Love fried pickles? This air fryer version delivers all the crispy, tangy flavor of deep-fried pickles with way less oil. These crunchy bites are a perfect appetizer or snack that comes together quickly and easily, and they’re absolutely addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Crispy and crunchy without the grease
• Quick and easy with minimal prep
• Just a handful of ingredients
• Delicious served with your favorite dipping sauce
• Great for parties, game day, or anytime snacking

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 1 (16-ounce) jar dill pickle coins, drained
• 1 egg
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Extra-virgin olive oil, for drizzling
• Remoulade sauce, for dipping (optional)

Directions

1. Preheat the air fryer to 370°F (188°C).
2. Pat the pickles dry using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels.
3. In a small bowl, whisk the egg. Place the panko breadcrumbs in a medium bowl.
4. Dip each pickle coin into the egg, then coat in panko breadcrumbs. Place the breaded pickles on a plate or parchment paper.
5. Drizzle the pickles with olive oil.
6. Arrange the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space around each piece. Work in batches if needed.
7. Air fry for 11 to 14 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown. Cooking time may vary depending on your air fryer.
8. Serve immediately with remoulade or your favorite dipping sauce.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 6
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 10 minutes
• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Spicy: Add a dash of cayenne or hot sauce to the egg wash.
• Herbed: Mix dried dill, garlic powder, or Italian seasoning into the breadcrumbs.
• Vegan: Use a vegan egg substitute like JustEgg and a dairy-free sauce.
• Gluten-free: Use gluten-free panko breadcrumbs.

Storage/Reheating

• These pickles are best enjoyed fresh.
• To store, place cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F until crispy again, about 3-4 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use pickle spears instead of coins?

Yes, slice them into thin coins for more even cooking and crispiness.

Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes, bake at 425°F on a lined baking sheet for about 15-20 minutes, flipping halfway.

What dipping sauces go well with these?

Remoulade, ranch, chipotle mayo, or vegan ranch are all great options.

How do I make them extra crispy?

Make sure pickles are well-dried and do not overcrowd the air fryer basket.

Can I prepare them in advance?

You can bread the pickles in advance and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before air frying.

Do I need to flip the pickles during cooking?

Not usually, but for some air fryers, flipping halfway may ensure even browning.

What type of pickles should I use?

Dill pickles work best, but bread and butter pickles are also tasty.

Can I make a large batch?

Yes, but cook in batches to avoid overcrowding.

Can I use flavored panko?

Yes, flavored or seasoned panko adds a twist of flavor.

Do I need to use oil at all?

A small drizzle or spray helps the coating crisp up nicely.

Conclusion

Air fryer fried pickles are a fast and fun snack that bring the best of fried food without the mess or extra oil. Whether you’re entertaining guests or just craving something crispy and tangy, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Serve them hot and crunchy with your favorite dip for the ultimate appetizer experience!

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