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Fried Pickles

Crispy Fried Pickles Recipe

Why pickle is “in trend” now On the one hand, nostalgia and classics (salads, sandwiches, homemade pastries). On the other hand, modern gastro trends: innovative recipes, playfulness (interesting combinations of flavors), “snacks on the go”, “comfort food” with an acid touch. Also, pickle is a relatively inexpensive and accessible ingredient, which makes it convenient to use in many dishes.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 35 minutes
Course Air Fryer
Cuisine American
Servings 4 servings
Calories 290 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 jar dill pickle slices or spears about 16 oz
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 cup buttermilk or milk + lemon juice
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup breadcrumbs or panko
  • ½ cup cornmeal optional but recommended
  • Vegetable oil for frying

Seasonings

  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: cayenne pepper for heat

For ServingRanch dressingSpicy mayoGarlic aioli

Instructions
 

  • Drain and Dry the Pickles

    This step is critical.
    Drain pickles completely
    Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels
    Excess moisture = soggy coating
    Author tip: Let pickles air-dry for 10 minutes if you have time.

  • Set Up the Breading Station

    You’ll need three shallow bowls:
    Flour + seasonings
    Buttermilk + egg (whisked)
    Breadcrumbs + cornmeal
    This classic dredging method ensures a thick, crunchy crust that sticks.

  • Bread the Pickles

    Coat pickles in flour
    Dip into buttermilk mixture
    Press into breadcrumb mixture firmly
    For extra crunch, repeat the buttermilk + breadcrumb step once more.

  • Fry Until Golden

    Heat oil to 350°F (175°C)
    Fry in small batches (1–2 minutes per side)
    Remove when golden brown
    Drain on a wire rack or paper towels
    Serve immediately for best texture.

Notes

Air Fryer Fried Pickles (Healthier Option)

If you love air fryer healthy snacks, this method is a game-changer.

How to Air Fry Pickles

  1. Preheat air fryer to 400°F (200°C)
  2. Spray basket with oil
  3. Arrange breaded pickles in a single layer
  4. Lightly spray tops with oil
  5. Air fry 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway
Result: Crispy, crunchy, and far lighter than traditional fried food.
This makes fried pickles one of the most satisfying air fried food snacks you can make at home.
Keyword air fried food, air fryer healthy, air fryer recipes snacks, best appetizer recipes, best appetizers, fried food, fried pickles