If you love the irresistible tang of pickles and crave that satisfying crunch of a classic fried snack without the mess and grease, Air Fryer Fried Pickles are about to become your new favorite treat. This recipe transforms simple dill pickle chips into delightfully crispy bites that are golden, crunchy, and perfectly seasoned. Thanks to the magic of the air fryer, you get all the indulgence of fried pickles with a lighter touch, making them perfect for snacking, sharing, or serving at your next gathering. Deeply flavorful, wonderfully crispy, and super easy to make, these Air Fryer Fried Pickles prove that delicious comfort foods can be guilt-free and transformed with just a few simple ingredients and a powerful little appliance.

Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for Air Fryer Fried Pickles is a breeze because each component plays a starring role in getting that ideal texture and flavor balance. From crispy coating to perfectly pickled centers, every element is essential to this snack’s deliciousness.

Dill pickle chips: The star of the show providing tangy, juicy bites that shine through the crispy coating.

All-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick by creating a dry base layer on the pickles.
Egg whites: They create a light, sticky layer so the coating adheres evenly without heaviness.

Breadcrumbs: For extra crunch and a golden finish that’s irresistible.
Yellow cornmeal: Adds a lovely gritty texture and a hint of sweetness to the crust.

Kosher salt: Enhances all the flavors and finishes each pickle with a subtle seasoning kick.
Cooking spray (preferably olive oil): Keeps your pickles golden and crisp without deep-frying in oil.
Ranch dressing: The classic, creamy dip that perfectly balances the tang and crunch.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Step 1: Prepare the Pickles

Start by preheating your air fryer to 390ºF so it’s ready to crisp up those pickles to perfection. Meanwhile, set a wire rack on a baking sheet for the breaded pickles later, and dry your pickle chips thoroughly using paper towels. This step is essential to get maximum crunch – moisture is the enemy of crispy coatings.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations

Get three bowls ready: one with the all-purpose flour to dust the pickles, a second with whisked egg whites beaten with a splash of water to create a light wash, and the third combining breadcrumbs, cornmeal, and kosher salt. This three-step breading process ensures a perfectly crispy and flavorful coating on every pickle.

Step 3: Bread the Pickles

Working in small batches, toss the pickle chips first in the flour and shake off excess flour. Then dunk them into the egg whites, making sure each piece is completely coated before shaking off any extra liquid. Finally, dip them into the breadcrumb and cornmeal mixture, pressing gently so the coating sticks beautifully. Arrange the coated pickles on your wire rack to keep the coating intact before cooking.

Step 4: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Spray half of the breaded pickles generously with cooking spray, then arrange them sprayed side down in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Give the tops another spray to encourage browning. Air fry for around 8 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure even crunch and golden color. Sprinkle with a bit of kosher salt while hot, then transfer to a serving plate. Repeat with any remaining pickles.

How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Garnishes

Elevate your Air Fryer Fried Pickles by sprinkling fresh herbs like chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A light dusting of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice can add layers of flavor that surprise and delight.

Side Dishes

These fried pickles pair perfectly with creamy accompaniments like ranch dressing as a cool contrast to the crispiness. For a full snack spread, add kettle-cooked chips, carrot sticks, or even spicy roasted nuts to keep the flavor adventure going.

Creative Ways to Present

Try stacking your fried pickles in a mini tower on a rustic wooden board for an inviting presentation. Serve them in a cone of parchment paper for a casual, grab-and-go feel at parties or game days. For something playful, use small skewers to create pickle bites that guests can easily dip and enjoy.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb moisture and keep them from getting soggy. The fridge is best; they’ll stay tasty for up to 2 days, though best enjoyed fresh.

Freezing

While freezing is possible, it’s best to freeze the pickles before air frying. Bread them as usual, freeze them spread out on a baking sheet, then transfer to a freezer bag. When ready to eat, air fry straight from frozen to preserve crispiness without overcooking.

