Okay, let’s dive into one of my family’s absolute favorite snacks: crispy air fryer fried pickles! I remember the first time I made these. It was a Friday night, the kids were begging for something “fun” for dinner, and I was fresh out of ideas. I had a jar of pickles in the fridge and a lightbulb went off. Why not try air frying them? I mean, we air fry everything else, right? The result was nothing short of amazing – perfectly crispy on the outside, tangy and juicy on the inside. The kids devoured them, and my husband declared them “addictive.” Now, crispy air fryer fried pickles are a regular on our snack rotation.
Picture this: golden-brown pickle slices, coated in a perfectly seasoned crispy breading, hot and fresh out of the air fryer. The tangy pickle flavor is balanced by the savory coating, creating a flavor explosion in your mouth. Dip them in your favorite ranch dressing, and you’ve got a snack that’s impossible to resist. Even better? They are ready in under 20 minutes! What’s not to love?
What I love most about this recipe is how easy it is. Even on the busiest weeknights, I can whip up a batch of these air fryer fried pickles in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover pickles in the fridge. My picky teenager actually asks for these, which is a miracle in itself! Trust me, your family is going to love these as much as mine does! I can’t wait for you to try this recipe – it’s become such a staple in our house!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these addictive little bites:
- 1 (24 ounce) jar of dill pickle chips, drained and patted dry
- I prefer using dill pickle chips for this recipe because they have the perfect size and tanginess. However, you can use pickle spears cut into smaller pieces if that’s what you have on hand. Just make sure to pat them dry really well! This helps the breading stick and ensures they get nice and crispy in the air fryer.
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- All-purpose flour is the perfect base for our breading. If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, you can use a gluten-free all-purpose flour blend. I’ve tested it with a few different brands, and they all work great. Just be sure to check the labels for any specific instructions.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Garlic powder adds a savory depth to the breading. I’m a huge garlic fan, so I sometimes add a little extra! But if you are sensitive to garlic, start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your liking.
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- Onion powder complements the garlic powder and adds another layer of flavor. Just like with the garlic powder, feel free to adjust the amount to your taste preferences.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Smoked paprika gives the fried pickles a subtle smoky flavor that is absolutely delicious. If you don’t have smoked paprika on hand, you can use regular paprika instead. However, I highly recommend trying it with the smoked paprika – it really elevates the flavor!
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- Salt is essential for balancing the flavors and enhancing the other spices. I use regular table salt, but you can also use sea salt or kosher salt. If you are watching your sodium intake, you can reduce the amount of salt or omit it altogether.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Black pepper adds a touch of spice and complexity to the breading. I like to use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor, but you can use pre-ground pepper as well.
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- The beaten eggs help the breading adhere to the pickle slices. Make sure to beat them well so they are smooth and uniform. If you don’t have eggs on hand, you can use milk or buttermilk as a substitute. However, the breading may not be as crispy.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Panko breadcrumbs are the key to achieving that extra crispy texture. They are lighter and airier than regular breadcrumbs, which allows them to get super crispy in the air fryer. If you don’t have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy.
- Cooking spray
- Cooking spray is essential for preventing the fried pickles from sticking to the air fryer basket. I use a non-stick cooking spray, but you can also use olive oil spray or avocado oil spray. Make sure to spray the basket well before adding the fried pickles.
When it comes to the pickles, I always opt for a good quality brand. I find that the cheaper brands can sometimes be too soggy. Also, make sure to drain and pat dry the pickle slices. This step is crucial for getting a crispy coating. I usually spread them out on a paper towel-lined plate and pat them dry with another paper towel. This helps remove excess moisture and allows the breading to adhere better.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps for perfectly crispy air fryer fried pickles:
- Prepare the breading station: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
- Setting up a breading station makes the process much easier and more efficient. I like to arrange the dishes in a line so I can easily move from one step to the next. It also helps to keep things organized and prevent cross-contamination.
- Bread the pickle slices: Dip each pickle slice in the flour mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then, dip it in the beaten eggs, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the pickle slice to ensure they adhere well.
- This is where things can get a little messy, but don’t worry! Just take your time and make sure each pickle slice is fully coated. I like to use one hand for the dry ingredients and the other hand for the wet ingredients to prevent the breading from clumping on my fingers.
- Arrange in the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray. Arrange the breaded pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they are not overcrowded.
- Preheating the air fryer is important for ensuring the fried pickles cook evenly and get nice and crispy. Overcrowding the basket can prevent the air from circulating properly, resulting in soggy fried pickles. If necessary, cook the fried pickles in batches.
- Air fry: Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Keep a close eye on the fried pickles while they are air frying, as cooking times may vary depending on your air fryer. You’ll know they are ready when they are golden brown and crispy on both sides. I usually check them after 8 minutes and add more time if needed.
- Serve: Remove the crispy air fryer fried pickles from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or spicy mayo are all great options!
