We made these air fried pickles with just a hint of Cajun seasoning. They cook in just ten minutes and come out so crispy!
Fried pickles are one of our favorite appetizers to order when we’re at a restaurant. The tanginess of the pickle, the crunch of the breading, and the ranch we use for dipping all just work together to make the BEST appetizer!
You can start with a whole pickle that you slice or yourself or you can buy dill pickle chips. We love Claussen pickles, but any brand that you enjoy will work well here.
For the crispiness, we used panko bread crumbs in the breading. These are light, airy, and super crispy. Panko is perfect for just about every air fryer fried food.
If you want to make this appetizer a big hit, serve it with some homemade ranch dressing. This is slightly thicker than the bottled stuff, so it is great for dipping!
Ingredient Notes:
- Dill pickle slices – Use your favorite brand. We prefer Claussen.
- Panko bread crumbs – Regular bread crumbs can be substituted, but these won’t turn out nearly as crispy. A little hack you can use in a pinch, that isn’t as good but close, is to crumble up some Ritz crackers.
- Cajun seasoning – This adds just a little kick to the breading. We love Tony Chachere’s creole seasoning.
- Paprika – We use smoked paprika for the best flavor, but regular is fine as well.
How to make air fryer pickles:
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- Your pickles need to be dry for the breading to crisp up, so lay them out on a paper towel and pat them dry.
- You will need three shallow bowls. In the first, add flour and cajun seasoning and stir well to combine. In the second add the eggs and whisk until smooth. In the last, add the panko, garlic powder, and paprika and stir those until mixed well.
- Take your pickles one at a time and dip them into the flour, then the egg, then the panko. Do your best to coat them evenly and be sure to get both sides.
- Spritz your air fryer basket with oil spray. We use this oil spritzer.
- Arrange the pickles evenly in an air fryer basket and do not stack them. Work in batches if needed.
- Spritz the pickle slices with oil.
- Cook at 400 degrees F for 10 minutes. Flip halfway through.
What you should serve with your fried pickles:
Fried pickles are primarily served as an appetizer. Frequently, with other appetizers or before an easy meal.
If you are trying to make a group of appetizers you could consider keto avocado fries or kale chips for your diet-conscious attendees.
Sausage stuffed mushrooms are a great air fryer appetizer. And anyone who has navigated our website for any time knows I absolutely love sweet potato fries!
Recipe FAQ:
10-12 minutes at 400 degrees F. You want them to be golden in color, so check them at 10 minutes and go a bit longer if needed. That being said, our made from scratch ones are better than frozen ones!
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can also freeze them, but that is best to do after breading and before frying. If you cooked them, keep them in the fridge. You can reheat them in the air fryer at 375 degrees F for 5-7 minutes.
You shouldn’t. This is a sign of fermentation and they won’t be good, nor as healthy as they otherwise would be.
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Air Fried Pickles
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 cups dill pickle slices
- 1 cup flour
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning see note
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup Panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Drain the pickles and lay on a paper towel lined baking sheet. Pat the dill pickles dry.
- Add the flour and Cajun seasoning to a shallow bowl and stir to combine.
- Add the eggs to a second bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Add the panko, garlic powder, and paprika to a third shallow bowl and stir to combine.
- Dip the pickles first into the flour, then the egg, and then panko being careful to coat the pickles evenly.
- Arrange the pickles in an even layer in an air fryer basket. You may have to work in batches, depending on the size of your air fryer.
- Air fry at 400 degrees for 10 minutes, flipping the pickles over halfway through. After 10 minutes, check pickles for crispness and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes to reach your desired level of crispness.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Nutrition
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Comments & Reviews
Katie says
Can you use spears instead of chips?
Karly says
I’m sure you could, but not sure if the cook time would need adjusted.
Katie says
Recipe for the dipping sauce?
Karly says
It’s linked in the blog post. It’s a homemade ranch.
Dolores says
Can I get your homemade Ranch? Ty
Karly Campbell says
Sure! https://thatlowcarblife.com/best-ever-ranch-dressing/
June Leathers says
Can sweet bread & butter pickles be used in this receipe?
Karly says
Sure! They’ll cook just the same as dill.
Diane says
My husband and I enjoy fried dill pickles and will try them at a new restaurant. Often we are disappointed. By far, these were the best we have ever eaten, and the home made ranch dressing is delicious. Thank you for this recipe!
Karly says
Wow, love to hear that! Thanks, Diane!