A Warm, Crunchy DelightI remember the first time I tried fried pickles at a local fair. The sound of the batter sizzling in hot oil and the smell of tangy dill filled the air. The moment I took a bite, the combination of crunch and the juicy pickle startled my taste buds in the best way possible. Now, being able to recreate that joy at home with an air fryer means so much to me. This recipe matters because it allows us to enjoy fried pickles without the extra oil, making it a fun and slightly healthier snack. What’s special about these air fryer fried pickles is their perfect golden-brown crust, giving you that satisfying crunch without the guilt.
Why Make This Recipe
Fried pickles are a fun appetizer, and making them in an air fryer offers a healthier twist. They are crunchy, tangy, and satisfying, whether you serve them at a party or enjoy them as a snack during a movie night. The simple ingredients mean you can whip them up quickly, and they pair wonderfully with various dipping sauces. Plus, frying them in the air fryer makes cleanup a breeze!
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Ingredients:
- Dill pickles
- Buttermilk
- Cornmeal
- All-purpose flour
- Paprika
- Black pepper
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Cooking spray
Directions:
- Slice the dill pickles into thick slices.
- In a bowl, soak the pickle slices in buttermilk for about 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Remove the pickles from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge them in the flour mixture.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated pickles in a single layer.
- Spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.
How to Serve Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Serve your air fryer fried pickles hot and crispy. They go great with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or a tangy dipping sauce. You can also sprinkle some fresh herbs on top for an extra pop of flavor.
How to Store Air Fryer Fried Pickles
If you have leftovers, let the fried pickles cool completely. Store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. Reheat them in the air fryer for a few minutes to regain that crispiness.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles
- Make sure the pickles are thickly sliced to withstand the coating.
- Let the coated pickles sit for a minute before air frying to help the breading stick.
- Experiment with different spices in the flour mixture for additional flavor.
Variation
You can try using different types of pickles, such as bread and butter pickles or spicy pickles, to create unique flavors. Adding some crushed red pepper flakes to the coating mix can give a nice kick!
FAQs
1. Can I use homemade dill pickles?
Yes, homemade pickles work perfectly in this recipe!
2. Can I use other types of breading?
Absolutely! You can use panko breadcrumbs for a different texture.
3. What dipping sauces go well with fried pickles?
Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, and honey mustard are all delicious options!

Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Ingredients
For the coating
- 1 cup Cornmeal
- 1 cup All-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 1 teaspoon Black pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Onion powder
- 1 teaspoon Salt
For the fried pickles
- 1 jar Dill pickles Thickly sliced
- 1 cup Buttermilk For soaking
- as needed spray Cooking spray For greasing the air fryer basket
Method
Preparation
- Slice the dill pickles into thick slices.
- In a bowl, soak the pickle slices in buttermilk for about 30 minutes.
- In another bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, paprika, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
Breading and Cooking
- Remove the pickles from the buttermilk, allowing excess to drip off, then dredge them in the flour mixture.
- Spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the coated pickles in a single layer.
- Spray the tops of the pickles with cooking spray.
- Cook for about 10-12 minutes or until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.
Serving
- Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce.