Name: Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe
Prep time: 18 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 pickle spears; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs; ½ cup milk; 1 ½ cup panko bread crumbs; 1 tsp paprika; ½ tsp salt; ¼ tsp pepper; Grapeseed oil spray, as needed

If you love that satisfying crunch paired with a tangy kick, you’re going to adore this Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe. It’s the perfect snack that’s easy to whip up and way healthier than deep-fried versions—plus, it tastes amazing.

A white plate holds nine golden brown crispy fried strips arranged in a slightly overlapping circular shape, with some small green parsley leaves sprinkled on top. To the left side of the plate, there is a small white bowl filled with creamy white dipping sauce speckled with black pepper. In the upper right corner, a small white bowl contains more chopped green parsley. The whole scene sits on a white marbled surface, with a bunch of fresh green parsley visible in the top left area and a cloth with blue stripes partially visible at the bottom left corner. 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 Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I remember the first time I tried air frying pickle spears—game changer! They come out golden and super crispy, with all that tangy pickle flavor shining through, and no greasy mess.

Healthier Crunch: Uses an air fryer for a crispy texture without deep frying in oil.
Simple Ingredients: You can find everything in your pantry and fridge—no fancy stuff needed.
Quick to Make: Ready in just 30 minutes, perfect for last-minute snacks or appetizers.
Customizable Flavor: Easy to tweak the seasoning to match your taste buds.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Before you get started, here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why these ingredients make this Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe so irresistible. A few pantry staples come together with seasoned panko to deliver that perfect crunch and flavor combo.

Flat lay of fresh bright green dill pickle spears, a small white ceramic bowl of fine white all-purpose flour, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white ceramic bowl of creamy milk, a small white ceramic bowl filled with golden panko breadcrumbs mixed with a sprinkle of vibrant red paprika, coarse salt crystals, and cracked black peppercorns scattered gently, all arranged symmetrically in perfect proportions, placed 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

Pickle spears: The star of the show! Choose firm, crunchy dill pickle spears for the best texture.
All-purpose flour: Helps the breading stick to the pickles by giving the coating a base layer.
Eggs: Acts as the glue that holds the breadcrumbs in place.
Milk: Adds moisture to the egg wash, making it easier to coat.
Panko bread crumbs: Light and airy, panko gives you that signature crispy crust everyone loves.
Paprika: Adds a subtle smoky sweetness and lovely color to the coating.
Salt: Enhances all the flavors and balances the tanginess of the pickles.
Black pepper: Offers a mild heat that complements the mild spices.
Grapeseed oil spray: Perfect for getting that golden crunch without excess oil.

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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

The beauty of this Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Whether you want to dial up the heat, add some extra herbs, or swap out ingredients to fit your pantry, these variations help you create your perfect crunchy snack.

Spicy Kick: I love adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or some chili powder to the panko mixture for a subtle heat that pairs perfectly with the tangy pickles.
Garlic Lovers: Garlic powder mixed into the breadcrumbs brings an irresistible savory note. It’s my go-to when serving guests who crave bold flavors.
Gluten-Free Swap: Using gluten-free panko breadcrumbs keeps this snack friendly for gluten-sensitive friends without losing the crunch.
Chip-Style Pickles: If you prefer bite-sized snacks, try making this recipe with dill pickle chips instead of spears—just keep an eye on cook time as they may crisp faster.
Herb Infusion: Fresh or dried dill sprinkled into the breadcrumb mixture gives the spears an even more pronounced pickle flavor that’s fresh and bright.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe

A crispy golden-brown breaded stick is held by a woman's hand with red nail polish, dipped halfway into a smooth, creamy white sauce inside a small white bowl. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface and is surrounded by more breaded sticks that have a crunchy texture with some darker toasted spots. In the background, there is a blur of green herbs adding a fresh touch. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preheat Your Air Fryer for Perfect Crispiness

Start by preheating your air fryer to 400°F. Some models need this step to ensure the cooking temperature is just right, which helps your pickle spears get that golden, crunchy crust instead of a soggy coating. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, so while it’s warming up, you can get your breading ready.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Stations for Easy Coating

Organize three bowls before you start: one with ½ cup of all-purpose flour, a second with a mixture of 2 eggs and ½ cup milk whisked together, and a third with 1 ½ cups panko breadcrumbs seasoned with 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon pepper. This assembly line style keeps the process smooth and ensures every pickle spear is evenly coated.

