Crispy Air Fryer Fried Pickles :Quick Snack for Busy Families

These Air Fryer Fried Pickles deliver a salty, tangy crunch with a peppery breadcrumb crust that tastes like your favorite diner treat but lighter and faster.

This recipe gives you crispy edges, a juicy pickle center, and a zippy bite from paprika and pepper. It’s special because the air fryer makes the coating golden without deep frying in oil. Make these for game night, after-school snacks, or a quick party appetizer.

Top reasons to make this recipe:

  • Fast to prep and cook.
  • Uses simple pantry ingredients.
  • Kid-friendly and great for sharing.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Ready in about 15–20 minutes.
  • Uses few, easy-to-find ingredients.
  • Crispy texture with less oil than deep frying.
  • Great for last-minute snacks and small gatherings.

Ingredients

  • 12–16 dill pickle slices (or any type of pickle), drained and patted dry
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended for extra crunch)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray of Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Step-by-Step Instructions of Air Fryer Fried Pickles

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels to remove excess brine.
  3. Mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
  4. Beat the eggs in a second shallow bowl.
  5. Combine breadcrumbs and paprika in a third shallow bowl; season with a little salt and pepper.
  6. Dredge each pickle slice in the flour, shaking off the excess.
  7. Dip the floured pickle into the beaten egg, letting extra drip off.
  8. Press the pickle into the breadcrumbs to coat well on both sides.
  9. Lightly spray both sides of each coated pickle with cooking spray.
  10. Place pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
  11. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flip once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  12. Remove and let cool for a minute. Serve warm with ranch or your favorite dip.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Tips for Success

  • Pat pickles very dry so the coating sticks and stays crisp.
  • Don’t crowd the basket cook in batches for even browning.
  • Use panko breadcrumbs for the crunchiest result.
  • Pair with easy sides like air fryer dino nuggets for a kid-friendly combo.

Substitutions & Variations of Air Fryer Fried Pickles

To Make It Vegan/Gluten-Free:

  • Use a flax egg (1 tbsp ground flax + 3 tbsp water, sit 5 min) or aquafaba instead of eggs.
  • Swap all-purpose flour for a gluten-free flour blend and use certified gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes.

Variations:

  • Add 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the breadcrumbs for a cheesy crust.
  • Sprinkle a pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika into the breadcrumbs for heat.
  • Use thicker pickle spears for a heartier snack or try bread-and-butter pickles for a sweeter bite.

Storage Instructions of Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Refrigerator:

  • Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Re-crisp in the air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3–4 minutes.

Freezer:

  • Freeze breaded pickles in a single layer on a tray until firm, then transfer to a freezer bag. Reheat from frozen in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes, flipping once.

Make-Ahead:

  • Bread the pickles and place them on a tray in the fridge for up to 4 hours before air frying. This saves last-minute prep time.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Why do my fried pickles get soggy?
Excess brine makes the coating not stick well. Pat pickles very dry and don’t skip the flour step to help the crumbs adhere.

Can I use pickle spears or chips?
Yes. Chips cook faster and get crispier; spears take a bit longer. Adjust time and check often.

What temperature and time work best in different air fryers?
Most models get great results at 400°F for 6–8 minutes. If your air fryer runs hot, lower to 375°F and watch closely on the first batch.

Final Thoughts

Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a quick, crunchy treat that bring big flavor with less oil. They work as a snack, appetizer, or fun side perfect for busy families and anyone who loves crisp, tangy bites. Try them, leave a comment, and drop a star rating to let others know how they turned out.

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Air Fryer Fried Pickles 2025 12 17 212355 150x150 1

Crispy Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Crunchy Air Fryer Fried Pickles deliver a salty, tangy crunch with a peppery breadcrumb crust, making them a perfect quick snack for busy families.

  • Total Time: 18 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1216 dill pickle slices, drained and patted dry
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs (panko recommended)
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Cooking spray

Instructions

  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels to remove excess brine.
  3. Mix the flour with a pinch of salt and pepper in a shallow bowl.
  4. Beat the eggs in a second shallow bowl.
  5. Combine breadcrumbs and paprika in a third shallow bowl; season with a little salt and pepper.
  6. Dredge each pickle slice in the flour, shaking off the excess.
  7. Dip the floured pickle into the beaten egg, letting extra drip off.
  8. Press the pickle into the breadcrumbs to coat well on both sides.
  9. Lightly spray both sides of each coated pickle with cooking spray.
  10. Place pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, leaving space between them.
  11. Cook at 400°F (200°C) for 6–8 minutes, flipping once halfway through, until golden and crisp.
  12. Remove and let cool for a minute. Serve warm with ranch or your favorite dip.

Notes

Pat pickles very dry so the coating sticks and stays crisp. Don’t crowd the basket — cook in batches for even browning.

  • Author: soukaina
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 minutes
  • Category: Snack
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Vegetarian