These easy air fryer fried pickles turn out hot and juicy on the inside with the most amazing seasoned panko coating on the outside. The crunch is so satisfying, you won’t be able to resist!
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Can you ever have too many game day recipes? I certainly don’t think so. And once you try these amazing air fryer pickles, you might find yourself whipping them up regardless of whether or not the game’s on!
These fried pickle slices turn out hot and juicy on the inside, super crunchy on the outside, and downright irresistible.
I love pairing them with all my favorite dipping sauces! Best of all, they can be ready in less than 20 minutes.
Here’s what I’m going to teach you in this post:
- How to make easy and delicious fried pickles in the air fryer
- What kind of pickles to use for this recipe
- Tips for making the best air fried pickle slices
- What to serve with air fryer fried pickles
- How to reheat leftover pickle slices
The combination of tangy pickle slices with the crunchy, savory, seasoned panko breading is sure to make your tastebuds sing.
While they fit perfectly in a game day spread, fried pickles are just as delicious as a snack or even a side with your main meal. There’s never a bad time to make a quick batch!
How to Make Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer
A full printable version of this recipe with ingredient measurements is available at the bottom of this post.
STEP ONE: Drain pickles well and lay them on a few layers of paper towels. Pat to dry.
STEP TWO: Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
STEP THREE: In a wide, shallow bowl, add the Panko crumbs. In a second bowl, whisk the egg with water. In a third bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, and dill.
STEP FOUR: Dredge each pickle through the flour mixture, dip them in the egg, then press them into the Panko crumbs until fully coated.
STEP FIVE: Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then place a single layer of pickles in the basket. Work in batches as necessary.
STEP SIX: Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray, then air fry for 4 minutes.
STEP SEVEN: Flip the pickles and air fry them for an additional 2-4 minutes until browned and crispy.
STEP EIGHT: Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
What Kind of Pickles Should You Use?
You can use any brand you like to make this fried pickles recipe in the air fryer. You could even use homemade pickles if you have them!
The most important part is that you want all the pickle slices to be cut as evenly as possible. If they’re cut irregularly, you may end up with some that are overcooked and others that are underdone.
Consistent slices are key. That’s why I usually use pre-sliced pickles straight from the grocery store.
It saves me time cutting up the pickles myself, and they’re all very similar in size. But if you feel like slicing up your favorite kind of pickle yourself, go right ahead!
Why Do You Dry the Outsides of the Pickle Slices?
Excess moisture makes it difficult for anything to crisp up. If you’ve ever made zucchini noodles, you know how important it is to press out the excess moisture.
So the more you can pat the pickle slices dry, the better!
Don’t worry, this process won’t make them too dry. The centers will still be nice and juicy when they come out of the air fryer.
By drying the outsides, we just give the breading a better surface to hold onto and don’t risk the crumbs becoming soggy before they can cook.
Tips For Making The Best Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer
- Pat the pickles as dry as possible. This makes it easier for the air fryer to crisp up the outsides and also means you’ll get more of the coating to stick.
- Lay the pickles in the air fryer basket as carefully as you can to prevent the breading from falling off.
- Don’t overcrowd the basket. It’s much better to work in batches so the hot air can properly circulate around each fried pickle.
What To Serve With Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Blue Cheese Dressing
- Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- Honey Sriracha Sauce
- Sriracha-Ranch Sauce from my Air Fryer Avocado Fries recipe
How to Reheat Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer
Like other fried foods, these crispy pickle slices are going to be best when they’re hot and fresh out of the air fryer.
That being said, if you have some extras, don’t let them go to waste! Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator, then use the air fryer to reheat them.
- Preheat the air fryer to 350 degrees.
- Lay the leftover fried pickles in the air fryer basket.
- Cook for about 3 minutes until heated through and the outside is re-crisped.
Other Air Fryer Game Day Recipes You’ll Love:
- Chicken Fries in the Air Fryer
- Garlic Parmesan Wings in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Blooming Onion
- Pigs in a Blanket in the Air Fryer
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Air Fryer Pickles
Ingredients
- 36 large pickle slices
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 large egg
- ½ tablespoon water
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried dill
Instructions
- Drain pickles well and lay them on a few layers of paper towels, drying them well.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
- In a wide, shallow bowl, place Panko crumbs. In a second bowl, whisk egg with water. In a third bowl, whisk together the flour, garlic powder, paprika, and dill.
- Dredge each pickle through the flour mixture, dip them in the egg, then press them into the Panko to coat.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray, then carefully place a single layer of pickles in the basket. Work in batches as necessary. Lightly spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray, then cook for 4 minutes. Flip the pickles and cook them for an additional 2-4 minutes, until they’re browned and crispy.
- Allow to cool slightly before serving with your favorite dipping sauce.
Notes
How to reheat fried pickles:
1. Preheat your air fryer to 350 degrees. 2. Add fried pickles to the basket. 3. Cook for 3 minutes or until hot.Nutrition
This nutrition information is based on the exact products I used in this recipe. Brands and sizes of products could alter exact nutrition and should always be calculated independently.
I have read that using cooking spray directly onto your air fryer will damage your air fryer
So long as you only lightly oil everything and be sure to clean thoroughly after each time you use your air fryer you should not have any problems. I have used oil in the air fryer for many things and just followed these simple steps, my air fryer is in perfect condition after many times of use.