Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You get the flavor and crunch of fried pickles without deep-frying and excess oil.
Quick and easy to make in batches.
Customizable: adjust the coating spices or mix dipping sauces.
Great as an appetizer, snack, or party finger food.

Ingredients

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

Dill pickle slices (chips or spears, drained)
All-purpose flour (or cornmeal / corn flour)
Cornstarch (optional, for extra crisp)
Eggs (or egg + milk wash)
Milk or buttermilk
Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
Seasonings (e.g. salt, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne)
Cooking spray or oil mist

Directions

Prepare the pickles
Drain the pickle slices in a colander and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps the coating stick and crisp.
Set up dredging stations
- In one bowl: flour (and cornstarch, if using) mixed with seasonings.
- In another bowl: beaten eggs mixed with milk (or buttermilk).
- In a third bowl: panko breadcrumbs (seasoned or plain) with optional extra spices.
Coat the pickles
One by one, dredge each pickle slice: first in the flour mixture, then dip into the egg wash, and finally coat well in the breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs so they adhere.
Preheat air fryer & prep basket
Preheat the air fryer to ~ 200 °C (around 400 °F). Lightly spray the air fryer basket or tray with cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking.
Air fry the pickles
Place the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket (avoid overlapping). Mist the tops lightly with oil.
Cook for about 4-6 minutes, then flip each pickle, mist again, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, until golden and crispy.
Serve immediately
Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauces (ranch, spicy mayo, remoulade, etc.).

Servings and timing

Servings: about 3–4 as an appetizer (depending on quantity)
Prep time: ~10 minutes
Cook time: ~7–12 minutes (depending on batch size and air fryer model)
Total time: ~20 minutes or so (including prep and cooking in batches)

Variations

Gluten-free version: Use gluten-free flour, cornmeal, and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Extra spicy: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the coating.
Beer batter style: Use a light batter in place of dredging for a different texture.
Pickle spears: Cut the pickles into spears instead of chips and coat likewise.
Cheesy crust: Mix grated Parmesan into breadcrumb mixture for extra flavor.
Seasoned coating: Add herbs like dill, onion powder, or garlic powder to the crust for extra punch.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Best eaten fresh. Leftover pickles lose crispness. If needed, store in an airtight container with paper towels, but expect softness.
Reheating: Re-crisp in the air fryer at ~ 180 °C (350 °F) for a few minutes until warmed and crispy again. Avoid microwaving, which will make them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use dill pickle chips or spears?

Yes — both work. Just ensure they are well drained and dry before coating so they crisp up well.

Why do I need to pat them dry?

Excess moisture prevents the coating from sticking properly and makes crisping harder.

Do I need cornstarch in the coating?

Cornstarch helps provide extra crispiness, but it’s optional. A flour + breadcrumb mix alone can work.

Can I skip eggs?

You need something wet to help the coating adhere. A buttermilk or milk wash works as an alternative, but skipping any binder may lead to poor coating adhesion.

Do I have to flip them mid-cooking?

Yes — flipping helps ensure even browning on both sides.

How do I prevent the coating from falling off?

Dry the pickles well, press coatings firmly, and avoid overcrowding in the air fryer.

Can I bake them in an oven instead?

Yes — arrange on a wire rack over a baking sheet, bake at ~ 220 °C (425 °F), flipping once, until crisp.

Are these good cold?

They lose crispness as they cool, so they’re best served warm.

What dips go best with fried pickles?

Ranch dressing, spicy aioli, remoulade, sriracha mayo, or yogurt-based dips are excellent companions.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Fried Pickles give you all the tangy, crunchy goodness of fried pickles with far less oil and mess. With simple steps, a crisp coating, and the right technique, you’ll end up with delicious, golden bites. Let me know if you’d like a printable recipe card (with quantities) so you can try them at home!

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

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Crispy, golden Air Fryer Fried Pickles with a tangy bite and crunchy coating — all the flavor of traditional fried pickles without deep frying. Perfect as a snack, appetizer, or party finger food.

Author: Laura
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 3–4 servings
Category: Appetizer, Snack
Method: Air Fryer
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegetarian

Instructions

Drain pickle slices in a colander and pat them dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove moisture.
Prepare three bowls: one with flour, cornstarch, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper; one with beaten eggs and milk; and one with breadcrumbs.
Dip each pickle slice first into the seasoned flour, then the egg mixture, and finally coat well in breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the coating adhere.
Preheat the air fryer to 200°C (400°F) and lightly spray the basket with cooking spray.
Arrange pickles in a single layer in the basket. Lightly mist the tops with oil. Air fry for 4–6 minutes, flip, spray again, and cook another 3–5 minutes until golden and crispy.
Serve immediately with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or remoulade.

Notes

Drying the pickles thoroughly is key for crisp results.
Use panko breadcrumbs for the crunchiest texture.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer; cook in batches if needed.
Re-crisp leftovers in the air fryer instead of microwaving.
Experiment with spices like dill, onion powder, or Parmesan for variation.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6–8 pickle chips
Calories: 140
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 590mg
Fat: 6g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 4g
Cholesterol: 55mg