Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a crispy and crunchy game-day snack. Make this easy appetizer in the air fryer in minutes. They are perfectly seasoned, tangy party food and so much better than deep-fried.

I’m not a big fan of deep frying. There is too much grease, and I don’t like the smell it leaves behind. Air frying on the other fan? HUGE fan. LOVE LOVE LOVE my Ninja Foodi air fryer.

These breaded pickles use pickle spears, which make them great for dipping like French fries. I much prefer the air fryer version; honestly, I can’t even tell the difference. The breading still has an extra crispy texture, and the inside is the perfect bite of dill pickles.

This is a great recipe for first-time air-frying cooks. It’s simple to make and ready in about 30 minutes. This is your recipe if you need a delicious appetizer that’s a healthier choice than deep-frying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You can serve them with your favorite dipping sauce.
• Perfect to serve at parties, including a Super Bowl gathering.
• Use different varieties of seasonings and pickles to change the flavor.
• Ready to enjoy in 30 minutes.
• Perfect snack for pickle lovers to satisfy cravings.
• Great option for a late-night snack.
• Easy recipe for beginners to try with a new air fryer.
• Can make low-carb with a few minor modifications.

Ingredients

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The full printable recipe card with measurements and instructions is found at the bottom of the post.

• Dill pickle spears – I like to buy refrigerated pickle spears that are already cut because they are nice and big. You could also buy a regular jar of pickles and cut them into spears.
• All-purpose flour
• Eggs – I use large eggs.
• Panko breadcrumbs
• Milk – I use 2% milk.
• Paprika
• Salt and black pepper

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Follow along to learn how to make fried pickles in the air fryer!

• Step One: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (if your air fryer model requires preheating).
• Step Two: Add flour to a shallow bowl. Add eggs and milk to another bowl and whisk to combine. Add panko breadcrumbs, paprika, salt, and pepper to a third bowl and stir to combine.
• Step Three: Dry the pickle spears well with paper towels. Dip the pickles in flour, egg mixture, and breadcrumb mixture to coat. Repeat for all spears.

• Step Four: Add pickle spears in a single layer to the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd. You may need to make a couple of batches. Spritz the spears with grapeseed oil spray.
• Step Five: Air fry for 6 minutes. Flip over and air fry for an additional 6 minutes. 

What to Serve with Them

• Oven Baked Chicken Wings
• Crab Dip
• Bacon Wrapped Water Chestnuts
• Mozzarella Balls

Variations and Substitutions

• Try other varieties of pickle spears. Sweet pickles would also be yummy.
• Change up the spice mixture. Try garlic powder, cajun seasoning, creole seasoning, cayenne pepper, dried dill, or oregano.
• Switch out the panko bread crumbs. Use Italian bread crumbs or Cornflake crumbs.
• Use buttermilk instead of 2% milk.
• Add a splash of hot sauce to the egg mixture for a kick of heat.

Storage Instructions

Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

I recommend reheating them in the air fryer when you want to enjoy them again. Preheat the air fryer to 375°F. Cook for 2 to 4 minutes until the desired temperature is reached.

Can You Freeze?

Yes, you can freeze them to enjoy later! Store them in a large freezer bag for up to 3 months. 

Thaw them first and then reheat them in the air fryer when you want to eat them.

Best Dipping Sauces

• Ranch dressing
• Sriracha mayo
• Lemon dill dip
• Creamy salsa dip
• Creamy caesar dressing

My personal favorite is ranch dressing!

Can I Make It Low Carb?

You can make fried pickles lower in carbs by switching out the bread crumbs. Use crushed pork rinds in their place. Use coconut flour or almond flour in place of the all-purpose flour.

What Are the Best Pickles To Use?

It’s a matter of personal preference. I prefer the refrigerated pickles because they are larger and already cut into spears (saves me time!).

How Do I Make Them Crispy?

No one wants a soggy fried pickle! I have a few tips that can help keep that breading nice and crispy.

• Make sure you dry the pickles VERY WELL with a paper towel before you add them to the bowls to bread them. The drier you get them, the crispier they will be. 
• Don’t use wet bread crumbs. After you’ve breaded several pickles, the breadcrumb mixture may look a little wet. Add some fresh bread crumbs and stir it up again to ensure dry bread crumbs go on the pickle.
• Spritz the pickles with oil spray on both sides before air frying. The oil will help make them golden and crispy. Don’t use cooking spray, as it can ruin your air fryer.
• Place in a single even layer, and don’t overcrowd the air fryer. Depending on the size of your air fryer, you may have to do a few batches.
• The cook time may vary slightly depending on the make of your air fryer as all models are different. Check the first batch periodically to see if they need more or less time.

Air Fryer Recipes

• Air Fryer Potato Chips
• Air Fryer Ravioli
• Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
• Air Fryer Mozzarella Sticks
• Air Fryer Onion Rings
• Air Fryer Coconut Shrimp
• Air Fryer Corn Ribs

Try my Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles, Slow Cooker Dill Pickle Soup and poutine.

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