Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe: No-Guilt Snacking Joy

Crispy, tangy air fryer fried pickles have become my latest culinary obsession.

Pickle enthusiasts know the magic of transforming humble jar contents into a crunchy delight.

Southern-style snacking reaches new heights with this simple technique.

Unexpected textures emerge when pickle slices meet hot circulating air.

Coating matters more than you might think – a perfect blend of panko and seasoning creates irresistible crunch.

Adventurous eaters will appreciate how quickly these golden medallions come together.

Serve these addictive morsels alongside your favorite dipping sauce and watch them disappear in minutes.

Why Air Fryer Fried Pickles Are Addictive

  • Quick and Easy Prep: Whip up these crispy air fryer fried pickles in just a few simple steps, perfect for satisfying sudden snack cravings with minimal kitchen effort.
  • Healthier Indulgence: Enjoy the classic fried pickle taste with significantly less oil, making this recipe a guilt-free alternative to traditional deep-fried versions that keeps the crunch and flavor intact.
  • Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for game day gatherings, movie nights, or as a surprising appetizer that appeals to both kids and adults, these pickles are sure to be a hit at any casual get-together.
  • Customizable Spice Level: Adjust the cayenne and seasonings to match your heat preference, allowing you to create a personalized snack that perfectly suits your taste buds.

What’s in Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Main Ingredients:

Pickle Ingredients:
  • Pickles: Crunchy, tangy slices perfect for crispy air frying.
Flour Coating Ingredients:
  • Flour: Light and crisp base for the pickle coating.
  • Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle, savory flavor.
  • Onion Powder: Provides a mild, sweet undertone.
  • Black Pepper: Brings a gentle heat and warmth.
  • Salt: Enhances overall seasoning.
Spice Ingredients:
  • Paprika: Adds a mild, sweet pepper flavor.
  • Cayenne Powder: Gives a spicy kick.
Preparation Ingredients:
  • Cooking Spray, Paper Towel: Helps create a crispy, non-stick surface.
Serving Optional:
  • Ranch Dressing: Creamy, cool dipping sauce for extra flavor.

Simple Instructions for Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Step 1: Warm Up the Air Fryer

Crank up your air fryer to a toasty 400°F and let it heat for 5 minutes.

This ensures a super crispy exterior for your pickles.

Step 2: Prepare Pickle Slices

Grab your pickle slices and gently pat them dry using paper towels.

Removing excess moisture helps achieve that perfect crunch.

Step 3: Create Flavor-Packed Coating

In a shallow bowl, mix together:
  • All-purpose flour
  • Garlic powder
  • Onion powder
  • Black pepper
  • Salt
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne powder

Whisk these ingredients until well combined for a zesty seasoning blend.

Step 4: Coat the Pickles

Toss pickle slices into the seasoned flour mixture, making sure each slice gets a generous coating.

Shake off any excess flour to prevent clumping.

Step 5: Prepare Air Fryer Basket

Spritz the air fryer basket with nonstick cooking spray.

Arrange pickle slices in a single layer, leaving space between each slice for optimal air circulation.

Step 6: First Air Fry

Spray the top of the pickles with cooking spray.

Air fry for 5 minutes until they start turning golden and crispy.

Step 7: Flip and Finish

Carefully flip the pickle slices.

Give them another quick spray of cooking oil.

Air fry for an additional 4-5 minutes until they reach a deep golden-brown color.

Step 8: Repeat the Process

Continue coating and air frying the remaining pickle slices in batches.

Step 9: Serve and Enjoy

Plate your crispy pickle chips immediately.

Serve with ranch dressing for a classic dipping experience.

Enjoy while they’re hot and crunchy!

Pro Tips for Air Fryer Fried Pickles

  • Pat pickle slices completely dry with paper towels to ensure maximum crispiness and prevent soggy results.
  • Customize the flour mixture by increasing or decreasing cayenne and black pepper to match your heat preference.
  • Arrange pickle slices in a single layer without overcrowding to guarantee even cooking and crispy texture.
  • Use cooking spray between batches to help achieve a golden, crispy exterior that's light and not greasy.
  • Enjoy these air fryer pickles right after cooking to maintain their satisfying crunch and optimal temperature.

Storing Air Fryer Fried Pickles Right

  • Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Warm pickles at 350°F for 2-3 minutes, spraying lightly with cooking spray to restore crispiness.
  • Spread pickles on a baking sheet and reheat at 375°F for 4-5 minutes until heated through and crispy.
  • Never microwave fried pickles, as they'll become soggy and lose their delightful crunch.

