Crispy Fried Pickles (Printable)

Tangy dill pickles with seasoned crunchy breading, air-fried until golden for a lighter, tasty snack.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pickles

01 - 16 dill pickle chips or slices, patted dry

→ Breading

02 - 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
03 - 2 large eggs
04 - 1 tablespoon milk
05 - 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
06 - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
07 - 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
08 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
09 - 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

→ For Serving

11 - Ranch or preferred dipping sauce

# How to Make It:

01 - Set air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
02 - Arrange three shallow bowls: flour in the first, whisked eggs with milk in the second, and the panko mixed with garlic powder, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), salt, and pepper in the third.
03 - Thoroughly pat pickle slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
04 - Dredge each pickle slice in flour, shaking off surplus.
05 - Submerge floured pickles into the egg and milk mixture, coating both sides evenly.
06 - Press pickles into the seasoned panko mixture until fully coated.
07 - Place breaded pickles in a single layer inside the air fryer basket and lightly spray with cooking oil.
08 - Cook for 6 minutes, flip pickles, spray again, and continue air-frying for an additional 4 to 6 minutes until golden and crispy.
09 - Present immediately with ranch or preferred dipping sauce.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • They're crispy on the outside and tangy inside—a textural contrast that keeps you reaching for one more.
  • Air-fried instead of deep-fried means way less oil and guilt, but honestly you can't tell the difference.
  • Takes less than 25 minutes from start to finish, making them perfect for unexpected guests or sudden cravings.
02 -
  • Patting the pickles dry isn't just helpful—it's the difference between crispy and steamed, and skipping it will haunt you.
  • Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket; give each pickle space or you'll steam them instead of crisping them.
  • The oil spray matters more than you'd think—it's what creates that golden-brown exterior that makes them irresistible.
03 -
  • The oil spray is everything—use an actual oil sprayer, not cooking spray, for better browning and crisping.
  • Don't be shy with the seasoning in your breadcrumb mixture; the pickles have enough tang that they can handle bold flavors.
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