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.
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.
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.
Storage instructions
To store: Place leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to three days.
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.
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
More air fryer favorites
Air-fryer chicken wings Air fryer meatballs Air fryer hot dogs Air fryer potato chips Air fryer hamburgers Air fryer okra Or any of my air fryer recipes
Originally published December 2022, updated and republished July 2024
