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Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe

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4.8 from 93 reviews

Crispy and tangy Air Fryer Fried Pickles made with dill pickle chips coated in a flavorful seasoned flour and panko breadcrumb mixture, then air fried to golden perfection. A healthier alternative to deep-fried pickles, these snacks are perfect for parties, appetizers, or quick bites with your favorite dipping sauces.

Ingredients

Pickles

  • 1 (32 ounce) jar dill pickle chips, drained well

Breading Mixture

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Dipping and Coating

  • 1 cup buttermilk
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs

Other

  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
  • Your favorite dipping sauce (ranch, spicy mayo, etc.)

Instructions

  1. Drain the Pickles: Open your jar of dill pickle chips and drain them well in a colander for at least 15 minutes, shaking occasionally to remove excess liquid.
  2. Pat the Pickles Dry: Lay the pickle chips on paper towels and pat them dry thoroughly to ensure the coating adheres well. Repeat patting until they are as dry as possible.
  3. Prepare Flour Mixture: In a shallow dish, combine the all-purpose flour, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), black pepper, and salt. Whisk thoroughly to evenly distribute the spices.
  4. Prepare Buttermilk Bath: Pour the buttermilk into a second shallow dish, ready for dipping the floured pickles.
  5. Prepare Panko Coating: Pour the panko breadcrumbs into a third shallow dish.
  6. Coat Pickles with Flour: Dredge each pickle chip in the seasoned flour mixture, shaking off any excess flour.
  7. Dip in Buttermilk: Dip the floured pickle into the buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off.
  8. Coat with Panko: Transfer the pickle to the panko breadcrumbs and press firmly to coat thoroughly.
  9. Repeat: Repeat the flour, buttermilk, and panko coating steps with all remaining pickle chips, placing the coated pickles on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  10. Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for optimal cooking temperature.
  11. Arrange Pickles in Air Fryer: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and arrange the coated pickle chips in a single layer without overcrowding.
  12. Spray with Oil: Lightly spray the tops of the pickle chips with cooking spray to promote crispiness.
  13. Air Fry Pickles: Cook for 8-10 minutes, flipping the pickles halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning.
  14. Check for Doneness: Once golden brown and crispy, check if they are done. If needed, air fry for an additional 1-2 minutes to reach desired crispiness.
  15. Repeat Cooking: If necessary, repeat the frying process with the remaining pickle chips in batches.
  16. Serve Immediately: Transfer the crispy fried pickles onto a serving plate for best texture and flavor.
  17. Serve with Dipping Sauce: Accompany with your favorite dipping sauce such as ranch dressing, spicy mayo, blue cheese, or ketchup.
  18. Enjoy: Dig in and enjoy this addictive and flavorful snack that’s perfect for any occasion.

Notes

  • Ensure pickles are thoroughly dried before coating to achieve maximum crispiness.
  • Do not overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook in batches for best results.
  • Use cooking spray generously on the breaded pickles for a golden, crispy texture.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper amount or omit for milder flavor.
  • Try different dipping sauces to customize the flavor experience.
  • Leftover fried pickles are best eaten fresh but can be reheated briefly in the air fryer.