them because the coating doesn’t hold up well. They taste best when freshly made or reheated within a couple of days.

Conclusion

These air fryer fried pickles are my go-to when I want a crunchy, flavorful snack without the guilt of deep frying. They’re quick to make, fun to eat, and always a crowd-pleaser. I love serving them with different dipping sauces, and they disappear fast whenever I make them.

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