Crispy air fryer pickles with ranch dip on a rustic plate.

Air Fryer Pickles (Crispy Dill Chips)

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By LunaChef – 08/10/2025

Crispy, crunchy, and tangy, these Air Fryer Pickles are the ultimate game-day snack that taste deep-fried but use almost no oil at all.

If you’ve ever had fried pickles at a diner or fair, you’ll love this lighter, mess-free version. The air fryer gives them that golden crunch on the outside while keeping the dill-pickle zing alive inside.

Serve them with a creamy ranch dip or spicy sriracha mayo, and you’ve got a quick snack everyone will beg for seconds of.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Main Ingredients

  • 1 jar dill pickle chips (about 20 slices, drained and patted dry)
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • Cooking spray (olive oil or avocado oil)
Ingredients for making air fryer pickles laid out on a wooden kitchen counter.
Ingredients for making air fryer pickles

Optional for Serving:

  • Ranch dressing or spicy aioli
  • Fresh parsley for garnish

Total time: 15 minutes | Serves: 3–4 | Skill Level: Easy

Step-by-Step Directions

Step 1: Prep the Pickles

Drain the dill pickle chips and pat them completely dry with paper towels.
This step is key, moisture = soggy coating.

Step 2: Set Up Your Breading Station

Prepare three bowls:

  1. Flour mixture: Flour, garlic powder, paprika, black pepper.
  2. Egg wash: Whisk two eggs.
  3. Breadcrumbs: Panko breadcrumbs for that crispy texture.

Dip each pickle chip in flour → egg → breadcrumbs (in that order).
Press lightly so the coating sticks.

Dipping pickle slices into flour, egg wash, and breadcrumbs for air frying.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

  1. Preheat air fryer to 380°F (193°C) for 3 minutes.
  2. Arrange pickles in a single layer in the basket.
  3. Lightly spray tops with oil.
  4. Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway until golden and crisp.

Pro Tip: For extra crunch, add 2 more minutes at 400°F at the end.

Breaded pickle chips cooking in an air fryer basket until golden brown.
Breaded pickle chips cooking in an air fryer basket until golden brown.

Step 4: Serve & Dip

Let the pickles cool slightly, they’ll crisp up even more as they rest.
Serve warm with ranch or a spicy dipping sauce.

Dipping a crispy air fryer pickle chip into ranch dressing.
Dipping a crispy air fryer pickle chip into ranch dressing.

LunaChef Tips for Perfect Crispy Pickles

  • Pat Dry Thoroughly: Moisture is the enemy of crunch.
  • Use Panko, Not Regular Breadcrumbs: It makes all the difference.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Airflow = crispiness.
  • Upgrade Your Dip: Mix ½ cup ranch + 1 tsp hot sauce for a quick kick.

Flavor Variations

  1. Spicy Dill Chips: Add ¼ tsp cayenne or chili powder to flour mix.
  2. Parmesan-Crusted Pickles: Stir 2 tbsp grated Parmesan into breadcrumbs.
  3. Sweet Heat Pickles: Use bread-and-butter pickles with a pinch of cayenne.
  4. Buttermilk Battered: Soak pickles in buttermilk before breading for extra tang.

Storage & Reheating

  • To Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
  • To Reheat: Air fry at 360°F for 3 minutes, they’ll crisp right back up.
  • Avoid: Microwaving, which makes them soggy.

FAQ

Can I use pickle spears instead of chips?

Yes! Just increase the cook time to 12 minutes and flip halfway.

Can I make these gluten-free?

Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, they crisp beautifully.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, but air fry in batches to keep the coating crunchy.

How do I make them spicy?

Add cayenne, chipotle powder, or chili flakes to the flour mixture.

For more delicious air fryer recipes and techniques, check out our Complete Air Fryer Snacks & Appetizers with 15+ Snacks & Appetizers AIR FRYER RECIPES. For more Follow us in Pinterest

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