Best Air Fryer Fried Pickles

These air fryer fried pickles are crispy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned without the need for deep frying. I like how they’re crunchy on the outside while staying juicy inside, making them a great appetizer or snack. With just a few simple ingredients and less oil, I can enjoy this classic bar-style treat right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it gives me the satisfying crunch of fried pickles without the heaviness of traditional frying. The air fryer makes them golden and crispy with very little oil, and I can whip them up quickly whenever I crave a savory snack. I also enjoy how customizable they are—whether I use dill pickle chips or spears, they always turn out delicious.

Ingredients

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

• dill pickle slices or spears

• all-purpose flour

• eggs

• milk

• panko breadcrumbs

• regular breadcrumbs

• garlic powder

• paprika

• salt

• black pepper

• cooking spray

Directions

1. I start by draining the pickles and patting them dry with paper towels.

2. In one bowl, I place flour. In another, I whisk together eggs and milk. In a third, I combine panko, breadcrumbs, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.

3. I dip each pickle slice first in flour, then in the egg mixture, and finally coat it with the breadcrumb mixture.

4. I arrange the coated pickles in a single layer in my air fryer basket and lightly spray them with cooking spray.

5. I cook at 400°F (200°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.

6. I serve them hot with ranch or my favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It usually takes me 10 minutes to prepare and around 10 minutes to cook, so in under 20 minutes, I have a delicious snack ready.

Variations

I sometimes use pickle spears for a bigger bite, or I switch up the seasonings with a little cayenne pepper for spice. When I want a lighter version, I use only panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch. If I’m in the mood for something different, I serve them with a spicy aioli instead of ranch.

storage/reheating

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, I place them back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes until they crisp up again. I avoid microwaving since that makes them soggy.

FAQs

Can I make these pickles without eggs?

Yes, I sometimes use buttermilk instead of eggs for dipping, and it works just as well to help the coating stick.

Do I need to preheat the air fryer?

I like to preheat mine for a few minutes to make sure the pickles cook evenly and turn extra crispy.

Can I use sweet pickles instead of dill?

Yes, but I prefer dill pickles because they balance better with the savory coating. Sweet pickles will make the snack taste different but still tasty.

How do I keep the coating from falling off?

I make sure the pickles are well-dried before breading, and I press the coating onto them gently so it sticks.

Can I freeze air fryer fried pickles?

Yes, I freeze them after cooking, then reheat directly in the air fryer until hot and crispy.

Conclusion

These air fryer fried pickles are one of my favorite snacks because they’re fast, crispy, and full of flavor without being greasy. I like how versatile the recipe is, letting me change the seasonings or dipping sauces depending on my mood. Whether I make them for game night, parties, or just for myself, they always turn out perfectly crunchy and satisfying.