Reheating

To bring back that fresh, crispy texture, reheat your Air Fryer Fried Pickles in the air fryer at 350ºF for 3 to 5 minutes. This method revives the crunch without drying them out like a microwave would.

FAQs

Can I use whole dill pickles instead of chips?

Whole dill pickles can be used, but chips work best for even cooking and crispiness. If you do use whole pickles, slice them into thinner rounds for the best result in the air fryer.

What can I substitute for the egg whites?

If you prefer not to use egg whites, a plant-based milk or buttermilk works as a great binder in the breading process, helping the coating stick just as well.

Is it necessary to spray the pickles with oil?

Yes, spraying with a light coat of cooking spray encourages browning and crispiness without deep frying, making the pickles delightfully crunchy without excess oil.

How long do Air Fryer Fried Pickles take to cook?

They typically take about 8 minutes at 390ºF, flipping halfway through. Timing can vary slightly by air fryer model, so keep an eye to avoid burning and achieve golden crisp perfection.

Can I make these spicy?

Absolutely! Add cayenne pepper or chili powder to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick, or serve with a spicy aioli or hot sauce alongside your Air Fryer Fried Pickles.

Final Thoughts

There is something truly satisfying about biting into crunchy, tangy Air Fryer Fried Pickles that are cooked to golden perfection without all the grease of traditional frying. They are a perfect snack, appetizer, or party pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Give this recipe a try and watch how quickly those pickle chips disappear — your cravings and your guests will thank you!

Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 8 reviews

Author: Mariam
Total Time: 31 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x

Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

Crispy and flavorful Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a delightful snack made by breading dill pickle chips and air frying them to golden perfection. They offer the perfect balance of tangy, crunchy, and savory flavors, ideal for dipping in creamy ranch dressing.

Ingredients

Scale

Pickles

1 16-oz. jar dill pickle chips, drained

Breading

1/2 cup all-purpose flour
3 large egg whites
1/4 cup water (for egg whites mixture)

2/3 cup breadcrumbs
1/3 cup yellow cornmeal
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste

Miscellaneous

Cooking spray (olive oil spray recommended for best flavor)
Ranch dressing, for serving

Instructions

Preheat and Prepare Pickles: Preheat a 3 1/2-quart air fryer to 390ºF. Place a wire rack on a baking sheet. Line another baking sheet with paper towels and spread out the pickle chips. Pat them dry gently with additional paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Prepare Breading Stations: In one medium bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In a second bowl, beat the three egg whites with 1/4 cup water until frothy. In a third bowl, combine the breadcrumbs, yellow cornmeal, and 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt.
Bread the Pickles: Working in batches of 4 to 6, toss pickle chips in the flour and shake off excess. Next, dip them into the frothy egg white mixture, coating fully, then shake off excess. Finally, toss the pickles in the breadcrumb-cornmeal-salt mixture, pressing gently so the coating adheres well. Arrange the breaded pickles on the wire rack over the baking sheet.
Air Fry: Lightly spray half the breaded pickles with cooking spray and place them sprayed-side down in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Spray the top side with cooking spray as well. Air fry at 390ºF for about 8 minutes, or until the pickles are very crunchy and golden brown on both sides.

Season and Serve: Remove the cooked pickles to a serving plate, lightly sprinkle with salt to taste, then repeat the air frying process with the remaining pickles. Serve immediately with ranch dressing for dipping.

Notes

Patting the pickles dry is key to ensuring a crispy coating and preventing sogginess.
Use olive oil spray for a better flavor profile compared to other cooking sprays.

Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches to ensure even crisping.
Adjust salt to taste after cooking rather than before to control seasoning level.
For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour and breadcrumbs with gluten-free alternatives.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Category: Snack, Appetizer

Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 6-8 pieces)

Calories: 140 kcal
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 480 mg

Fat: 2.5 g
Saturated Fat: 0.4 g
Unsaturated Fat: 1.5 g

Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 27 g
Fiber: 2 g

Protein: 5 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg

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