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.
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.

- 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.
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

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

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:
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.
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.
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.
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!
Print
Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Spears Recipe
- Prep Time: 18 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Snack
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Crispy and tangy Air Fryer Fried Dill Pickles are a deliciously crunchy snack or appetizer. Coated in a seasoned panko breadcrumb crust and perfectly air fried for a healthier twist on this classic treat.
Ingredients
Pickle Preparation
- 16 pickle spears
Breading
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- 2 eggs
- ½ cup milk
- 1 ½ cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
Finishing
- Grapeseed oil spray, as needed
Instructions
- Preheat Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 400°F if your model requires preheating to ensure even cooking.
- Prepare Breading Stations: Place the flour in one bowl. In a second bowl, whisk together the eggs and milk until combined. In a third bowl, mix the panko breadcrumbs with paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Dry Pickles: Thoroughly dry the pickle spears with paper towels to ensure the breading adheres properly.
- Coat Pickles: Dip each pickle spear first into the flour, shaking off excess, then into the egg mixture, and finally coat with the seasoned panko breadcrumb mixture. Repeat with all spears.
- Arrange in Air Fryer: Place the coated pickle spears in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure not to overcrowd. You may need to cook in batches.
- Apply Oil Spray: Lightly spritz the pickle spears with grapeseed oil spray to promote browning and crispiness.
- Air Fry: Cook the pickles at 400°F for 6 minutes. Carefully flip each spear and air fry for an additional 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Drying the pickles well before breading prevents sogginess and helps the coating stick.
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer basket to allow even cooking and proper crisping.
- Use grapeseed oil or another high smoke point oil spray for best results when air frying.
- You can substitute dill pickle spears with chips if you prefer bite-sized snacks; adjust cooking time accordingly.
- For extra flavor, add garlic powder or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 spears
- Calories: 210 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 9 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 6 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg



Leave a Reply