Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe

I recently whipped up a batch of Air Fryer Pickles using dill pickles, all-purpose flour, cornmeal, garlic powder and smoked paprika. The crunch from beaten eggs and panko breadcrumbs adds a playful texture. I love these guilt-free, crispy pickle snacks as a light, inventive alternative to traditional fare. Simply irresistible.

I’m excited to share my Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles recipe with you. I discovered these crispy snacks when I was looking for a healthier twist on deep fried pickles, and let me tell you they did not disappoint.

The idea is simple: use a jar of dill pickle slices, drained and patted dry, then coat them in a blend of 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornmeal, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt and black pepper. Next, dip them in beaten eggs and then into a bed of panko breadcrumbs.

I know it sounds a bit basic but trust me, it’s a game changer when air fried to perfection. I love that you get all the crunch of your favorite fried pickle recipes, but with a lot less guilt.

Whether you’re into pickle snacks ideas for lunch or just curious how to make fried pickles in air fryer style, you’ll definitely want to try this out.

Why I Like this Recipe

I love this recipe because first off its a healthier twist on the classic deep fried pickles, so i can snack on them without feeling really guilty. Another reason is that the air fryer cooks them so perfectly crispy but they dont turn out greasy like the regular ones do. I also enjoy the mix of tangy dill pickle flavor with the garlicky, smoky spices in the coating—it just hits the perfect balance of savory and tangy. Lastly, i like how easy it is to put together even if im in a rush, it always manages to be my go-to snack when i need something fast and delicious.

Ingredients

• Dill pickle slices: Tangy, low calorie treat with vitamin K addin crisp sour flavor.
• All-purpose flour: A carb source for crisp batter that enhances texture and structure.
• Cornmeal: Offers a crunchy, slightly sweet bite with fiber boosting flavor and crunch.
• Smoked paprika: Spicy spice loaded with antioxidants that adds a smoky, rich taste.
• Eggs: Provide protein for binding and a smooth, delicious meal component.
• Panko breadcrumbs: Crunchy coating rich in carbs that gives satisfyingly crisp texture.

Ingredient Quantities

• 1 jar (16 oz) dill pickle slices, drained and patted dry
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup cornmeal
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 large eggs, beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• Cooking spray

How to Make this

1. First, preheat your air fryer to 400°F for about 3 to 5 minutes.

2. Drain the dill pickle slices from the jar and pat them dry really well using paper towels.

3. In a bowl combine 1/2 cup all-purpose flour, 1/4 cup cornmeal, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

4. Beat 2 large eggs in a separate bowl until they are well mixed.

5. Pour 1 cup of panko breadcrumbs into another shallow dish.

6. Dredge each pickle slice in the flour mixture, making sure it is coated evenly.

7. Dip the floured pickle slice into the beaten eggs, letting the excess drip off.

8. Then coat the pickles in the panko breadcrumbs, pressing lightly so they stick.

9. Spray both sides of the breaded pickles with cooking spray to help get them crispy.

10. Place the slices in the air fryer basket in a single layer and cook for about 8-10 minutes, flipping them halfway through, until they are golden and crispy. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Air fryer with its basket
2. One medium bowl for the dry mix
3. One small bowl for the beaten eggs
4. One shallow dish for the breadcrumbs
5. A few paper towels for drying the pickles
6. A whisk or fork to beat the eggs
7. Tongs or a spatula for flipping the pickles during cooking

FAQ

Easy Air Fryer Fried Pickles Recipe Substitutions and Variations

• If you dont have all-purpose flour, you can try using rice flour or chickpea flour for a slightly different texture.
• If you’re out of cornmeal, finely ground polenta works a pretty good job as a substitute.
• If garlic powder is missing, a little bit of onion powder can serve as a decent replacement.
• If you don’t have smoked paprika, you might mix regular paprika with a pinch of cayenne pepper to add some extra zest.
• Missing panko breadcrumbs? Crushed cornflakes or plain breadcrumbs can be used instead.

Pro Tips

1. Make sure you really dry your pickles with paper towels because any extra moisture can make the coating soggy and less crispy.
2. Don’t crowd the air fryer basket; if theres too many pickles at once, they wont crisp up evenly so its better to cook in small batches.
3. If you want extra flavor, try adding a tiny pinch of extra spices like a little cayenne or extra garlic powder to the egg mixture for a kick.
4. After you spray the breaded pickles with cooking spray, let them sit for a minute or two before frying so the coating can stick better and become crunchier.