Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a delightfully crunchy appetizer that delivers all the irresistible flavor of traditional fried pickles—with far less oil. They’re crispy, tangy, and perfect for dipping, making them a snack you’ll want to bite into again and again.

Air Fryer Pickles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how these Air Fryer Fried Pickles turn something indulgent into a lighter, more approachable treat. The air fryer achieves a golden, crunchy coating without deep frying, which keeps things less greasy while still packing big flavor. They’re quick to whip up, kid-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser—whether it’s game night, a party, or a casual snack.

Ingredients

For the Pickles:

1 cup sliced pickles (dill or your favorite)
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Tabasco)
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs

For the Dip:

¼ cup sour cream
¼ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
¼ cup minced onions (finely chopped)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

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

Directions

Dry the Pickles:
Place sliced pickles between paper towels and let them dry for a few minutes.
Prepare the Breading Station:
- In a shallow dish, whisk together eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and pepper.
- In another dish, pour panko breadcrumbs.
Bread the Pickles:
One at a time, dip each pickle slice into the egg mixture, then coat it in breadcrumbs. Transfer to a baking sheet.
Air Fry:
Preheat the air fryer to 400°F. Place pickle slices in a single layer, spray lightly with oil, and air-fry for 5–7 minutes. Flip, spray again, and cook for another 5–7 minutes until golden.
Make the Dip:
Combine sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, minced onions, garlic, and dill in a small bowl. Serve alongside hot pickles.

Servings and Timing

Servings: About 6 people
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Use panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Try beer-battered coating instead of the egg-flour dredge for beer-lovers.
Swap hot sauce for spices like paprika or garlic powder for a different flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days (though best when fresh).
Reheating: Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3–5 minutes to regain crispiness.

Nutrition Estimate

Estimates vary depending on portion size and recipe variation:

One source lists 117 calories per serving (serving size unspecified)
Another recipe mentions around 26 calories per pickle slice .

FAQs

Are air-fried pickles a healthier option?

Yes! They are lower in calories and less greasy compared to deep-fried pickles—plus you use far less oil

What type of pickles work best?

Dill pickle slices are classic. Opt for thicker cuts (¼–½ inch) to hold up better during air frying

Can I skip the breadcrumbs?

Breadcrumbs are essential for the crispy crust. Without them, the coating won’t hold or crisp properly.

Can I prepare the dip in advance?

Absolutely. The dip stays fresh in the fridge and is even better when the flavors meld a bit.

What’s the best dipping sauce?

Classics like ranch, sriracha mayo, or even caramelized onion dip pair wonderfully.

Conclusion

Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a crunchy, tangy snack that delivers big flavor in a lighter package. Quick, easy, and customizable, they’re perfect for getting that fried delight without the guilt. Serve them hot with a creamy dip—and get ready for them to disappear fast!