Air Fryer Fried Pickles (Crispy & Easy Snack Recipe)

It started with a craving. I was curled up on the couch one rainy afternoon, scrolling past one too many fried pickle reels. Suddenly, I could taste that salty, tangy crunch. But deep-frying? No way. That’s when the air fryer saved the day. In 25 minutes, I had a plateful of golden air fryer fried pickles — crispy, bold, and wildly addictive.

Why You’ll Love These Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Air fryer fried pickles are everything a great snack should be: crunchy, bold, and just a little bit irresistible. They deliver the salty, zippy punch of a good dill pickle with a golden, crispy shell that doesn’t come from a vat of oil.

Even better? They take less than 30 minutes from start to finish. That means you can whip up a batch before game night, movie night, or just because your cravings said so.

And while they feel indulgent, they’re actually much lighter than traditional fried pickles. That’s the magic of the air fryer. You get crunch without grease, speed without stress, and flavor that hits every time.

They’re also crowd-friendly. Kids love them. Adults hover around the plate. They disappear fast, so double up if you’re feeding a group!

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Pickles

• 1 cup sliced pickles: Dill is classic, but bread-and-butter or spicy pickles work too.
• 2 large eggs: Help bind the coating.
• 3 tablespoons flour: Creates a light batter base.
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce: Adds zing — use your favorite!
• ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper: For balanced seasoning.
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: These give the crispiest crunch. Regular breadcrumbs will do in a pinch.

Drying the pickles before coating them is absolutely key when making air fryer fried pickles. Moisture is the enemy of crispiness — if the pickles are too wet, the egg wash won’t cling properly, and the breadcrumbs can slide right off during cooking. By laying the pickle slices on paper towels and gently pressing them dry, you create the perfect surface for that golden, crunchy coating to stick. This extra step only takes a few minutes but makes a massive difference in texture. For truly crispy air fryer fried pickles, never skip the drying — it’s worth every second.

For the Dip (Optional but Highly Recommended)

• ¼ cup each sour cream and mayo: Creamy, cool base.
• ½ teaspoon each of salt and pepper: Season to taste.
• ¼ cup minced onions + 1 clove garlic: Brings bold, fresh flavor.
• 1 teaspoon dried dill: Optional, but ties the dip to the pickles beautifully.

The dip takes just minutes to mix and makes the whole snack feel a little special — creamy, tangy, and perfect alongside those crispy air fryer fried pickles. It’s the kind of sauce that gets scooped even after the pickles are gone. The garlic, onion, and optional dill add layers of bold flavor that balance the salty crunch. Best of all, it’s easy to make ahead if you’re prepping for a party or game day. Just mix, chill, and serve. You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days without losing flavor.

How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Dry the pickles
   Lay your pickle slices on paper towels and cover with another layer. Let them sit for a few minutes. This removes excess moisture so the coating sticks.
2. Make the egg wash
   In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and pepper. It’ll be thick — that’s good.
3. Set up the breading station
   Pour panko breadcrumbs into a separate shallow dish. You’ll dip each pickle slice in the egg mixture, then coat it fully in breadcrumbs.
4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F
   This ensures the pickles start crisping right away.
5. Arrange in a single layer
   Place breaded pickles in the air fryer basket. Spray lightly with oil to help them brown.
6. Air fry and flip
   Cook for 5–7 minutes. Flip each pickle, spray again, and cook another 5–7 minutes until golden and crunchy.

Make the Creamy Dipping Sauce

In a small bowl, stir together sour cream, mayonnaise, finely minced onions, garlic, salt, pepper, and a touch of dried dill. Mix everything until smooth and well blended. This creamy dip is the perfect match for air fryer fried pickles, adding a cool, tangy contrast to the crispy coating. You can prepare it in advance and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. The longer it sits, the bolder it tastes. This dip also works great with veggies or chips, but it truly shines with air fryer fried pickles.

Tips for Best Results

• Always dry your pickles before breading. It makes a big difference.
• Thicker pickle slices give a juicier bite and hold their shape better.
• Panko breadcrumbs deliver next-level crunch. If using regular breadcrumbs, toast them first for better texture.
• Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if needed.
• Spray oil evenly before and after flipping to help them crisp.

Common Asked Questions (FAQ)

Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe Card

Print

Whether you’re air frying pickles for a weeknight snack or a game-day platter, this recipe card makes it super convenient. The layout is clean, accessible, and designed to follow along without missing a beat. You can also adjust servings if you’re feeding a crowd or just treating yourself. With the full recipe card right here, making air fryer fried pickles at home couldn’t be easier or more delicious. Just scroll, print, and fry your way to golden pickle perfection.

Explore Similar Recipes

Craving more crispy or creamy bites? Try my irresistible air fryer churro bites for your sweet tooth — they’re golden, cinnamon-kissed, and just as fun to dunk.

Or, if you’re in a savory mood, make the creamy crack chicken recipe you can slow cook to perfection or delicious chicken caesar croissant sandwiches as a party appetizer.

You could even serve these pickles alongside how to make cucumber kimchi for a spicy and tangy side dish for an unexpected flavor twist.

Nutrition Information

Each serving of air fryer fried pickles comes in at approximately 167 kcal. That includes the breaded pickles and a small scoop of dipping sauce.

Here’s the full breakdown (per serving, approx.):

• Calories: 167 kcal
• Carbs: 12g
• Protein: 4g
• Fat: 11g (Saturated: 3g)
• Sodium: 797mg
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 2g
• Vitamin A: 215 IU
• Vitamin C: 3mg
• Calcium: 59mg
• Iron: 1mg

These values can vary depending on the pickles and mayo brand you use.

Craving more snack ideas? Follow along on Pinterest or check out what’s sizzling in my kitchen over on Instagram!