Enjoy restaurant-quality delicious, tangy, crunchy Fried Pickles, magically made at home.
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When I first heard of fried pickles out for Sunday Funday I was skeptical, it sounded weird. However, I do LOVE pickles and who doesn’t love fried? TBH I have been hooked. I have never, ever NOT ordered fried pickles when offered on a menu.
I feel like fried pickles appeared out of nowhere next to fan favorites like Crispy Fried Calamari or Chicken Tenders. So where did they come from?
As history states, fried pickles originated in Arkansas at the Duchess Drive-In. They then became popularized around the country at state fairs that fry, literally, everything. Soon, fried pickles were found as appetizers on every Southern BBQ menu around the country, then made their way into sports bars too. Now, let us welcome them into your home.
So, you will love this recipe if you love pickles. Why is this better than your average fried pickle?
One: you can enjoy it at home. I have ordered fried pickles with take-out and they just don’t travel well.
Two: They are not even deep-fried, so you do not have to feel bad about devouring them.
Are Air Fryer Fried Pickles Healthy?
Pickles are fermented, which makes them a great source of probiotics. Probiotics are good bacteria and beneficial to your gut and brain health. They also have beta-carotene and vitamin K.
Air-fried pickles have few calories, making them a perfect and satisfying snack when sticking to a low-calorie and low-fat diet. Traditionally deep-fried pickles from a chain restaurant have over 500 calories per serving, but these delicious guys will only ring in about 50 calories!
While fried pickles are vegetarian, they are not vegan since they contain an egg to make the batter stick. However, you can use any plant-based milk with a dash of vinegar instead. Then pair them with a yummy vegan dip, like we use with this bomb Vegan Buffalo Patties with Avocado Dip.
What are the benefits of air-frying ?
While air-fryers were first introduced circa 2010, they have become insanely popular in the last few years. Now we’re air-frying EVERYTHING, (like Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets and Air Fryer Chickpeas ) and with good reason!
First of all, you are getting the crispiness of fried food without using all that oil. This cuts down your fat and calorie intake incredibly. They are also much safer and cleaner than oil potentially splattering all over the stove and yourself. And your newest, grey cotton T-shirt. That maybe you shouldn’t be wearing cooking, but oops. Why does that always happen with new clothes?? Don’t get me started on white shirts and my luck with sauce and red wine.
ANYWAY! Yes, so air-fryers are the new black. Pro tip: wear black when cooking or better yet, an apron. Let’s get to the recipe!
INGREDIENTS
- 1 16-ounce jar dill pickle slices, drained and patted dry
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray for coating
- Homemade or store-bought remoulade sauce for dipping
INSTRUCTIONS
Prep
Get your air fryer heating up and make sure those pickle slices are nice and dry for the perfect crispy coating.
Egg Wash & Breading
Whisk an egg for the pickle dip, then coat them in whole wheat panko for a healthier crunch.
Spray & Arrange
Give the breaded pickles a light olive oil spray, then lay them out in the air fryer basket, ready for cooking.
Air Fry to Perfection
Watch the magic happen as the pickles turn golden brown and deliciously crispy.
Dip & Enjoy
Serve them up hot with a side of tangy remoulade sauce for the ultimate appetizer experience.
Devour!
FAQs & Tips
Store your air-fried pickles in an air-tight container for 3-5 days. Reheat in your air-fryer to 375 degrees F.
You can use a bit of cornstarch after drying your pickles. Shake off any excess and continue to the egg dip. Also, arrange them in a single layer in your air-fryer basket, and be sure to use a light coating of olive oil spray in the basket and on top of the pickles.
Be sure you are drying your pickles as well as possible before coating them in the batter. Make sure you egg and THEN bread.
While this exact recipe is not GF, you can always replace the breadcrumbs with GF breadcrumbs or GF flour with a couple of spices you have on hand, like garlic or onion powder, or paprika.
Once finished in the air-fryer, place these pickles on a wire rack to cool while you work through your batches.
Serving Suggestions
Fried pickles are a great appetizer and go great with a Southern meal. Serve them with this super easy BBQ Quinoa Chicken or mouthwatering Baby Back Ribs.
Fried pickles are also perfect for game day! Let your guests pick at them with Air Fryer Buffalo Wings and wash it all down with a refreshing Watermelon Margarita !
Air Fryer Fried Pickles
Ingredients
- 1 16-ounce jar dill pickle slices, drained and patted dry
- 1 large egg
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Olive oil spray for coating
- Homemade or store-bought remoulade sauce for dipping
Instructions
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Preheat your air fryer to 370°F. While it’s warming up, ensure your pickle slices are thoroughly dried. This will help achieve the best crunch.
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Crack the egg into a small bowl and beat it lightly. This will be your “glue” for the breadcrumbs.
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Spread the panko breadcrumbs in a shallow dish.
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Dip each pickle slice into the beaten egg, then coat it evenly with the panko breadcrumbs. Lay the breaded pickles out on a clean plate as you go.
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Lightly spray the breaded pickles with olive oil spray to help them crisp up.
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Arrange the pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket (they shouldn’t overlap). If your air fryer is small, cook them in batches.
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Air fry the pickles for 11 to 14 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crispy. Serve the fried pickles hot and crispy with a a side of your favorite for dipping (I like remoulade!).
Nutrition
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