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Crispy Air Fryer Pickle Chips

Featured in: Perfect Bites for Any Occasion

These Air Fryer Fried Pickles deliver all the crispy, tangy satisfaction of restaurant appetizers but with the convenience of cooking at home. The magic is in the double-dredging technique - dill pickle slices get coated in a flavorful Cajun-spiced flour mixture, dipped in egg, then coated again for maximum crispiness. What makes these pickles special is keeping them moist rather than patting them dry before breading, which helps the coating adhere perfectly while preserving that signature pickle tang. The air fryer transforms them into golden, crunchy bites without the mess or extra calories of deep-frying. They're remarkably similar to Texas Roadhouse's famous fried pickles but even better because they're served piping hot from your own kitchen. Paired with the optional house remoulade sauce - a zesty, creamy dip with just the right kick - these pickle chips make for an irresistible snack or party appetizer that everyone will rave about.
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Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 01:08:23 GMT
A plate of fried zucchini with a dipping sauce. Pin it
A plate of fried zucchini with a dipping sauce. | tasteofcook.com

Air fryer fried pickles deliver that irresistible combination of tangy pickle and crispy coating without the mess and calories of deep frying. These golden brown pickle chips offer the perfect balance of crunchy exterior and juicy interior that makes fried pickles such a beloved appetizer. They taste remarkably similar to restaurant versions while being much easier to prepare at home with minimal cleanup.

I discovered air fryer pickle chips after craving my favorite restaurant appetizer during lockdown. After several attempts to perfect the recipe, these became a weekly staple in our house. My pickle-skeptic husband now requests them regularly, claiming they're even better than restaurant versions because they stay crispy longer and have more flavor from the seasoned coating.

Perfect Pickle Components

  • Dill pickle chips: Provide ideal tangy foundation
  • All purpose flour: Creates crisp coating base
  • Cajun seasoning: Adds complex spice profile
  • Garlic powder: Contributes savory depth
  • Farm fresh eggs: Bind coating perfectly
  • Cooking spray: Ensures golden brown exterior
  • Mayonnaise: Forms creamy sauce foundation
  • Fresh scallions: Add bright herbal notes
  • Tangy hot sauce: Creates balanced heat
  • Zesty lemon juice: Brightens all flavors
  • Prepared horseradish: Adds optional kick

Preparation Excellence

Pickle Preparation:
Begin by draining pickle slices thoroughly in a colander or mesh strainer. Allow excess moisture to drip away for several minutes, but avoid patting dry completely. A slight moisture level helps the initial flour coating adhere properly to the pickle surface.
Station Setup:
Create an efficient breading station with two shallow bowls. In the first bowl, whisk together flour, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder until evenly combined. In the second bowl, beat eggs until completely blended with no visible egg white streaks.
Coating Technique:
Working with small batches of pickles, first dredge each slice in the seasoned flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage and shaking off any excess. Next, dip floured pickles into beaten egg, allowing excess to drip off. Finally, return to flour mixture for a second coating, pressing gently to adhere.
Proper Arrangement:
Place coated pickles in a single layer on a plate or tray, avoiding overlap. This prevents the coating from becoming soggy before cooking and allows you to prepare all pickles before beginning the air frying process.
Preheating Importance:
Preheat air fryer to exactly 375°F before adding any pickles. This critical step ensures immediate cooking when pickles are added, creating the optimal crispy exterior while maintaining the pickle's juicy interior.
Batch Cooking:
Arrange coated pickles in a single layer in air fryer basket, leaving small spaces between each piece for proper air circulation. Avoid overcrowding which prevents proper crisping. Working in batches maintains quality throughout the cooking process.
Even Cooking:
Spray pickles lightly but thoroughly with cooking spray before cooking. This promotes even browning and creates that golden appearance and crunch associated with traditional deep frying. After flipping halfway through cooking, spray the second side as well.
Perfect Timing:
Cook pickles for 6 minutes on first side, then carefully flip each piece and continue cooking for additional 6 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Cooking times may vary slightly between air fryer models, so watch carefully during the final minutes.
A plate of fried zucchini with a dipping sauce. Pin it
A plate of fried zucchini with a dipping sauce. | tasteofcook.com

My family particularly enjoys these pickles with the homemade remoulade sauce that brings a creamy, tangy complement to the crispy, salty pickles. My daughter originally insisted on ranch dressing until trying the remoulade, and now she won't eat them with anything else. The combination of spicy, tangy, and creamy elements creates the perfect dipping experience.

Perfect Sauce Creation

Combine mayonnaise, finely chopped scallion, freshly grated garlic, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir thoroughly until completely blended into a smooth, cohesive sauce. For additional flavor complexity, add prepared horseradish to taste. Allow sauce to rest in refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld properly.

