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If you love the irresistible crunch and tang of pickles combined with a golden, crispy coating, then this Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe is about to become your new favorite snack. These pickle chips transform into crunchy, flavorful bites thanks to a perfectly seasoned breadcrumb crust and the magic of the air fryer, delivering all the deliciousness of traditional fried pickles but with a fraction of the oil and fuss. Whether you’re craving a quick appetizer or a fun party treat, this recipe hits all the right notes, balancing crisp texture with a punch of zesty flavor that’s simply unforgettable.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Putting together this Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe is a breeze because the ingredients are wonderfully straightforward yet essential to building that perfect balance of flavor and texture. Each component plays a role: from the tangy pickles to the aromatic spices and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, everything works together to create a snack you’ll want to make again and again.
- 16 oz bread and butter pickle chips or dill slices: These provide the perfect base with their crisp, tart bite and light sweetness or tang.
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour: Helps the coating stick and adds light crispness to the crust.
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt: Adds savory depth and a subtle garlic punch to brighten the flavor.
- 1/2 tsp black pepper: Gives a gentle heat that balances the pickle’s acidity.
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika: Infuses a smoky warmth that layers with the garlic salt for a complex taste.
- 1 egg: Acts as a glue to hold the breadcrumbs firmly on the pickle slices.
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs: Provides an airy, crunchy crust that crisps up beautifully in the air fryer.
- Cooking oil spray: Essential for preventing sticking and giving the coating a golden finish without excess oil.
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe
Step 1: Dry the Pickles
Start by draining the pickle chips thoroughly and patting them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because removing as much moisture as possible makes sure the coating adheres perfectly, and your fried pickles turn out irresistibly crispy instead of soggy.
Step 2: Prepare the Coating Bowls
Next, set up three separate bowls to organize your dredging station. In the first bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika so the spices are evenly distributed. Beat the egg in the second bowl, and pour the panko breadcrumbs into the third. This orderly setup makes breading each pickle slice a smooth and quick process.
Step 3: Bread the Pickles
Now, it’s time to coat the pickles. Working in small batches, first dredge each pickle slice in the seasoned flour mix, then dip it into the beaten egg, allowing any excess to drip off. Finally, press the slice into the panko breadcrumbs to coat thoroughly and gently press so the crumbs stick well. This triple-layer breading is what gives the pickles their fantastic crunch.
Step 4: Prepare the Air Fryer
Spray the air fryer basket or grate lightly with cooking oil spray to prevent the pickles from sticking. Arrange the breaded pickles in a single layer without overlapping, which ensures each piece cooks evenly and crisps up nicely. If needed, cook the pickles in batches to avoid crowding. Don’t forget to lightly spray the tops of the pickles before cooking; this will help achieve that golden-brown finish.
Step 5: Air Fry the Pickles
Set your air fryer to 385°F and cook the pickles for 5 to 7 minutes. Keep an eye on them as they transform into golden, crunchy delights. The aroma alone will have your mouth watering! Once perfectly crisp, they’re ready to serve hot alongside your favorite dipping sauce or just on their own for a satisfying crunch.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe by adding fresh garnishes like chopped parsley or a sprinkle of grated parmesan. These simple touches bring vibrant color and a hint of savory complexity that make the dish pop visually and flavor-wise.
Side Dishes
These fried pickles are fantastic on their own but also make a fantastic appetizer alongside cooling dips like ranch dressing, spicy aioli, or even a tangy bleu cheese dip. Pair them with a fresh garden salad, crispy fries, or sliders for a full-on comfort food party.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe stacked in a mason jar or arranged on a rustic wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces for easy sharing. You can even sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for those who love a little kick with their crunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To preserve that signature crunch, avoid sealing them while still warm as condensation can soften the coating.
Freezing
While we recommend enjoying these fried pickles fresh, you can freeze the breaded pickle slices before air frying. Lay them on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. When ready, air fry straight from frozen, adding a couple extra minutes to the cooking time.
Reheating
To reheat, place the fried pickles back in the air fryer at 375°F for 3 to 4 minutes. This quick refresh brings back that irresistible crispiness much better than a microwave, keeping each bite crunchy and delicious.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pickles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bread and butter or dill slices work best due to their size and flavor, you can experiment with other pickle styles. Just make sure they’re sliced thin enough to get crispy without being too soggy.
Do I need to use panko breadcrumbs or can I use regular breadcrumbs?
Panko breadcrumbs give the crispiest, airiest crust for these fried pickles, but if you only have regular breadcrumbs, they’ll still work—just expect a slightly denser texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes! This Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe scales up really well, especially if you cook in batches. It’s perfect for game days, parties, or casual gatherings where finger foods reign supreme.
Can I make these pickles vegan or dairy-free?
To make a vegan version, substitute the egg with a flax or chia egg (1 tablespoon of ground flaxseed or chia seeds mixed with 3 tablespoons of water), and make sure your breadcrumbs are vegan-friendly.
What dipping sauces pair best with air fryer fried pickles?
Ranch dressing, garlic aioli, spicy ketchup, or even a mustard-based sauce complement the tangy crunch beautifully. Feel free to get creative and mix your favorite flavors!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the crispy, tangy goodness of this Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe to brighten your snack time or appetizer spread. It’s simple, quick, and incredibly satisfying, making it a must-try for any pickle lover or anyone who appreciates crunchy fried snacks without the mess of traditional frying. Grab your air fryer and get ready to fall in love with fried pickles all over again—your taste buds will thank you!
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Print
Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe
- Prep Time: 7 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
Crispy and flavorful air fryer fried pickles that are quick and easy to prepare, perfect as a snack or appetizer. Coated with a seasoned flour mixture, egg, and panko breadcrumbs, these pickles come out golden brown and delicious without deep frying.
Ingredients
Pickles
- 16 oz bread and butter pickle chips or dill slices
Coating
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 tsp garlic salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 egg
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
Other
- Cooking oil spray (for air fryer basket and pickles)
Instructions
- Dry the Pickles: Drain the pickle chips and pat them thoroughly dry using a few paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the coating adhere better and ensures the pickles will be crispy after air frying.
- Prepare the Coating Bowls: In one bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika and mix well. In a second bowl, beat the egg until smooth. In a third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs.
- Bread the Pickles: Working a few at a time, dredge each pickle slice first in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, and finally coat it with the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so the breadcrumbs stick well.
- Prepare the Air Fryer: Spray the air fryer grate or basket with cooking oil spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded pickle slices in a single layer on the basket or grate, making sure they do not overlap. You can cook them in multiple batches if needed. Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking oil spray as well.
- Air Fry the Pickles: Set the air fryer temperature to 385°F. Air fry the pickles for 5 to 7 minutes, or until they turn golden brown and crispy. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a satisfying snack or appetizer.
Notes
- Make sure to dry pickles thoroughly to prevent soggy coating.
- Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even crisping.
- Use panko breadcrumbs for extra crunch.
- The cooking time may vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
- Serve hot for the best texture and flavor.
