Name: Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: PT-487359H30M48S
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12–16 pre-sliced dill pickles or whole pickles cut into spears or coins; 2 eggs; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1 tsp Tabasco sauce (or preferred hot sauce); Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs); Oil spray for air fryer; 1/2 cup sour cream; 1/4 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp finely chopped onion; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 tsp dried dill; Salt and pepper to taste

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Short description
I create crispy, golden-brown fried pickles in the air fryer, achieving that crunchy texture without deep frying. Served with a tangy sour cream and onion dip, this snack is irresistibly savory and fun to make.

Air Fryer Fried Pickles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe delivers all the flavor and crunch of traditional fried pickles—but with far less oil and mess. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for satisfying snack cravings or serving at casual gatherings. Plus, the air fryer gives them that perfect crisp without the greasy aftermath.

Ingredients

(H ere’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Pre‑sliced dill pickles (or whole pickles cut into spears or coins)
Eggs
All‑purpose flour
Tabasco sauce (or your favorite hot sauce or sriracha)
Salt and pepper
Panko breadcrumbs (or regular breadcrumbs)
Oil spray (for air‑fryer)

For the sour cream and onion dip:

Sour cream
Mayonnaise
Finely chopped onion
Minced garlic
Dried dill
Salt
Pepper

Directions

I dry the pickles thoroughly with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks.
I whisk together eggs, flour, Tabasco, salt, and pepper to create a spiced egg wash.
I dip each pickle slice into the egg wash, shaking off any excess.
I coat the pickles in panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently to help them stick, and arrange them on a baking sheet.
I preheat the air fryer to 200 °C (about 400 °F), place the pickles in a single layer inside the basket, and lightly spray both sides with oil.
I air‑fry for about 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and crisp.
I whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, onion, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth, then serve alongside the hot pickles.

Servings and timing

Servings: Makes about 4 servings (around 12–16 pickle slices)
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 12–15 minutes (including flipping)
Total time: Around 25 minutes

Variations

I sometimes substitute Tabasco with sriracha or chipotle hot sauce for a different flavor profile.
I’ve tried using crumbled cornflakes or crushed tortilla chips instead of panko for extra crunch.
For a cheesy twist, I mix in some finely grated Parmesan with the breadcrumbs.
I’ve made dill pickle spears, garlic dill slices, and even spicy bread-and-butter pickles—each one works beautifully.

Storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat and retain crispiness, I reheat in the air fryer at 180 °C (350 °F) for 3–4 minutes until warmed through and crispy again.

FAQs

### 1. Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of panko?

Yes, you can. Panko gives a lighter, crunchier texture, but regular breadcrumbs still work—just may be a bit denser.

2. What’s the best way to cut whole pickles?

I slice them lengthwise into spears or cut them into thick coins—thicker cuts hold up better during air frying and stay crispier.

3. Can I make the dip ahead of time?

Absolutely. I prepare the sour cream and onion dip a few hours (or even a day) ahead for deeper flavor—it keeps well in the fridge.

4. Can I bake these instead of air frying?

Yes. I spread them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, spray with oil, and bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for about 10 minutes per side until golden.

5. Are these gluten-free?

They’re not by default, but I use gluten‑free flour and breadcrumbs to make a gluten‑free version that turns out great in the air fryer.

Conclusion

These air fryer fried pickles have become a go‑to snack for me—crispy, tangy, and easy to make with minimal oil. The homemade sour cream and onion dip adds the perfect creamy complement. Whether I’m hosting friends or just craving something crunchy, this recipe always delivers. Enjoy!