What Goes Well With Air Fryer Fried Pickles

  • Perfectly Pair Tangy Pickle Bites
  • Craft a Creamy Ranch Dip: Whip up a zesty homemade ranch with fresh herbs, buttermilk, and a dash of garlic for a cool, tangy companion that cuts through the crispy pickle's heat.
  • Match with Cold Beer Blast: Select a crisp, light lager or hoppy pale ale that complements the salty, zesty pickle chips, creating a refreshing contrast with each bite.
  • Create Spicy Sidekick Sauce: Blend sriracha mayo or spicy chipotle sauce for adventurous eaters wanting an extra kick that enhances the pickle's bold, crunchy texture.
  • Serve Alongside Comfort Classics: Pair with classic sliders, juicy burgers, or southern-style sandwiches to elevate a casual meal with these addictive, crunchy pickle bites.

Air Fryer Fried Pickles with a Twist

  • Gluten-Free Pickle Crunch: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version that maintains crispy texture.
  • Spicy Cajun Pickles: Add extra cayenne and substitute flour with Cajun seasoning mix for a bold, zesty Southern-style flavor profile.
  • Low-Carb Keto Pickle Chips: Use crushed pork rinds instead of flour to create a zero-carb coating that delivers maximum crunch without wheat ingredients.
  • Dairy-Free Herb Option: Swap ranch dip with dairy-free herb aioli made from vegan mayonnaise and fresh chopped herbs for a lighter, allergen-friendly accompaniment.

FAQs

  • Are air fryer fried pickles healthier than traditional deep-fried pickles?

Yes, air fryer fried pickles use significantly less oil, reducing overall calorie and fat content while still delivering a crispy texture.

  • Can I use different types of pickles for this recipe?

Absolutely! Dill pickle chips work best, but you can experiment with bread and butter or spicy pickles for varied flavors.

  • Do I need to pat the pickles dry before coating?

Yes, removing excess moisture with paper towels helps the flour mixture stick better and ensures a crispier result.

  • What can I do if my pickles aren't getting crispy?

Make sure to space pickles evenly in the air fryer basket, spray with cooking spray, and don’t overcrowd to allow proper air circulation.

Print
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Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe

Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe


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4.8 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Crispy golden air fryer fried pickles bring Southern comfort right to your plate with irresistible crunch. Dill-packed pickle chips coated in seasoned breading create a perfect appetizer you’ll devour in minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 32 ounces (907 grams) jar sliced dill pickles, drained
  • 1 cup (120 grams) all-purpose flour

Seasoning Mix:

  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

Dipping Sauce:

  • Ranch dressing, optional

Instructions

  1. Carefully pat pickle slices dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispy coating.
  2. Create a zesty seasoning blend by combining flour with garlic powder, onion powder, black pepper, salt, paprika, and cayenne for a robust flavor profile.
  3. Gently coat pickle slices in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring each slice is evenly and lightly dusted.
  4. Prepare the air fryer basket with a light spray of nonstick cooking oil to prevent sticking.
  5. Arrange pickle slices in a single layer within the air fryer basket, maintaining space between each slice for optimal air circulation.
  6. Lightly mist the pickle slices with additional cooking spray to enhance crispiness.
  7. Cook at 400°F for approximately 5-6 minutes, monitoring the color and texture.
  8. Carefully flip each pickle slice to ensure even browning and crunch.
  9. Continue air frying for an additional 4-5 minutes until the pickles achieve a golden, crispy exterior.
  10. Work in batches to maintain consistent quality for all pickle slices.
  11. Transfer crispy pickles to a serving plate immediately to preserve their crunchiness.
  12. Pair with cool ranch dressing or your preferred dipping sauce for enhanced enjoyment.

Notes

  • Perfectly drain pickles to ensure maximum crispiness by patting them thoroughly with paper towels, removing all excess moisture.
  • Experiment with pickle varieties like dill, kosher, or bread-and-butter to discover unique flavor profiles and textures.
  • Create a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond flour or gluten-free breadcrumbs for a crunchy alternative.
  • Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing cayenne and paprika to match personal heat preference without overwhelming the pickle’s natural tanginess.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Appetizer, Snacks
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 165
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 1000 mg
  • Fat: 2 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 30 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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