Name: Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup sliced pickles; 2 large eggs; 3 tablespoons flour; 1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco); ½ teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup sour cream; ¼ cup mayonnaise; ½ teaspoon salt (for dip); ½ teaspoon black pepper (for dip); ¼ cup minced onions; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Healthier than traditional fried pickles – no deep frying required
Super crispy texture thanks to panko breadcrumbs
Quick and easy – ready in just 25 minutes
Perfect for parties or casual snacking
Customizable with spices, dips, and pickle varieties
Pairs well with a wide variety of dips and sauces
Vegetarian-friendly
Can be made gluten-free with simple substitutions
Kid-approved
Delicious hot or cold

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the pickles:

1 cup sliced pickles
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon hot sauce (e.g., Tabasco)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the dip:

¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup minced onions (the finer the better)
1 clove garlic (minced)
1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

Directions

Lay a couple of paper towels on a clean surface and arrange the pickle slices on top. Cover with more paper towels and gently press to remove excess moisture. Let them sit for a few minutes to dry further.
In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Place the panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish.
Working one slice at a time, dip each pickle into the egg mixture, then coat it in panko breadcrumbs. Set aside on a baking sheet.
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, ensuring space between each for even cooking. Lightly spray with oil.
Air fry for 5-7 minutes, flip, spray the other side with oil, and cook for another 5-7 minutes, or until golden and crispy.
For the dip, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, minced onion, garlic, and dill (if using) in a small bowl until well combined.
Serve the fried pickles hot with the dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6 people
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the flour mixture or use spicy pickles.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.
Vegan Option: Replace eggs with a plant-based milk and flour slurry, and use vegan mayo and sour cream for the dip.
Different Pickles: Try bread-and-butter pickles or pickle spears for a different flavor and texture.
Cheesy Coating: Add grated Parmesan cheese to the panko mixture.
Ranch Dip: Swap the dill dip for a classic ranch dressing.
Herb Twist: Mix in Italian seasoning or smoked paprika into the breadcrumb mix.
Air Fryer Spear Version: Use pickle spears instead of slices for a chunkier snack.
Double Dredge: For extra crunch, dip the pickles back into the egg and breadcrumbs for a second coat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 3-5 minutes until crisp again. Avoid microwaving, as it will make them soggy.

FAQs

How do I keep air fryer fried pickles crispy?

To keep them crispy, make sure to dry the pickles thoroughly before breading, don’t overcrowd the air fryer, and serve them immediately after cooking.

Can I use different types of pickles?

Yes, dill, bread-and-butter, or spicy pickles all work well. Just make sure they’re sliced evenly.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Besides the sour cream and mayo dip, ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli also pair wonderfully.

Can I make these in advance?

You can bread the pickles ahead of time and refrigerate them for a few hours before air frying. Cook just before serving for best results.

Do I need to flip the pickles in the air fryer?

Yes, flipping them halfway through ensures they cook evenly and get crispy on both sides.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F on a wire rack over a baking sheet for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Are these suitable for kids?

Definitely! You can even leave out the hot sauce for a milder flavor kids will enjoy.

Can I freeze leftover fried pickles?

It’s not recommended, as the coating may become soggy when thawed. Fresh is best with this recipe.

What can I do with leftover dipping sauce?

Use it as a spread for sandwiches, burgers, or as a dip for veggies and chips.

Why are my pickles soggy after air frying?

This usually happens if the pickles weren’t dried properly or if they were overcrowded in the air fryer. Be sure to leave space and pat them dry thoroughly.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Fried Pickles are an irresistible snack that combines bold flavor with a satisfyingly crisp texture, all without the mess of deep frying. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just treating yourself, this recipe is easy, quick, and sure to be a favorite. Try them today and enjoy that perfect pickle crunch with a creamy dip on the side!