AIR FRYER FRIED PICKLES!

I’ll never forget the summer I spent working at the county fair. The aroma of fried everything hung heavy in the air, but nothing could beat the addictive tang and crunch of fried pickles. I always dreamed of making them at home, but the mess and the oil always seemed daunting. But now, with my trusted air fryer, I’ve unlocked the secret to incredibly crispy, perfectly tangy fried pickles without all the fuss! Today, I’m sharing all my secrets for the most amazing Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe-Crispy & Quick you’ll ever make!

Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles: The Snack You Didn’t Know You Needed!

Are you ready to experience a flavor explosion that’s both satisfying and ridiculously easy? Forget about messy deep-frying and hello to perfectly crisp, golden-brown fried pickles, made right in your air fryer! This recipe is a game-changer. Whether you’re looking for a crowd-pleasing appetizer, a fun game-day snack, or just a little something special to brighten your day, these air fryer fried pickles are guaranteed to hit the spot. I promise, once you try them, you’ll be hooked!

I know what you might be thinking: “Fried pickles in an air fryer? Can they really be as good as the real deal?” And the answer is a resounding YES! The air fryer works its magic by circulating hot air around the pickles, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the inside perfectly tender and juicy. Plus, it’s so much healthier and easier to clean up than traditional frying. Win-win!

Why This Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe Is the BEST!

Let me tell you why this isn’t just *any* air fryer fried pickle recipe. This is *the* recipe. Here’s what sets it apart:

• Unbeatable Crispiness: We’re using a double-dredge technique to ensure maximum crunch in every bite.
• Perfectly Balanced Flavor: The seasoning blend is specifically designed to complement the tang of the pickles without overpowering them.
• Quick & Easy: From prep to plate, these fried pickles are ready in under 20 minutes.
• Healthier Alternative: Enjoy all the flavor of fried pickles with significantly less oil.
• Totally Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning to your liking, or try different types of pickles for a unique twist.

Let’s Get Cooking! Step-by-Step Instructions

Alright, let’s dive into the recipe! Don’t worry, it’s super simple, and I’ll be right here with you every step of the way. Get ready to create some seriously addictive air fryer fried pickles!

Ingredients You’ll Need:

• 1 (24 ounce) jar dill pickle slices, drained and patted dry
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a little kick!)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Equipment:

• Air Fryer
• 3 shallow dishes or bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Paper towels

Detailed Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pickles: Drain the pickle slices well. This is crucial! Use paper towels to pat them completely dry. Excess moisture will prevent the breading from sticking properly.
2. Set Up the Dredging Station: In the first shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk it all together until evenly distributed.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In the second shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined. The egg wash should be smooth and slightly frothy.
4. Prepare the Panko: In the third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs. Make sure there are no large clumps.
5. Double-Dredge the Pickles: This is the key to that amazing crispiness! Take a pickle slice and dredge it in the flour mixture, making sure it’s completely coated. Shake off any excess flour.
6. Dip in Egg Wash: Next, dip the floured pickle slice into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Let any excess egg wash drip off.
7. Coat with Panko: Finally, dredge the pickle slice in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. The pickle should be completely coated in panko.
8. Repeat Dredging: Repeat steps 5-7 with all the pickle slices.
9. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. Preheating ensures even cooking and maximum crispiness.
10. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded pickle slices in a single layer in the basket, making sure they aren’t touching. You may need to work in batches to avoid overcrowding. Overcrowding will steam the pickles instead of frying them.
11. Air Fry: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pickles are golden brown and crispy. Keep a close eye on them, as air fryers can vary in cooking time.
12. Serve Immediately: Remove the fried pickles from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or even a simple honey mustard are all delicious choices!

Success Tips for Perfect Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Want to guarantee fried pickle perfection? Here are my top tips for achieving the crispiest, most flavorful results every time:

• Dry, Dry, Dry Those Pickles! I can’t stress this enough. Excess moisture is the enemy of crispy fried pickles. Take the time to thoroughly pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Air fry in batches to ensure even cooking and maximum crispiness. Overcrowding will cause the pickles to steam instead of fry, resulting in soggy pickles.
• Spray with Cooking Spray: A light coating of cooking spray helps the panko breadcrumbs get nice and golden brown. Don’t skip this step!
• Adjust Cooking Time as Needed: Air fryers can vary in cooking time, so keep a close eye on your pickles. They’re done when they’re golden brown and crispy.
• Serve Immediately: Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh out of the air fryer, when they’re at their crispiest.

Variations & Customization: Make It Your Own!

The beauty of this recipe is that it’s so easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spice It Up: Add more cayenne pepper to the flour mixture for extra heat. You can also use a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
• Try Different Pickles: Experiment with different types of pickles, such as spicy pickles, sweet pickles, or even Refrigerator Bread and Butter Pickles for a sweeter twist.
• Use Different Breading: Instead of panko breadcrumbs, try using crushed potato chips or cornflakes for a unique texture and flavor.
• Experiment with Dipping Sauces: The possibilities are endless! Try ranch dressing, spicy mayo, honey mustard, blue cheese dressing, or even a homemade sriracha aioli.
• Make it Gluten-Free: Simply substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend and ensure your panko breadcrumbs are also gluten-free. This is a great way to enjoy fried pickles even if you have dietary restrictions! You might even find that Gluten-Free Fried Okra makes a great alternative side!

Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Snack

While these air fryer fried pickles are amazing as a snack or appetizer, they can also be incorporated into other dishes! Here are a few creative serving ideas:

• Fried Pickle Burger: Top your favorite burger with a few fried pickle slices for a tangy and crunchy kick.
• Fried Pickle Salad: Add chopped fried pickles to a salad for a burst of flavor and texture.
• Fried Pickle Tacos: Use fried pickles as a filling for tacos, along with your favorite toppings.
• Fried Pickle Pizza: Believe it or not, fried pickles make a surprisingly delicious pizza topping!
• Serve with Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes: What’s better than friend pickles? Maybe a pairing with Air Fryer Baked Garlic Parmesan Potatoes!

Dipping Sauce Ideas That Elevate Your Fried Pickles

Let’s be honest, the right dipping sauce can take your air fryer fried pickles from good to absolutely unforgettable. Here are a few of my all-time favorite dipping sauce recipes, ranging from classic to adventurous:

• Classic Ranch Dressing: You can’t go wrong with a classic! Creamy, tangy ranch dressing is the perfect complement to the salty, crunchy pickles.
• Spicy Mayo: Mix mayonnaise with sriracha or your favorite hot sauce for a fiery kick. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired level of spiciness.
• Honey Mustard: Sweet and tangy honey mustard is a crowd-pleaser. Combine honey, mustard, and a touch of mayonnaise for the perfect balance of flavors.
• Blue Cheese Dressing: For a bolder flavor, try blue cheese dressing. The creamy, pungent cheese pairs surprisingly well with the tangy pickles.
• Homemade Sriracha Aioli: This sophisticated dipping sauce is a must-try! Combine mayonnaise, sriracha, garlic, lime juice, and a touch of honey for a flavor explosion.

Can I Make These Ahead of Time?

While air fryer fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh and crispy, you can definitely prep them ahead of time to save time later. Here’s how:

• Bread the Pickles: You can bread the pickle slices up to a few hours in advance. Store them in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper in the refrigerator. This will help them stay crispy when you air fry them.
• Do NOT Air Fry Ahead of Time: I don’t recommend air frying the pickles ahead of time, as they will lose their crispiness as they sit.
• Reheating: If you happen to have leftover fried pickles, you can reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes until they’re crispy again.

What Kind of Pickles Should I Use?

The best pickles for air frying are dill pickle slices. They have a tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy breading. You can use store-bought pickles or even homemade pickles, such as Bread and Butter Pickles , just make sure they’re well-drained and patted dry before breading.

Remember those Fried Pineapple Rings you tried last year? Why not try something pickly instead?

Get Ready to Dig In!

There you have it! My ultimate recipe for Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles – crispy, quick, and oh-so-delicious. I truly believe this will become your go-to snack for any occasion. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your air fryer, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade fried pickles. I promise, you won’t be disappointed!

Lady Maria

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Enjoy crispy, tangy fried pickles made easily in your air fryer! This recipe uses a double-dredge technique for maximum crunch and a perfectly balanced seasoning blend. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a healthier and customizable alternative to traditional deep-fried pickles.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 minutes mins

Total Time 18 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Appetizer, Snack

Cuisine: American

Calories: 250

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for a little kick!
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg
• 1/2 cup milk
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

Equipment

• air fryer
• 3 shallow dishes or bowls
• measuring cups and spoons
• paper towels
• tongs or spatula

Method

 

1. Prepare the Pickles: Drain the pickle slices well and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
2. Set Up the Dredging Station: In the first shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk together.
3. Prepare the Egg Wash: In the second shallow dish, whisk together the egg and milk until well combined.
4. Prepare the Panko: In the third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
5. Double-Dredge the Pickles: Dredge a pickle slice in the flour mixture, ensuring it’s completely coated. Shake off excess flour.
6. Dip in Egg Wash: Dip the floured pickle slice into the egg wash, ensuring it’s fully submerged. Let excess egg wash drip off.
7. Coat with Panko: Dredge the pickle slice in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help the breadcrumbs adhere. The pickle should be completely coated in panko.
8. Repeat Dredging: Repeat steps 5-7 with all the pickle slices.
9. Preheat the Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes.
10. Arrange in Air Fryer Basket: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded pickle slices in a single layer in the basket, ensuring they aren’t touching. Work in batches if needed.
11. Air Fry: Air fry for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the pickles are golden brown and crispy.
12. Serve Immediately: Remove the fried pickles from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Notes

For best results, ensure pickles are very dry before breading. Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches. Adjust cooking time based on your air fryer model. Store leftover breaded pickles in the refrigerator and reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes to restore crispness. Try different dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or honey mustard. For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free flour and panko.