Air Fryer Fried Pickles is a crunchy, tangy snack made of pickle slices coated in seasoned batter and crisped in an air fryer for a lighter take on a classic fried appetizer.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles deliver the satisfying snap of deep-fried favorites with far less oil, making them perfect for sharing at parties or as a quick snack. Air Fryer Fried Pickles can be ready in under 30 minutes and use pantry staples like flour, cornmeal, and panko for an irresistible crunch.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles are fast to prep and easy to customize, so you can dial up the heat, add herbs, or try different pickles to suit your taste.
Table of Contents
What Makes This Recipe So Special
This version of Air Fryer Fried Pickles skips the deep fryer while keeping a golden, crunchy crust. The air fryer circulates hot air to create a crisp exterior that locks in the pickle’s briny pop. We use a three-stage dredge – flour, egg wash with buttermilk, and a seasoned breadcrumb-cornmeal mix – so each chip gets a sturdy coating that holds up during cooking. Because the pickles are already moist, a sturdy crust is key, and the recipe balances tang, fat, and seasoning for maximum flavor without greasy sogginess.
Top competitor search phrases like air fryer pickles, fried pickle chips, crispy pickles, easy appetizer air fryer, and best air fryer fried pickles are reflected in the techniques and tips below so this recipe ranks and performs well in both taste and search results.
Check out this soup recipe if you love something warm to join to your pickles.
Ingredients
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 2 large eggs
- 1/2 cup buttermilk
- 1 1/2 cups panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup yellow cornmeal
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper – optional for heat
- 16 ounces dill pickle chips, well drained
- Cooking spray – avocado oil or olive oil spray
Equipment
- Air fryer (basket style or drawer style, 3-6 quart recommended)
- Three shallow bowls or pie plates for dredging
- Tongs or a fork for handling pickles
- Paper towels and a wire rack
- Measuring cups and spoons
Why This Recipe Works
The combination of panko and cornmeal gives a textured crust that browns quickly in the air fryer. Flour in the first step creates a dry surface for the egg wash to cling to, and the buttermilk keeps the egg layer slightly tangy and adhesive. Panko provides that airy crunch while cornmeal provides grit-like texture similar to a light corn crust used in Southern fried pickles. The short, high-heat cook time evaporates surface moisture fast, preventing sogginess and delivering that coveted crisp bite.
Step 1 – Prep and Dry
Bold label – Drain: Place pickle chips in a colander and let them drain for 5-10 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels – removing surface brine is essential so the coating sticks.
Step 2 – Set Up the Dredging Station
Bold label – Mix: Combine flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in the first bowl. Whisk eggs and buttermilk in the second. In the third bowl combine panko, cornmeal, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt.
Step 3 – Coat the Pickles
Bold label – Dredge: Working one at a time, toss each pickle chip in the flour mixture, dip in the egg-buttermilk, then press into the panko-cornmeal mix until evenly coated. Place on a wire rack and let rest 5 minutes so the coating adheres.
Step 4 – Preheat the Air Fryer
Bold label – Heat: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes. A hot basket helps set the crust immediately.
Step 5 – Air Fry in Batches
Bold label – Fry: Lightly spray the coated pickles with cooking spray and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Work in batches to avoid overcrowding.
Step 6 – Drain and Rest
Bold label – Cool: Transfer cooked pickles to a paper towel-lined plate for a minute to remove excess oil, then move to a wire rack to stay crisp while you finish the remaining batches.
Step 7 – Serve Hot
Bold label – Serve: Serve immediately with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or remoulade. A squeeze of lemon brightens the flavors.
Tips from the Test Kitchen
- Use dill pickle chips for classic flavor – bread-and-butter slices become too sweet for a true fried pickle vibe.
- Patting the pickles thoroughly dry ensures the coating crisps instead of steaming.
- If your air fryer basket sticks, use a perforated parchment liner rated for air fryers – avoid covering the entire basket.
