Air Fryer Pickles Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade air fryer pickles with this easy baking recipe. These crispy, crunchy pickle slices use a special breadcrumb coating technique for maximum crispiness with minimal oil. Perfect as appetizers or snacks, they're healthier than deep-fried versions but just as delicious!

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

10 mins

Serves:

4 servings

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 jar (450g) dill pickle slices, drained well</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120g plain flour</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 large eggs, beaten</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">150g panko breadcrumbs</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">30g grated parmesan cheese</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp dried dill (or 2 tsp fresh)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp black pepper</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Olive oil spray</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">For the dipping sauce:</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml mayonnaise</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tbsp sriracha (or other hot sauce)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp garlic powder</li></ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Air fryer</li><li class="equipment-single-item">3 shallow bowls for dredging</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Paper towels</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Tongs</li></ul>

Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Drain the pickle slices thoroughly and place them on several layers of paper towels. Pat them completely dry with additional paper towels – this is crucial for achieving a crispy coating as excess moisture will create steam in the air fryer and result in soggy pickles.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Set up your dredging station with three shallow bowls: add flour to the first bowl; beaten eggs to the second bowl; and in the third bowl, combine panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, dried dill, and black pepper. Mix the breadcrumb mixture thoroughly to ensure even distribution of seasonings.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Working with a few pickle slices at a time, dredge them first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Next, dip them in the beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, press them firmly into the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring an even coating on all sides. The flour creates a base for the egg to stick to, while the egg acts as the glue for the breadcrumb mixture.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Preheat your air fryer to 180°C for about 3 minutes. Once heated, lightly spray the air fryer basket with olive oil spray to prevent sticking. The preheating step ensures immediate cooking when the pickles are added, which helps achieve a crispier exterior.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Arrange the breaded pickle slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap or touch. You'll likely need to cook in batches depending on the size of your air fryer. Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with olive oil spray – this helps achieve that golden brown color and extra crispiness.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>Air fry at 180°C for 5 minutes, then flip the pickles over with tongs, spray lightly again with olive oil, and continue cooking for another 3-5 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Watch them carefully in the final minutes as they can go from perfectly crisp to overdone quickly.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>While the pickles are cooking, prepare the dipping sauce by combining mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, and garlic powder in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and adjust the heat level to your preference by adding more or less sriracha.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4>Transfer the cooked pickles to a serving plate immediately after removing them from the air fryer. Serving them hot ensures maximum crispiness, as they will gradually soften as they cool. Accompany with the prepared dipping sauce and enjoy immediately!</li></ol>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Air Fryer Pickles Recipe?

This recipe uses dill pickle slices, plain flour, eggs, panko breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, paprika, dried dill, black pepper, olive oil spray, plus mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice and garlic powder for the dipping sauce.

How to cook Air Fryer Pickles Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Air Fryer Pickles Recipe by first drying pickle slices thoroughly, then coating them in flour, egg and a seasoned panko mixture. Cook at 180°C for about 10 minutes total, flipping halfway through. The key is drying the pickles well before breading and not overcrowding the air fryer basket for maximum crispiness.

Why do my air fried pickles turn out soggy instead of crispy?

Soggy air fried pickles usually result from not drying the pickles thoroughly before breading, overcrowding the air fryer basket, or cooking at too low a temperature. Pat pickles completely dry with paper towels, cook in a single layer with space between each slice, and preheat your air fryer properly.

Can I make these crispy pickles without an air fryer?

Yes! While an air fryer gives optimal results, you can bake these pickles in a conventional oven at 220°C on a wire rack over a baking tray for 15-20 minutes, turning halfway. They won't be quite as crispy but still delicious. Alternatively, you can shallow fry them in oil.

What's the best type of pickle to use for breaded air fryer pickles?

Dill pickle slices (also called pickle chips or hamburger pickles) work best as they're already cut to the perfect thickness. Avoid sweet pickles as they can burn more easily due to sugar content. For best results, choose pickles with ridges which help the coating adhere better.

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