Name: Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 36 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 pickles (cut into 12 quarters); 1½ cups Panko breadcrumbs; 1 cup all-purpose flour; ½ cup milk; 2 eggs; 2 tablespoons Montreal steak seasoning or regular steak seasoning; Cooking spray

There’s nothing quite like biting into a golden, crunchy pickle with just the right tang and a whisper of spice. This Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe is a game changer—you get that deep-fried satisfaction without the mess or guilt. Perfectly crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these pickles are a snack worth making anytime.

There is a white basket lined with red and white checkered paper. Inside the basket are five golden brown crispy coated strips stacked unevenly, showing a crunchy texture with small darker bits. To the upper right inside the basket, a small white ridged bowl holds a thick white creamy sauce with specks of herbs. The whole setup sits on a surface with white marbled texture. 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 Pickles Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore this Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe because it’s quick, easy, and truly irresistible—perfect for when you want a crunchy snack without pulling out a frying pan. Plus, the air fryer gives you that perfect crunch without soaking the pickles in oil.

Easy to Make: The step-by-step process is straightforward, making it ideal for even beginners in the kitchen.
Healthier Indulgence: Enjoy that crispy fried texture with a fraction of the fat thanks to the air fryer.
Versatile Snack: These pickles are great for parties, game days, or a fun twist on an afternoon snack.
Flavor Packed: The Montreal steak seasoning adds a subtle, tasty kick that complements the pickle’s tang beautifully.

A white basket lined with red and white checkered paper holds about eight golden brown crispy sticks. Each stick is covered with a crunchy textured coating that shows small bits of herbs and spices, giving a speckled look with darker brown and light golden areas. The sticks are stacked unevenly, filling the basket, with a few corners and edges showing slightly darker baked spots. The basket rests on a white marbled surface, creating a clean and bright background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a crucial role in giving you those perfectly crispy, flavorful fried pickles. Combining Panko breadcrumbs with seasoning creates that irresistible crunch, while the flour and egg help everything stick just right.

Flat lay of six fresh dill pickles quartered, a small mound of golden panko breadcrumbs in a simple white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl filled with all-purpose flour, a small white bowl holding milk, two whole uncracked brown eggs, a small white bowl containing coarse Montreal steak seasoning, all arranged symmetrically and balanced, 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

Pickles: Dill pickle quarters work best here—they’re juicy with just the right tang, and their size is perfect for frying.
Panko Breadcrumbs: These create an ultra-crispy coating that beats regular breadcrumbs every time.
All-Purpose Flour: Helps the egg and breadcrumbs adhere to each pickle, building a crispy crust.
Milk: Adds moisture to the egg wash and helps with even coating.
Eggs: Bind the flour and breadcrumbs to the pickles and contribute to that golden color.
Montreal Steak Seasoning: Adds a savory punch and a touch of spice without overpowering the pickles.
Cooking Spray: Ensures your pickles come out golden and don’t stick to the air fryer basket.

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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

I love switching up the seasoning mix depending on what I’m in the mood for. Sometimes I go for a smoky paprika blend, and other times I add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat. I encourage you to play around with flavors to find your favorite spin on this Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe.

Variation: For a dairy-free version, swap milk for almond or oat milk and use a flax egg instead of regular eggs—I tried this for a friend and it still turned out crunchy and delicious!

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

Step 1: Prep Your Coating Stations

First up, set out three bowls. One for the flour, another for the beaten eggs mixed with milk, and the last for the Panko breadcrumbs combined with the Montreal steak seasoning. This setup makes the dipping process seamless and keeps your hands clean.

Step 2: Dredge, Dip, and Coat

Take each pickle quarter and gently coat it in flour, then dunk it in the egg mixture, and finally roll it in the seasoned Panko. Make sure the coating sticks well but isn’t overloaded, or it might clump and affect crispiness.

Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection

Spray your air fryer basket with cooking spray, then arrange the coated pickles in a single layer, leaving some space between each so air can circulate. Lightly spray the pickles on top before cooking at 380°F for about 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the exact time can vary depending on your air fryer model.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy!

Once golden and crispy, serve your air-fried pickles immediately with your favorite dipping sauce. I’m partial to a tangy ranch or spicy sriracha mayo, but feel free to experiment.

Top Tip

From cooking this recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make all the difference—especially when it comes to achieving that perfect crunch.

Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Leaving space between pickles ensures they cook evenly and crisp up nicely. It’s tempting to pile them in, but resist!
Use Panko Breadcrumbs: Their light and airy texture is key to extra crispiness compared to regular breadcrumbs.
Spray Generously: A quick spray before and after placing the pickles in the basket helps them turn golden without frying in oil.
Check Early and Adjust: Don’t wait until the timer rings—peek midway to avoid overcooking or burning, especially if your pickles are thinner.

How to Serve Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe

Garnishes

I like to serve these with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or a dusting of smoked paprika—both add a lovely color contrast and extra flavor zing. Sometimes a little lemon wedge on the side brightens things up too.

Side Dishes

Pair your Crispy Air Fryer Pickles with classic sides like sweet potato fries or a light coleslaw. For game day, they’re fantastic alongside buffalo wings or mini sliders.

Creative Ways to Present

For a party, I like stacking them in a fun tower or arranging them around a dip bowl on a large platter. Adding some colorful veggies or edible flowers makes the presentation really pop and impress your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Be sure to let them cool completely before sealing the container to keep them crispier.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing these pickles since freezing tends to make them soggy and lose their signature crunch when reheated.

Reheating

The best way to reheat your leftover Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe is to pop them back in the air fryer for a few minutes at 350°F. This revives that crisp texture without drying them out.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What kind of pickles should I use for this recipe?

I recommend dill pickle quarters for their perfect balance of tang and firmness, which holds up well during air frying. You can find them pre-cut in the refrigerated section of most grocery stores.

Can I use regular breadcrumbs instead of Panko?

Yes, you can use regular breadcrumbs, but Panko breadcrumbs give the pickles a lighter, crispier texture that’s hard to beat. If you only have regular breadcrumbs, consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost the flavor.

Do I have to use Montreal steak seasoning?

Not at all! Montreal steak seasoning adds a savory, slightly spicy flavor that pairs beautifully with the pickles, but you can substitute with your favorite spice mix like Cajun seasoning, Old Bay, or even a simple salt and pepper blend.

What dipping sauces go well with these air fryer pickles?

Ranch dressing is a classic choice, but I also love spicy sriracha mayo or a tangy garlic aioli. For something lighter, a simple squeeze of fresh lemon or a yogurt-based dip works great, too. Feel free to get creative!

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Crispy Air Fryer Pickles Recipe has become my go-to snack when I want something crunchy, flavorful, and satisfying without the hassle of traditional frying. It’s quick enough to whip up any time, and I’m always amazed at how perfectly crispy those pickles turn out. I can’t wait for you to try it—I’m sure it’ll become a favorite in your kitchen, just like it is mine.