Air Fryer Fried Pickles bring the beloved pub appetizer right to your kitchen, with all the crunch but none of the guilt! These crispy, tangy bites deliver that perfect combination of salty pickle goodness wrapped in a golden, seasoned coating that shatters with each bite. They’re addictively good and impossible to stop eating once you start.
What makes these air fryer pickles truly special is how they maintain that restaurant-quality experience without the mess and calories of deep frying. In just about 45 minutes, you’ll have a platter of perfectly crisp pickle chips that rival any sports bar version, but with a fraction of the oil and none of the greasy aftermath.
Why You’ll Love This
- Healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles with the same satisfying crunch
- Quick 45-minute process from start to finish
- Perfect for game day snacking or as a unique appetizer for guests
- Kid-friendly preparation that the whole family can help with
- Customizable seasoning options to match your flavor preferences
Ingredients
- 1 cup sliced pickles, patted dry
- 2 large eggs
- 3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (Tabasco works great)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray or oil for spritzing
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup finely minced onions
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Lay down a couple sheets of paper towels. Arrange the pickle slices on the paper towels in a single layer, then place more paper towels on top. Press gently and let them dry for about 5 minutes.
- In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth. In another shallow dish, spread out the panko breadcrumbs.
- Working with one pickle slice at a time, dip it in the egg wash mixture, making sure it’s fully coated. Then transfer to the breadcrumbs and press gently to ensure the crumbs stick to all sides. Place the breaded pickle on a clean baking sheet.
- Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). This usually takes about 3 minutes.
- Place the breaded pickles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they’re not touching each other. You may need to cook in batches. Lightly spray the pickles with oil, then air fry for 5-7 minutes.
- Carefully flip each pickle slice, spray with a bit more oil, and continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
- While the pickles are cooking, prepare the dip by combining sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, minced onions, minced garlic, and dried dill in a small bowl. Stir well until thoroughly mixed.
- Transfer the hot fried pickles to a serving plate and serve right away with the dip on the side. They’re best enjoyed while still warm and crispy!
Tips & Variations
- For extra crunch, double-dip the pickles (flour, egg, breadcrumbs, then back in egg and breadcrumbs again).
- Try using pickle spears instead of chips for a different presentation and texture.
- Add ranch seasoning to the breadcrumb mixture for a tangy flavor boost.
- Substitute gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs to make this recipe gluten-free.
- For a spicier version, add hot sauce to the egg mixture or increase the cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to thoroughly pat the pickles dry – moisture is the enemy of crispiness!
Serving Suggestions
These crispy air fryer fried pickles pair perfectly with a variety of dipping sauces. Try serving them with classic ranch dressing, spicy remoulade, or a creamy sriracha mayo for an extra kick. For a complete appetizer spread, serve alongside buffalo wings, loaded potato skins, or mozzarella sticks.
They also make a fantastic side dish for sandwiches, burgers, or grilled chicken. The tangy crunch provides a perfect contrast to heartier main dishes and adds a fun element to any meal.
Notes
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To reheat, place in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until crispy again.
- Look for pickle chips that are uniformly sized for even cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket – this ensures proper air circulation and crispier results.
FAQs
Can I make these ahead of time?
While best served immediately, you can bread the pickles up to 2 hours ahead and store them in the refrigerator before air frying.
Why are my fried pickles soggy?
Soggy pickles usually result from not drying them thoroughly before breading or overcrowding the air fryer basket. Make sure to pat them very dry and cook in a single layer.
Can I use pickle relish instead of chips?
No, pickle relish won’t work for this recipe. Stick with pickle chips or spears that can hold their shape during cooking.
What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake these in a conventional oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway through, though they may not get quite as crispy.
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