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My air fryer pickle recipe features crispy yet juicy, perfectly seasoned pickles. Ready in under 10 minutes, they’re the perfect addition to any meal!
Need more air fryer snack recipes? Try my air fryer quesadillas, air fryer buffalo cauliflower, air fryer pork belly, and air fryer sweet potato fries next.
I certainly didn’t grow up on fried pickles, but ever since I discovered them a few years ago, I’ve been determined to learn how to best make them in the air fryer because, let’s be real- we ain’t whipping out a pot for deep frying every time (and also our waistlines).
With zero added oil, these pickles turn out golden brown with a crackling, crispy breading enveloped over sweet and juicy dill pickles.
Table of Contents
Why I love this recipe
- Easy to make. All you need is your air fryer basket, a couple of bowls, and 5 minutes of your time.
- Layered with flavor. The breading has a sweet, tangy, slightly smoky flavor that perfectly balances the dill pickle flavor.
- Deceptively healthy. Fried pickles made with no oil? Yes, I know it sounds sacrilegious, but after one bite, you’ll be swayed.
- Versatile. They work as an appetizer with dipping sauces or to level up your next burger night.
Ingredients needed
- Dill pickles. Use large whole pickles, not pickle chips. They’ll need to be sliced extra thick so the batter sticks to them.
- Flour. Use whole-grain flour, all-purpose flour, or gluten-free all-purpose flour. Note that whole wheat flour will make for a darker breading.
For the batter:
- Egg. Preferably room temperature.
- Mustard. I used yellow mustard, but any mild-flavored mustard works.
- Mayonnaise. The secret ingredient that gives the batter an extra crispy and flavorful texture.
- Water. As needed to give the batter the right consistency. You can also use the excess pickle juice for more flavor.
- Flour. To thicken the batter.
- Panko bread crumbs and regular breadcrumbs. For the crispy breading.
- Spices. I keep things simple with salt, pepper, and. smoked paprika.
How to make air fryer pickles
I’ve included step-by-step photos below to make this recipe easy to follow at home. For the full printable recipe instructions and ingredient quantities, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
Step 1- Prep. Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F. Slice the pickles in ½ inch slices and toss them in the flour.
Step 2- Assemble the batter. In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, mustard, mayonnaise, and water. Slowly fold in the flour until a pancake-like batter remains. In a separate bowl, whisk the dry ingredients.
Step 3- Dredge the pickles. Dip the pickles in the egg mixture and then the flour mixture. Place the battered pickles on a plate lined with paper towels.
Step 4- Air fry. Lightly grease an air fryer basket with cooking spray. Place the pickle slices in a single layer and air fry for 4-5 minutes or until golden brown.
Arman’s recipe tips
- Work in batches. So all the pickles fry evenly and get that gorgeous crispy texture.
- Cut the pickles into large slices. So they get coated in more batter, and the pickles retain their juiciness.
- Pat dry the pickles before dredging. This will help the batter and seasonings hold onto them much easier.
- Serve with your favorite dipping sauce. Isn’t anything fried really just a vessel for dipping sauce? I prefer ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or Big Mac sauce, but there are no wrong answers.
Variations
- Cut the carbs. Use pork rinds to make my keto bread crumbs instead, or make my keto fried pickles.
- Add extra spices. Try garlic powder, onion powder, or cayenne pepper for a little heat.
- Use whole pickles. I’d suggest sticking with little gherkins. Increase the air frying time by 2-3 minutes.
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
To freeze: Place the cooled air fried pickles in a ziplock bag and store them in the freezer for up to two months.
Reheating: Reheat them in a preheated oven or in the air fryer until crisp.
Frequently asked questions
Yes! Use gluten-free all-purpose flour (look for one with added xanthan gum) and gluten-free panko bread crumbs.
The egg is needed for binding and to prevent the batter falling off during the cooking process. You could replace it with a mix of lemon juice and olive oil.
More air fryer favorites
- Air-fryer chicken wings
- Air fryer meatballs
- Air fryer hot dogs
- Air fryer hamburgers
- Or any of my air fryer recipes
Air Fryer Pickles
Video
Ingredients
- 4 large dill pickles
- 1/4 cup flour
For the batter
- 1 large egg
- 1 tablespoon mustard
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup flour
For the dry mix
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the air fryer to 200C/400F.
- Slice the pickles in ½ inch slices and toss them in the flour.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the egg, mustard, mayonnaise, and water. Slowly fold in the flour, until a smooth pancake-like batter remains. In a separate bowl, whisk together the breadcrumbs, panko breadcrumbs, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dip the pickles in the first batter, then the dry mix. Place the battered pickles on a plate lined with parchment paper.
- Generously grease an air fryer basket. Place the pickles in a single layer and air fry for 4-5 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove them from the air fryer and repeat the process until all the pickles are air fried.
Notes
Nutrition
Originally published December 2022, updated and republished July 2024
Can I use something as a substitute for the eggs?
I haven’t tried, but a mix of mayo and water could work!