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Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles

These Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles are a game-changer for snack lovers, offering a healthier, incredibly simple way to enjoy this restaurant-favorite appetizer at home with less mess and oil. This recipe delivers perfectly crispy, golden-brown bites that are surprisingly satisfying and incredibly addictive.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Appetizer, Snack
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 jar dill pickle slices (16-24 ounces) (about 2 cups), drained and patted very dry
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs lightly beaten
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
  • Pinch cayenne pepper (optional, for a little heat)
  • 1 tablespoon cooking spray or oil (for air fryer basket)
Ranch dressing
  • 1/2 cup Chipotle mayonnaise (mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise with 1-2 teaspoons chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce)
  • 1/2 cup Spicy Aioli (mix 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 clove garlic minced, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, pinch of salt)

Equipment

  • Air Fryer
  • Paper towels
  • Three Shallow Dishes or Bowls
  • Plate or Baking Sheet

Method
 

  1. Open your jar of dill pickle slices and drain them thoroughly. It's crucial to pat them very dry with paper towels. Excess moisture will prevent the breadcrumbs from adhering properly and can make them soggy. You want them as dry as possible for maximum crispiness.
    1 jar dill pickle slices
  2. Get three shallow dishes or bowls ready.
    In the first dish, add the all-purpose flour.
    In the second dish, whisk the two large eggs until they are well beaten.
    In the third dish, combine the panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the panko. This spice blend will give your fried pickles a fantastic flavor boost.
    1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, Pinch cayenne pepper
  3. Working with a few pickle slices at a time, follow this breading process:
    First, dredge each pickle slice in the flour, making sure it's fully coated. Gently shake off any excess flour.
    Next, dip the floured pickle slice into the beaten eggs, allowing any excess egg to drip off.
    Finally, transfer the egg-coated pickle slice to the panko breadcrumb mixture. Press gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere well all around the pickle. Place the breaded pickles in a single layer on a plate or baking sheet as you work. Repeat with all the pickle slices.
    1 jar dill pickle slices, 1 cup all-purpose flour, 2 large eggs, 1 cup panko breadcrumbs, 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, Pinch cayenne pepper
  4. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3-5 minutes. Most air fryers have a preheat function, so use it if yours has one.
  5. Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray or brush it with a tablespoon of oil to prevent sticking. Arrange the breaded pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Do not overcrowd the basket; you will likely need to cook them in batches to ensure they crisp up evenly.
    1 jar dill pickle slices, 1 tablespoon cooking spray or oil
  6. Air fry the pickles for 7-10 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy. About halfway through the cooking time (around 3-5 minutes), carefully flip the pickles to ensure even browning and crisping on both sides. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes, as cook times can vary slightly depending on your air fryer model.
    1 jar dill pickle slices
  7. Once they’re beautifully golden and crispy, remove the Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles from the air fryer. Serve them immediately with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch, chipotle mayonnaise, or a spicy aioli for the ultimate flavor experience.
    1 jar dill pickle slices, 1/2 cup Chipotle mayonnaise, 1/2 cup Spicy Aioli

Notes

If you happen to have any leftover Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles, let them cool completely at room temperature before storing. Place them in an airtight container or a resealable freezer bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. It's important to note that fried foods, even when air-fried, tend to lose some of their crispiness when stored.
To revive that delicious crispiness, the best way to reheat is back in the air fryer. Arrange the cooled pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Reheat at around 350°F (175°C) for 3-5 minutes, or until they are heated through and have regained some of their crispiness.