Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe

There’s something downright irresistible about Air Fryer Fried Pickles—crunchy, golden outsides with a tangy, juicy center, and none of the greasy guilt! If you’re a lover of bold snacks, picnic finger foods, or just need a little Southern comfort from your air fryer, these zippy pickle chips are about to become your new obsession.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Making Air Fryer Fried Pickles is a breeze, and every ingredient truly pulls its weight. The key here is to pick high-quality pickles and basic pantry staples, each adding their magic for unbeatable crunch, bold flavor, and unbeatable dipping power!

• 1 (16-ounce) jar dill pickle coins, drained: Classic dill coins bring tart, salty punch and ideal shape for crisping—patting them dry is essential for a crunchy coating!
• 1 egg: Acts as the “glue” to help the panko adhere, ensuring every bite is perfectly coated.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: Panko is the secret to an ultra-crispy, golden shell—crispier and lighter than regular breadcrumbs.
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling: Just a drizzle before air frying delivers gorgeous color and adds a buttery finish—no heavy oils required.
• Remoulade sauce, for dipping: The creamy, tangy dip takes these fried pickles over the top. Store-bought or homemade is fine!

Variations

One of the best things about Air Fryer Fried Pickles is how easy they are to tweak to your liking! Don’t be afraid to have some fun—mix up the flavors, swap a coating, or steer it toward your own needs. Here are some delicious ideas to get you started.

• Spicy Fried Pickles: Stir in a pinch of cayenne or hot paprika into your panko for a spicy kick, or use spicy dill pickles for an extra punch.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap panko for gluten-free breadcrumbs, or even crushed cornflakes, for all the crunch with none of the gluten.
• Cheesy Crunch: Add a tablespoon of finely shredded Parmesan to your breadcrumbs for extra flavor and a slightly richer crust.
• Vegan Version: Replace the egg with aquafaba (the liquid from a can of chickpeas) and use your favorite plant-based dip for a totally vegan treat.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Your Pickles

Set your air fryer to 370°F, giving it a few minutes to preheat. Meanwhile, carefully drain the pickle coins and pat each one dry with a clean towel or some paper towels. Removing excess moisture is the single best trick for achieving ultra-crispy fried pickles—don’t rush this step!

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Crack the egg into a small bowl and whisk until frothy. Pour the panko into a separate medium bowl. Working assembly-line style makes the process quick and keeps things tidy—always my favorite kind of kitchen project.

Step 3: Dip and Bread Each Pickle

Dip each pickle coin into the egg to coat thoroughly, then transfer into the panko, pressing gently so the crumbs stick all over. Lay your breaded pickles on a plate as you work, arranging them in a single layer so the crunchy coating stays intact and doesn’t get soggy.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Arrange the pickles in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd—give them a little space for that magic hot air to do its thing! Drizzle all over with extra-virgin olive oil. Air fry for 11–14 minutes, flipping and giving another quick mist of oil halfway through, until the crust is deeply golden and the pickles are audibly crisp.

Step 5: Serve Hot with Remoulade

Transfer your fried pickles to a serving platter and serve right away, while they’re still steaming-hot and shatteringly crisp. Don’t forget a generous bowl of creamy remoulade for dipping—now it’s a party!

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Garnishes

Sprinkle your platter of Air Fryer Fried Pickles with a little chopped parsley or chives for a bright, fresh pop of color. A quick dusting of smoked paprika or a dash of black pepper can also bring a subtle, inviting warmth that looks great and tastes even better!

Side Dishes

Pair your crispy pickles with Southern-inspired favorites like grilled corn on the cob, coleslaw, or a cool cucumber salad for contrast. They’re fantastic next to a plate of sliders, or simply served with fries and a trio of dipping sauces for a build-your-own snack board.

Creative Ways to Present

Classic: pile them high in a lined basket for game-day flair. Fancy: skewer pickles with tiny toothpicks and serve as passed appetizers. Fun: set out a “dip bar,” with remoulade, ranch, and hot honey for the ultimate DIY snack experience.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store cooled Air Fryer Fried Pickles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Keep them in a single layer, or place parchment between layers to preserve as much crunch as possible.

Freezing

For longer storage, flash-freeze the cooked, cooled fried pickles on a tray until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag. They keep well for about 2 months. Reheat directly from frozen—no need to thaw—for snacks on demand!

Reheating

To bring leftovers back to their just-fried glory, pop them in a preheated air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. This restores maximum crisp—avoid microwaving, as it softens the coating.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

There’s so much joy packed into a batch of Air Fryer Fried Pickles. They’re the perfect bite—salty, crispy, a little cheeky—and incredibly moreish! I hope you treat yourself (and your favorite snackers) to a batch soon. Happy air frying!

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