Step 3: Dry Your Pickles to Keep the Coating Crisp

Pat your 16 pickle spears dry with paper towels. This step makes a huge difference! Removing excess moisture helps the flour and egg stick better, which means your breadcrumb crust will stay put and become perfectly crispy instead of falling off or turning soggy.

Step 4: Coat Each Pickle Spear Thoroughly

Dip each pickle spear first in the flour, shaking off any excess, then dunk it into the egg and milk wash, and finally roll it in the seasoned panko mixture. Make sure every surface is covered for that irresistible crunch. Repeat with all spears – and don’t rush, this coating sets the stage for your tasty results.

Step 5: Arrange and Oil for Even Cooking

Lay out the breaded pickle spears in a single layer inside your air fryer basket, avoiding overcrowding so the hot air can circulate freely. Lightly spritz the spears with grapeseed oil spray—a neutral oil with a high smoke point that helps the coating brown up beautifully. If needed, cook in batches.

Step 6: Air Fry to Golden Perfection

Cook the spears at 400°F for 6 minutes, then carefully flip each piece to ensure both sides crisp evenly. Continue air frying for another 6 minutes until they are golden brown and crunchy. You’ll know they’re ready when you see that vibrant color and hear a delightful crunch as you bite in.

Top Tip

These tips come from hands-on experience making this Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe and will help you get that perfect crunch and flavor every time.

Dry Pickles Thoroughly: Removing excess moisture is key. I always pat my pickle spears dry with paper towels to help the breading stick and avoid sogginess.
Don’t Overcrowd the Air Fryer: >When I tried crowding the basket, the coating didn’t crisp up well. Cooking in batches lets the spears get evenly golden and crunchy.
Use Grapeseed Oil Spray: Spritzing just a light coat of grapeseed oil helps develop that irresistible golden-brown crust without adding heaviness.
Flip Halfway Through Cooking: >I learned flipping the spears at 6 minutes ensures even cooking and a consistent crispy texture on all sides.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe

A clear glass bowl filled with a smooth, pale yellow batter that has small air bubbles on the surface is placed on a white marbled texture. A woman's hand is dipping a thin, green pickle slice vertically into the batter, partially covered by it. In the background, a white rectangular dish holds several neatly arranged pickle slices, showing layers of light green and yellow, while a white bowl with brown grains or crumbs is partially visible on the right side. The scene is bright and clean with soft lighting. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

For a fresh pop of flavor and color, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill over the crispy pickle spears just before serving. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up the tanginess too. If you love a bit of kick, a light dusting of cayenne pepper or smoked paprika adds a lovely smoky warmth.

Side Dishes

This snack pairs wonderfully with creamy dips like ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or spicy sriracha mayo. Serve alongside crispy sweet potato fries or classic French fries for a fun appetizer platter. They also make an excellent side for burgers, sandwiches, or casual backyard barbecues.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover crispy dill pickle spears in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They'll keep well for up to 2 days. To maintain the best texture, avoid stacking the spears directly on top of each other if possible.

Freezing

If you want to freeze the spears, flash freeze them on a baking sheet first so they don’t stick together, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They can be frozen for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring back the crispiness, reheat the pickle spears in your air fryer at 350°F for about 3–4 minutes. This helps the coating remain crunchy without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dill pickle chips instead of spears?

Absolutely! You can substitute dill pickle chips if you prefer bite-sized snacks. Just keep in mind the cooking time may need to be adjusted slightly since chips are thinner—start checking for a golden crisp after 4–5 minutes per side.

Why is it important to dry the pickles before breading?

Drying the pickles removes moisture that can cause the breading to slip off or become soggy. It helps the flour and breadcrumb coating stick better and results in a much crispier final texture.

Can I use a different oil spray than grapeseed oil?

You can use other high smoke point oils such as avocado or canola oil spray. Grapeseed oil is recommended because it promotes even browning and has a neutral flavor, but alternatives work well too.

How do I know when the pickles are done cooking?

After air frying for a total of 12 minutes at 400°F, the spears should be golden brown and crispy on the outside. Flipping halfway through ensures even cooking. If they’re not quite crispy enough, give them an extra minute or two, but watch closely to avoid burning.

Final Thoughts

Making this Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe is a fun way to enjoy a classic appetizer with a lighter touch. The golden, crunchy crust paired with the tangy pickle center is always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re serving them at a party or just treating yourself to a tasty snack, these air-fried delights never disappoint. I hope these tips and serving suggestions help you create your own perfect batch—happy cooking!