Crispy Air Fryer Pickle Chips

This crunchy air fryer fried pickle recipe transforms ordinary pickle chips into golden, crispy bites that taste just like the deep-fried restaurant version but with significantly less oil. The tangy dill pickles paired with a creamy, flavorful dip create an irresistible snack that disappears within minutes at any gathering.

I first made these air fryer fried pickles for a last-minute game day gathering when I needed something quick but impressive. My friends couldn't believe they weren't deep-fried and now request them every time we watch sports together.

Ingredients

• Sliced pickles: the foundation of the recipe choose firm dill pickle chips and pat them extremely dry for best results
• Large eggs: create the binding layer that helps the breadcrumbs stick perfectly to each pickle
• All-purpose flour: helps thicken the egg mixture and creates a better coating on the pickles
• Hot sauce: adds a subtle kick without overwhelming the pickle flavor
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: enhances all the flavors in both the pickles and coating
• Panko breadcrumbs: the secret to extra crispiness regular breadcrumbs won't give the same texture
• Cooking spray: helps achieve that golden brown color without deep frying

For the dip

• Sour cream: provides a cooling tangy base that complements the fried pickles
• Mayonnaise: adds richness and creaminess to balance the tanginess
• Minced onions: gives a flavor boost and slight texture to the dip
• Garlic: adds depth and complexity that makes the dip unforgettable
• Dried dill: enhances the pickle flavor profile and ties everything together

Step-by-Step Instructions

Dry the pickles:

Arrange pickle slices on paper towels and pat them thoroughly dry. This crucial step removes excess moisture that would prevent crispiness. Spend at least 5 minutes here ensuring the pickles are as dry as possible for best results.

Prepare the coating:

Whisk together eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and pepper until completely smooth with no lumps. This mixture should be thick enough to cling to the pickles but not so thick it clumps. Place panko breadcrumbs in a separate shallow dish where you can easily roll the pickles.

Bread the pickles:

Working one at a time, fully submerge each pickle slice in the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip off, then place in the panko. Press gently but firmly to ensure breadcrumbs adhere to all surfaces. Place breaded pickles on a clean baking sheet without touching each other.

Preheat the air fryer:

Set your air fryer to 400°F and allow it to fully preheat for 3 minutes. This often overlooked step ensures the pickles start cooking immediately when placed in the basket, which is essential for crispiness.

First air fry:

Arrange breaded pickles in a single layer in your air fryer basket, ensuring they do not touch or overlap. Lightly spray with oil to promote browning. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the bottom side begins to turn golden.

Flip and finish:

Carefully turn each pickle slice over using tongs or a spatula. Apply another light spray of oil and continue air frying for another 5-7 minutes until deeply golden brown and audibly crispy when tapped with tongs.

Make the dip:

While pickles cook, combine all dip ingredients in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly until completely incorporated with no streaks. Allow the dip to sit for at least 5 minutes for flavors to meld while pickles finish cooking.

Serve immediately:

Transfer the hot fried pickles to a serving plate and pair with the dip. These are at their absolute best when served piping hot, as the contrast between the warm crunchy exterior and tangy pickle interior is most pronounced.

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My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the contrast between the crunchy exterior and the juicy pickle inside. My son was initially skeptical about fried pickles until I convinced him to try just one. His eyes widened in surprise and he immediately reached for three more. Now whenever the air fryer comes out he asks hopefully if pickle chips are on the menu.

Make-Ahead Options

These air fryer fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare them up to the breading stage several hours in advance. Simply complete steps 1-3, then place the breaded pickles on a baking sheet in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, proceed with air frying as directed. The dip can be made up to 24 hours ahead and stored covered in the refrigerator, which actually improves the flavor as the ingredients have more time to blend together.

Perfect Pairings

These crispy pickle chips are versatile enough to complement many dishes. They work beautifully alongside grilled burgers or sandwiches as a replacement for traditional french fries. For an appetizer spread, pair them with buffalo wings, mozzarella sticks, and potato skins for the ultimate game day feast. The tangy pickle flavor also cuts through rich foods nicely, making them an excellent side for barbecue or fried chicken.

Troubleshooting Tips

If your pickles aren't getting crispy enough, the most common culprit is excess moisture. Make sure to really pat those pickle slices dry before breading. Another trick is to let the breaded pickles sit for 5-10 minutes before air frying to allow the coating to set. If the breading falls off during cooking, try pressing it more firmly onto the pickles during the breading process, or consider a double dip in the egg mixture and breadcrumbs for a more secure coating.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I make sure my air fried pickles turn out crispy?

For maximum crispiness, thoroughly pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels before breading. Don't overcrowd your air fryer basket - arrange them in a single layer with space between each piece. A light spray of oil on both sides also helps achieve that golden crunch. Cooking in batches is better than cramming them all in at once.

→ Can I use dill pickle spears instead of slices?

Yes, you can use pickle spears instead of slices, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Pickle spears are thicker and will require about 2-3 minutes longer cooking time. You might also want to flip them halfway through for even browning.

→ What can I substitute for panko breadcrumbs?

If you don't have panko breadcrumbs, you can use regular breadcrumbs, crushed cornflakes, crushed crackers, or even a mixture of breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Each alternative will provide a slightly different texture and flavor profile.

→ Can I make these ahead of time?

These pickle chips are best served immediately after cooking while they're still hot and crispy. However, you can bread the pickles ahead of time and refrigerate them (covered) for up to 4 hours before air frying. The dip can be made up to 24 hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

→ What other dips work well with air fried pickles?

While the provided creamy dip is delicious, other great options include ranch dressing, spicy remoulade, honey mustard, buffalo sauce, or even a sriracha mayo. For something lighter, try tzatziki or a herb-infused Greek yogurt dip.

→ How do I reheat leftover air fried pickles?

To reheat leftover air fried pickles, place them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes until heated through and crispy again. Avoid microwaving as this will make them soggy. Reheated pickles won't be quite as crispy as freshly made ones, but they'll still be tasty.