Air Fryer Pickles

These air fryer pickles boast all the mouthwatering flavors and crunch of classic fried pickles without the grease or mess that comes with deep-frying. Pair with your favorite dipping sauce for the ultimate appetizer or snack!

I love pickles. So, when I first experienced fried pickles in a restaurant, I knew I had to make a healthier, cleaner version. The thing I love about using an air fryer in this recipe is because, even though the pickles aren’t deep fried in oil, there isn’t a difference in taste.

These air fryer fried pickles are just as crunchy and scrumptious as the deep fried version, that you’re going to just love eating and serving them at your next party.

This post may contain affiliate links, which means I get a small commission, at no additional cost to you, if you click the link and buy something. You can read my disclosure here.

Helpful tips

• Dry the pickles before you use them to eliminate the slippery texture and extra flavor of the pickle juice. After draining them, I let them sit on paper towels for 30 minutes, total. That way you can get them as dry as you can.
• I use Panko bread crumbs but you can use regular crumbs if you want.
• I use dried dill in the breadcrumbs but you can use whatever you want or omit it as well.
• Hubby can’t take much heat/spice in his food so I only used a dash of chipotle powder. Use as much as you like. I envy you.
• I don’t add salt to the breadcrumb flour mixture since pickles are already salty. You can add pepper though.
• You will use a spray to apply some oil to the top of the pickles. I recommend an olive oil cooking spray over other, popular cooking sprays.
• You will have to air fry the pickles in batches. I did two batches for this recipe.
• The dip I made contains 3 tablespoons mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons cocktail sauce and 1 teaspoon horseradish. Whisk them together for a delicious tasting dip!
• Use your favorite dipping sauce if you don’t want to make your own. My nephew loves to dip the pickles in ranch dressing.

How to make air fryer pickles

Pre-step

Put a sieve in your sink and dump the pickles into it. Let them drain for at least 5 minutes.

Step one

Line a jelly roll pan with paper towels. Lay each pickle on the paper towels (A) and lay another paper towel over the pickles. Press down and blot them.

After 15 minutes, change out the paper towels and lay the pickles on them again. Cover the pickles with more paper towels and dab at them to remove any excess juice. Let rest for another 15 minutes.

Step two

Gather the breading ingredients – Panko breadcrumbs, flour, parmesan cheese, egg, milk, garlic powder, dill weed, pepper, and chipotle powder. (B)

Step three

Add the breading ingredients in a shallow bowl and mix with a fork.

Step four

Crack an egg and milk into a second shallow bowl and whisk until combined. (C)

Step five

Lay a bunch of pickles in the egg and flip them to coat each side.

Step six

Pick up each pickle and let any extra egg drip off. Lay them in the breadcrumb mixture. (E)

Step seven

Dredge each side of the pickle through the breadcrumbs and lay them in a single layer on the air fryer basket. For maximum crispness, make sure they aren’t touching each other. (F)

Step eight

Set the temperature to 375 degrees Fahrenheit and set the timer for 12 minutes. You will be flipping the pickles after 6 minutes.

Once it beeps to let you know it has come to temperature, lightly spritz the breaded pickles with the olive oil spray.

Step nine

Slide the air fryer tray in the oven in the appropriate spot. Close the oven door and the timer will start counting down.

Step ten

After 6 minutes, take out the air fryer basket, turn each pickle slice and spritz again with a little olive oil. Place the basket back in the oven and continue to cook for 6 more minutes.

Repeat for each batch.

After all batches are finished, plate the air fryer pickles and gather your favorite dip.

Look at all that crispy goodness!

All that is left is to dip a pickle chip and eat. Crunch, crunch.

I hope you enjoyed this air fryer pickles recipe! It’s the perfect appetizer.

Other air fryer recipes

• Meatballs
• Cornish hen
• Chicken drumsticks
• Pork belly bites
• Salmon
• Pork chops

If you’ve tried this recipe, I’d love the know what you thought about it in the comments below. I love hearing from you! You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more of my delicious food and delightful cocktails!