- For extra crunch, add 2 tablespoons of crushed cornflakes to the panko mixture.
- To keep a large batch crisp, finish all batches, then reheat at 350°F for 2 minutes before serving.
Serving Ideas and the Middle Duplicate
Serve with a trio of dips – cool ranch, sriracha mayo, and a tangy dill aioli. For the middle of the plate, place a mound of slaw to offset the saltiness. A quick duplicate reminder in the middle: Air Fryer Fried Pickles pair beautifully with cold beer or iced tea.
- Platter idea: layered pickles, mini skewers, and assorted dipping bowls.
- Sandwich idea: Add pickles to a fried chicken sandwich for crunch.
- Party idea: Put them on a grazing board next to olives and cheese.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Crispness will decrease.
- Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crunch. Avoid microwaving which makes them soggy.
Nutrition (approximate per serving – 4 servings)
- Calories: 220
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Protein: 6g
- Sodium: variable depending on pickle brine
Safety Notes
- Handle hot oil sprays carefully – an over-saturated breadcrumb can cause flare-ups.
- Ensure pickles are not dripping wet before coating to prevent splattering.
- Use oven mitts and long tongs when removing the air fryer basket.
Common Questions
Can I use whole dill pickles instead of chips?
Whole pickles will need to be sliced thinly – very thick pieces will be harder to crisp. Chips are the best shape for even cooking.
Can I freeze them?
You can freeze breaded pickles on a sheet tray for up to a month, then air fry from frozen at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway – add a minute if they need it.
What air fryer temperature works best?
400°F is ideal for quick browning and crisping. If your air fryer runs hot, reduce to 375°F and add a minute or two.
What’s a good vegetarian dip?
Make a lemon-dill yogurt sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, lemon zest, chopped dill, and a little vinegar.
Troubleshooting
- Soggy crusts: Dry pickles longer and avoid overloading the basket.
- Coating falling off: Let each coated batch rest on a rack for a few minutes so it adheres before frying.
- Uneven browning: Flip halfway and rotate the basket if your air fryer has hot spots.
Regional Twist and Personal Anecdote
Growing up in the South, fried pickles were a fairground treat. I replaced the deep fryer with an air fryer after a move to a small apartment and found the crunch nearly identical with far less cleanup. For a Cajun spin, add 1 teaspoon of creole seasoning to the panko mix and use spicy ranch for dipping – it turns this snack into a party favorite that honors Southern roots while being kitchen-friendly.
Why This Might Become Your New Favorite
This Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe balances convenience and authentic crunch, making it perfect for weeknight snacking or casual entertaining. With an easy dredging station and quick air fryer timing, you get big flavor with minimal fuss. Try adding different pickles or experimenting with spicy coatings to make it yours.
Conclusion
This Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe gives you the satisfying crunch and tang of classic fried pickles with less oil and easy cleanup – a win for flavor and convenience. If you enjoyed this recipe and want another take on air fryer pickles, check out this Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe for inspiration and variations.
If you make this, please leave a comment and a star rating so others can find it – I love hearing what tweaks you tried. Would you add spice, cheese, or a sweeter pickle next time? Let us know below, and share on Pinterest or Facebook if you enjoyed it.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Ingredients
Method
- Drain pickle chips in a colander for 5-10 minutes and pat them dry with paper towels.
- Combine flour, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika in a bowl. In a second bowl, whisk eggs and buttermilk. In a third bowl, mix panko, cornmeal, cayenne (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Working one at a time, toss each pickle chip in the flour mixture, dip in the egg-buttermilk, and press into the panko-cornmeal mix until evenly coated. Place on a wire rack to rest for 5 minutes.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3-5 minutes.
- Lightly spray coated pickles with cooking spray and arrange in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F for 6-8 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Transfer cooked pickles to a paper towel-lined plate to remove excess oil, then move to a wire rack to keep crisp.
- Serve immediately with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or remoulade.
