Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe That’s Better Than Takeout

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy fried pickle – that satisfying crunch followed by the tangy, briny goodness inside. This air fryer version brings all that joy right to your kitchen with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s the perfect appetizer for game days, movie nights, or whenever you need a quick savory snack that impresses everyone.

What makes these air fryer fried pickles truly special is how they maintain that restaurant-quality texture without the mess and calories of deep frying. They’re ready in minutes, making them perfect for last-minute gatherings or when those pickle cravings hit unexpectedly.

Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe That’s Better Than Takeout

Ingredients

• 1 jar (16 oz) dill pickle chips, drained and patted dry
• 1 cup all-purpose flour (or gluten-free alternative)
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Olive oil spray
• Salt to taste

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Step 1 – Preparation
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for 3-5 minutes. While it’s heating, set up a breading station with three shallow bowls: flour in the first, beaten eggs in the second, and a mixture of panko breadcrumbs, cornmeal, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dried dill, and cayenne pepper in the third.

Step 2 – Breading Process
Take each pickle chip and dredge it first in flour (shaking off excess), then dip in beaten egg, and finally coat thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the coating sticks. Place breaded pickle chips on a plate without overlapping.

Step 3 – Air Frying
Lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray. Arrange pickle chips in a single layer in the basket, making sure they don’t touch (you’ll likely need to cook in batches). Spray the tops of the pickles lightly with olive oil spray. Cook for 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.

Step 4 – Finishing Touches
Transfer cooked pickle chips to a serving plate and sprinkle with a touch of salt while still hot. Repeat with remaining pickle chips. Serve immediately for maximum crispiness!

Serving Suggestions

These healthy fried pickles air fryer appetizers are perfect served with a variety of dipping sauces. Try them with:

• Homemade ranch dressing
• Spicy sriracha mayo
• Honey mustard sauce
• Chipotle aioli
• BBQ sauce

They make an excellent appetizer alongside other air fryer recipes snacks like mozzarella sticks or chicken wings for a complete party platter. For a casual dinner, pair them with burgers or sandwiches as a crunchy side.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store cooled leftover fried pickles in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Note that they will lose some of their crispiness.

Freezer: While possible, freezing isn’t recommended as the texture significantly deteriorates.

Reheat: For the best results, reheat in the air fryer at 375°F for 2-3 minutes until warmed through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy.

Helpful Tips

Tip #1 – Ensure Maximum Crispiness
Pat the pickle chips extremely dry before breading. Any excess moisture will create steam and prevent proper crisping.

Tip #2 – Even Cooking
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cooking in single layers with space between each piece ensures air circulation for even browning.

Tip #3 – Spray Strategy
Use olive oil spray rather than bottled oil for even, light coverage that helps achieve that golden-brown finish.

Tip #4 – Double Coating
For extra crunchy DIY fried pickles in air fryer, try double-coating them by repeating the egg and breadcrumb steps.

Recipe Variations

Swap panko for crushed pork rinds to make a keto-friendly, low-carb version.

Add 1/4 cup of grated parmesan to the breading mixture for an extra savory kick.

Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free flour and gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Spice it up by adding hot sauce to the egg mixture or doubling the cayenne in the breading.

FAQs

Can I use pickle spears instead of chips?
Yes! Pickle spears work great but require a slightly longer cooking time (8-10 minutes). Flip them halfway through cooking.

Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can bread the pickles up to 30 minutes in advance, but they’re best cooked just before serving for maximum crispiness.

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Not as written, but it’s easily adaptable by using gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs.

How can I make them more flavorful?
Try adding 1-2 tablespoons of ranch seasoning mix to the breadcrumb mixture, or increase the herbs and spices to taste.

Conclusion

This fried pickles recipe air fryer easy version brings the beloved restaurant appetizer right to your home kitchen with healthier results and incredible flavor. The combination of crispy exterior and tangy pickle interior makes these irresistible for pickle lovers of all ages. Whether served as a game day snack or surprising appetizer at your next dinner party, these air fryer fried pickles are guaranteed to impress.

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