- These crispy air fryer fried pickles are best served hot and fresh out of the air fryer. If you let them sit for too long, they may lose their crispiness. I like to serve them with a variety of dipping sauces so everyone can choose their favorite.
- Prepare the breading station: In a shallow dish, combine the flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. In a separate shallow dish, beat the eggs. In a third shallow dish, place the panko breadcrumbs.
You can also find a super easy fried pickle recipe at Kiera’s Recipes!
Serving Ideas
In our house, we love to serve these crispy air fryer fried pickles as a snack or appetizer. They’re perfect for game day, movie night, or any casual gathering. I usually put out a platter of them with a few different dipping sauces, and they disappear in minutes! The kids always fight over who gets the crispiest pieces, of course.
Sometimes, I’ll even add them to a burger or sandwich for an extra layer of flavor and texture. They’re especially delicious on a chicken sandwich with some spicy mayo. For a fun twist, you can also chop them up and add them to a salad or coleslaw.
Here’s a tip: sprinkle a little bit of fresh dill on top of the fried pickles before serving. It adds a pop of color and enhances the dill flavor. My husband is a big fan of this!
Honestly, these crispy air fryer fried pickles are so versatile, you can serve them in so many different ways. Get creative and experiment with different dipping sauces and toppings. But whatever you do, make sure to serve them hot and fresh for the best flavor and texture.
If we somehow have leftovers (which is rare!), they make a great addition to tacos the next day.
If you are looking for another equally easy and delicious appetizer, give these corn nuggets a try!
FAQs
Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko breadcrumbs?
Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but the texture won’t be quite as crispy. Panko breadcrumbs are lighter and airier, which allows them to get crispier in the air fryer. If you’re using regular breadcrumbs, you may need to add a little bit of oil to the breading to help them crisp up.
Can I use pickle spears instead of pickle chips?
Yes, you can use pickle spears, but you’ll need to cut them into smaller pieces. I recommend cutting each spear into 3-4 pieces, depending on the size. Also, make sure to pat them dry really well to remove excess moisture.
Can I make these ahead of time?
I don’t recommend making these too far ahead of time, as they are best served hot and fresh. However, you can prepare the breading station and bread the pickle slices ahead of time. Store the breaded pickle slices in the refrigerator until you’re ready to air fry them.
How do I prevent the breading from falling off?
The key to preventing the breading from falling off is to make sure the pickle slices are thoroughly coated in each step of the breading process. Start by patting the pickle slices dry to remove excess moisture. Then, dip them in the flour mixture, making sure they are fully coated. Next, dip them in the beaten eggs, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Press the breadcrumbs gently onto the pickle slice to ensure they adhere well.
What dipping sauces go well with crispy air fryer fried pickles?
There are so many different dipping sauces that go well with these! Ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, spicy mayo, honey mustard, and BBQ sauce are all great options. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your favorite. My kids like ranch, but my husband is partial to a spicy siracha mayo!
Are air fryers safe to use?
Air fryers are generally considered safe to use when following manufacturer instructions and safety guidelines. The FDA has some air fryer safety tips you may find helpful (Air Fryer Safety Tips).
Conclusion
So, there you have it – my family’s recipe for crispy air fryer fried pickles! I hope you give it a try and love it as much as we do. It’s the perfect snack for any occasion, and it’s so easy to make. Plus, it’s a great way to use up those leftover pickles in the fridge.
Here are a few of my home cook tips to ensure the best results:
- Make sure to pat the pickle slices dry before breading them. This is crucial for getting a crispy coating.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook the fried pickles in batches if necessary.
- Serve them hot and fresh out of the air fryer. They’re best when they’re crispy and delicious!
My son loves to dip them in ketchup while my daughter prefers them plain. No matter how you serve them, I’m sure your family will enjoy these crispy air fryer fried pickles. Don’t be intimidated – if I can make this on a busy Tuesday night, you absolutely can too! I’d love to hear how this turns out for your family – drop me a comment! Happy cooking, and I hope these crispy air fryer fried pickles become as beloved in your kitchen as they are in mine!
PrintCrispy Air Fryer Fried Pickles: A Family Favorite
These air fryer fried pickles are crispy, tangy, and absolutely delicious! A quick and easy appetizer or snack that everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fry
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 (24 ounce) jar dill pickle slices, drained
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, combine flour, smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper.
- In another shallow dish, pour milk.
- In a third shallow dish, place panko bread crumbs.
- Dip each pickle slice in the flour mixture, then in the milk, and finally in the panko bread crumbs, making sure it’s fully coated.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the breaded pickle slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
For extra crispy pickles, double dip them in the flour mixture, milk, and panko bread crumbs. Adjust seasoning to your liking. Serve with ranch dressing, sriracha mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 4-5 pickle slices
- Calories: 200
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 8g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 5g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Keywords: air fryer, fried pickles, appetizer, snack, crispy