Name: Air Fryer Pickles Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 pickles (cut into 24 quarters); 1 cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; ½ cup milk; 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs; 2 tablespoons Montreal Steak seasoning or regular steak seasoning; Cooking spray

There’s something incredibly satisfying about biting into a crunchy, golden pickle — and that’s exactly why this Air Fryer Pickles Recipe is such a winner. It’s a perfect mix of tangy, crispy, and just downright addictive, made healthier by air frying instead of deep frying. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want to make these again and again!

A basket lined with red and white checkered paper holds five golden brown crispy breaded strips stacked unevenly. The breading texture is coarse and crunchy with visible herbs and spices. To the right side in the basket, there is a small white ramekin filled with a creamy white dipping sauce with specks of seasoning. The basket sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Pickles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Air Fryer Pickles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Air Fryer Pickles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely can’t get enough of these air fryer fried pickles. They hit that crispy, savory note just right, and you don’t have to mess with a vat of oil, which is a huge plus in my book. Plus, they’re shockingly easy to make, even if you’re new to air frying.

Healthier Crunch: Thanks to air frying, you get all the crispiness of fried pickles with way less oil and guilt.
Quick & Easy: From prep to plate in under 40 minutes—perfect for last-minute snacks or game day treats.
Customizable Flavor: With steak seasoning mixed in the breadcrumbs, they come out with just the right savory kick every time.
Kid-Friendly: These pickles are a hit with my crew, and I bet they’ll be a favorite in your house too.

A white basket holds about eight crunchy breaded sticks, each coated with a golden-brown crumb mixture that has small dark brown and black specks, showing a crunchy texture. The basket is lined with red and white checkered paper, creating a bright contrast with the golden sticks. The background has a white marbled texture, adding a clean and simple look to the setting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The magic of this Air Fryer Pickles Recipe lies in the simple but perfectly balanced ingredients. Each one plays a role in achieving that satisfying crunch and bold flavor we all crave.

Flat lay of six fresh dill pickles cut into quarters arranged naturally, a small white ceramic bowl filled with light golden panko breadcrumbs, a small white ceramic bowl of all-purpose white flour, a small white ceramic bowl containing creamy white milk, two whole uncracked brown eggs, and a small white ceramic bowl holding coarse Montreal steak seasoning, all placed with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Dill Pickles: I like using dill pickle quarters from the refrigerated section for that fresh, tangy bite.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create a lighter, crispier coating than regular breadcrumbs, which is essential for air frying.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg mixture stick to the pickles for an even coating.
Milk: Thins the eggs slightly and helps create a nice base for the breadcrumb coating.
Eggs: Act as the glue that holds the coating together.
Montreal Steak Seasoning: Adds a savory, smoky flavor that gives these pickles a bit of wow factor—you can swap it for regular steak seasoning if you want.
Cooking Spray: Essential for preventing sticking and helping the coating crisp up beautifully in the air fryer.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love about this Air Fryer Pickles Recipe is how easy it is to tweak it to your taste. I often play around with the seasoning or dipping sauces to keep things interesting, and you can too!

Variation: I’ve tried adding a little smoked paprika to the breadcrumb mix for a subtly smoky flavor that really amps up the snack game.
Dairy-Free: Swap out the milk for almond milk or your favorite dairy-free alternative without losing any crispiness.
Spicy Kick: Mix some cayenne pepper or chili powder into the breadcrumbs if you like things with a bit of heat.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free panko and flour alternatives, and it works just as well!

Step-by-Step: How I Make Air Fryer Pickles Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Coating Stations

Set up three bowls: one with the all-purpose flour, another whisked with eggs and milk, and the last with the Panko breadcrumbs combined with the Montreal Steak seasoning. This “assembly line” makes coating the pickles quick and mess-free.

Step 2: Coat the Pickles

Take each pickle quarter and dip it first in flour, shaking off excess, then dunk it into the egg mixture, and finally roll it around in the seasoned Panko breadcrumbs until fully coated. This triple coating ensures max crunch.

Step 3: Air Fry to Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Arrange the coated pickles in a single layer — don’t crowd them, so the hot air can crisp every side evenly. Spritz the tops lightly with more spray, then air fry at 380°F for about 6 minutes. You’ll likely need two batches.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

Once golden and crispy, dig in immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. Ranch, spicy mayo, or even a simple squeeze of lemon works beautifully here.

Top Tip

From my experience making this recipe multiple times, small adjustments can totally change your air fryer fried pickles game. Here are the key things I’ve learned to get perfect results every time.

Don’t Skip the Cooking Spray: Spraying both the basket and the top of the pickles helps achieve that golden crunch and keeps everything from sticking.
Leave Space Between Pickles: Overcrowding means soggy spots where the air can’t circulate — I always cook in batches for this reason.
Watch Thickness: Pickles that are too thick can take longer or turn out soggy inside; I find the standard dill pickle quarters work best.
Season the Crumbs Well: The Montreal Steak seasoning adds a depth of flavor that really lifts this simple snack above the usual.

How to Serve Air Fryer Pickles Recipe

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little fresh chopped parsley or dill over the pickles right before serving—it adds a pop of color and fresh herb flavor that balances the crunchy coating. Sometimes I add a dash of smoked paprika or drizzle some spicy aioli on top.

Side Dishes

These fried pickles pair beautifully with classic game-day snacks like buffalo wings, sliders, or even a fresh garden salad. I often throw together a bowl of homemade ranch or chipotle mayo on the side to dip into.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like to arrange the pickles on a wooden board with multiple small bowls of different dips—ranch, honey mustard, garlic aioli—and a scattering of colorful veggies around. It makes for a fun, shareable platter that guests adore.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover air fryer pickles in an airtight container in the fridge and they keep well for up to three days. When you’re ready to eat them again, just reheat in the air fryer to bring back that crispness instead of microwaving, which tends to get soggy.

Freezing

Personally, I don’t freeze these. I tried once, and the coating lost its crunch completely. Since they’re quick to make, I’d rather air fry fresh than sacrifice texture.

Reheating

Pop them back in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes to re-crisp. Keep an eye on them so they don’t burn, and you’ll enjoy them almost as much as fresh!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?

You sure can! Regular breadcrumbs work fine, but Panko breadcrumbs give a lighter, crispier texture that really shines in air frying. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, just make sure they’re not too fine for the best crunch.

What dipping sauces go best with Air Fryer Fried Pickles?

Classic ranch dressing is a fan favorite, but spicy mayo, garlic aioli, or even a sweet honey mustard all complement the salty tang of fried pickles beautifully. Experiment to find your favorite pairing!

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Swap out the all-purpose flour and Panko breadcrumbs for gluten-free versions. Many stores carry gluten-free Panko, and using gluten-free flour keeps the coating crisp and delicious without compromising the texture.

How do I prevent the pickles from getting soggy in the air fryer?

Giving the pickles enough space in the basket so the hot air can circulate freely is key. Also, spraying the pickles and basket with cooking spray helps them crisp up instead of steaming. Cooking them in batches prevents overcrowding which leads to sogginess.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Air Fryer Pickles Recipe has become one of my go-to snacks whenever I want a crunchy, satisfying treat without the mess or calories of deep frying. The crispy coating, the tangy pickle, and that little savory zing from the seasoning make it an instant favorite in my kitchen—and I’m confident you’ll love it too. So give it a try, and soon you’ll find yourself sneaking in these golden bites whenever the craving strikes!