Air Fried Pickles

Love fried pickles? These healthier air fried pickles are coated with seasoned breadcrumbs, and are easy to make at home.

Last winter, my friend Jessica got me hooked on fried pickles.

I'd never tasted them before, and oh my word.

Guys, fried pickles are insanely delicious.

More recently, when I bought an Air Fryer Lid for my Instant Pot, I knew exactly what I wanted to try "frying."

Pickles, of course.

These crispy air fried pickles are made with an egg and seasoned breadcrumb batter, and air fried to crispy perfection.

They're perfect for late night snacking, and pair perfectly with your favorite cocktail. I vote for air fried pickles and a mint julep.

Looking for more air fryer recipe ideas? Try my air fried salmon and air fryer kale chips!

Note: The official Instant Pot Air Fryer Lid seems to be discontinued. You can find off-brand air fryer lids that are labeled as fitting the Instant Pot, or you can use a dedicated air fryer. Some time adjustments may be needed, as each brand seems to cook slightly differently.

What Kind of Pickles Should I Use?

I recommend using dill pickle chips.

Yes, I'm a little biased because I don't care for bread and butter or sweet pickles. That said, fried pickles are normally made with dill pickles.

There's something delicious about the tangy dill with the rich breading.

Use store-bought or homemade dill pickles: either will work perfectly.

And make sure to go with the pickle chips (instead of spears or sandwich slices), because it'll give you that classic fried pickle experience.

What's the Best Breading for Air Fried Pickles?

Most fried pickle recipes use a flour batter, but for the air fryer I prefer a breadcrumb coating.

This recipe uses unseasoned breadcrumbs and mixes in some spices. If you've got seasoned breadcrumbs on hand, you can use those instead.

How to Make Air Fried Pickles

Start by patting the pickles dry.

I want to tell you to use a reusable towel here (for the environment), but I also realize that whatever towel you use might smell like pickles for all eternity. A paper towel might make more sense.

Use your best judgment.

To coat the pickles, simply dip the (dried off) pickles in egg and then in the breadcrumb mixture.

Set them inside the air fryer basket in a single layer.

Make sure to avoid squishing the pickles up against each other, and don't layer them on top of one another. For the air fryer to "fry," the air has to go around each pickle.

When you run out of room, add the air fryer shelf for a second layer of breaded pickles.

Set the air fryer for 11 minutes, and walk away.

While they cook, make the spicy yogurt sauce.

Don't feel like making your own sauce? You can also serve these air fried pickles with your favorite store-bought dipping sauce or dressing.

When the air fryer cook cycle ends, remove the lid to check out your tasty, crispy pickles.

Scoop out the top layer of pickles, and then remove the shelf.

I use my Lodge lid lifter (originally purchased to use with a cast iron dutch oven) to remove the hot metal shelf, but you could also use a fork, metal hook, or even your fingers (if they're not sensitive).

Scoop out the remaining pickles.

Just like regular fried pickles, these air fried pickles are the very best when they're hot and fresh.

When the pickles are done air frying, eat them right away!