why make this recipe
Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a fun and tasty snack. They are crispy on the outside and tangy on the inside. You can enjoy them while watching a movie or at a party. Plus, making them in the air fryer means they are a healthier choice than deep-fried pickles.
how to make Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Ingredients:
- Dill pickles
- All-purpose flour
- Cornmeal
- Egg
- Buttermilk
- Breadcrumbs
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Slice the dill pickles into spears or chips.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
- Dip the pickles into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Put the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray them lightly with cooking spray.
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.
how to serve Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Serve Air Fryer Fried Pickles warm for the best taste. They go well with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or your favorite dipping sauce. You can also serve them as a side with sandwiches or burgers.
how to store Air Fryer Fried Pickles
If you have leftovers, let the pickles cool down, then place them in an airtight container. Store them in the fridge for up to 2 days. When you want to eat them again, reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to get them crispy again.
tips to make Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Use thicker pickle slices for more crunch.
- Adjust the seasoning in the flour mixture to your taste.
- For extra flavor, add some paprika or garlic powder to the coating.
Make-Ahead & Party Prep Guide
Game-day crunch without last-minute stress.
Dry = extra crispy: After slicing, pat pickles very dry with paper towels; excess brine makes coatings slide off and steam instead of crisp.
Bread right before air-frying: Mix your flour/cornmeal bowl and egg–buttermilk bowl in advance, but coat just before cooking so the crumbs don’t get soggy.
Single layer, plenty of space: Crowding traps steam. Cook in batches and keep finished pickles on a wire rack (not stacked) so bottoms stay crisp.
Flip for even browning: Halfway through, flip and give a light spray again; this evens out color and crunch.
Hold for serving: Keep cooked pickles on a rack in a 200°F (95°C) oven while you finish the next batch—no soggy bottoms.
Dipping bar ideas: Ranch, spicy mayo, chipotle yogurt, honey-mustard, or dill sauce (mayo + chopped dill + lemon). Serve sauces chilled for a hot-cold contrast.
variation
You can try using different types of pickles, such as spicy pickles or bread-and-butter pickles, for a different flavor. You can also add some cheese to the mix for cheesy fried pickles.
FAQs
Can I use pickle slices instead of spears?
Yes, you can use pickle slices instead of spears for a different shape and texture.
Do I need to soak the pickles before frying?
No, you don’t need to soak the pickles. Just slice and coat them before air frying.
How do I make these pickles gluten-free?
To make gluten-free Air Fryer Fried Pickles, use gluten-free flour and gluten-free breadcrumbs.
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Ingredients
For the coating
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup Cornmeal
- 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon Pepper Adjust to taste
For the pickles
- 3 cups Dill pickles (sliced into spears or chips) Use thicker slices for more crunch
- 1 large Egg
- 1/2 cup Buttermilk
- 1 cup Breadcrumbs
For cooking
- as needed Cooking spray To coat the pickles before frying
Instructions
Preparation
- Slice the dill pickles into spears or chips.
- In a bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, salt, and pepper.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg and buttermilk.
Coating
- Dip the pickles into the egg mixture, then coat with the flour mixture.
- Put the coated pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket.
- Spray them lightly with cooking spray.
Cooking
- Air fry at 400°F (200°C) for about 10 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
Serving
- Serve warm with your favorite dipping sauce.