Creative Variations

Transform this classic recipe by substituting panko breadcrumbs for the second flour coating for extra crunch. Create spicier version by adding cayenne pepper to the flour mixture and increasing hot sauce in the remoulade. For pickle spears instead of chips, increase cooking time by approximately 2 minutes per side and reduce temperature to 360°F for proper cooking throughout larger pieces.

Storage Solutions

Store any leftover fried pickles in airtight container in refrigerator for up to three days. For best reheating results, place in air fryer at 350°F for 3 minutes until heated through and crispness is restored. Avoid microwave reheating which creates soggy texture. Store remoulade sauce separately in refrigerator for up to one week in covered container.

A bowl of breaded zucchini slices. Pin it
A bowl of breaded zucchini slices. | tasteofcook.com

The beauty of these air fryer fried pickles lies in their perfect balance of tangy pickle flavor and satisfying crunch without the heaviness of traditional deep frying. They make an excellent appetizer for game day gatherings or movie nights, and the surprisingly simple preparation means you can enjoy this restaurant favorite anytime without leaving home. I love watching first time tasters' expressions as they discover just how delicious a humble pickle can become.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use pickle spears instead of slices for this recipe?
Yes, you can use pickle spears instead of slices, but you'll need to adjust the cooking time. Spears will take about 2-3 minutes longer to cook through due to their thickness. Make sure not to overcrowd them in the air fryer to ensure they get crispy all around.
→ What can I substitute for Cajun seasoning?
If you don't have Cajun seasoning, you can make your own by combining 1 teaspoon paprika, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/4 teaspoon onion powder, and a pinch each of cayenne pepper, dried oregano, and dried thyme.
→ Why are my fried pickles not getting crispy in the air fryer?
If your pickles aren't getting crispy, there are a few possible reasons: 1) The air fryer might be overcrowded - cook in smaller batches, 2) Not enough oil spray on the pickles, 3) The pickle slices might be too wet - let them drain a bit longer, or 4) Your air fryer temperature might be too low - each model varies slightly.
→ Can I make these fried pickles ahead of time?
These fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh from the air fryer while they're hot and crispy. However, if needed, you can prepare the breaded pickles ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours before air frying. For leftovers, reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 2-3 minutes to restore crispiness.
→ What dipping sauces pair well with these air fryer pickles?
In addition to the house remoulade sauce mentioned in the recipe, these fried pickles pair deliciously with buttermilk ranch, spicy mayo (mayo mixed with sriracha), honey mustard, or a creamy blue cheese dressing. For a lighter option, try a Greek yogurt-based dip seasoned with dill and garlic.

Crispy Air Fryer Pickle Chips

These crispy air fryer fried pickles deliver all the crunch and flavor of deep-fried versions with less oil. Perfect with homemade remoulade or ranch for dipping!

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
30 Minutes
Total Time
45 Minutes

Category: Snacks & Starters

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 6 Servings (40-50 pickle chips)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ For the Fried Pickles

01 40-50 dill pickle slices (about a jar's worth of pickle chips)
02 1½ cups all-purpose flour
03 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (the secret flavor booster!)
04 1 teaspoon garlic powder
05 2 large eggs, lightly beaten
06 Olive oil spray or cooking spray (to help them get golden)

→ For the House Remoulade Sauce

07 ½ cup good quality mayonnaise
08 1 scallion, finely chopped (green and white parts)
09 1 teaspoon fresh garlic, grated or minced
10 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (same as used for the pickles)
11 1 tablespoon your favorite hot sauce
12 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
13 1-2 teaspoons prepared horseradish (optional but adds great kick)

Instructions

Step 01

Fish out those dill pickle slices from the jar and place them in a mesh sieve or colander over a bowl. Let them sit for about 5 minutes to drain off the excess pickle juice. The key here is balance - you want them drained enough that they're not dripping wet, but don't pat them dry with paper towels! That moisture helps the breading stick and keeps all that tangy pickle flavor intact.

Step 02

While your pickles are draining, set up your breading station. In a shallow bowl or pie plate, whisk together the flour, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined. In a separate bowl, lightly beat the eggs. Place these bowls side by side with your drained pickles for an efficient assembly line. Have a baking sheet or large plate ready to hold your breaded pickles.

Step 03

Now for the fun part! Working with one pickle slice at a time, dredge it in the seasoned flour mixture, making sure it's completely coated. Give it a gentle shake to remove any excess flour. Next, dip it into the beaten egg, letting any excess drip off. Finally, return it to the flour mixture for a second coating, pressing gently to ensure the flour adheres well. Place the fully coated pickle on your prepared baking sheet or plate. Repeat this process with all the pickle slices - yes, it takes a bit of time, but this double-breading method is what makes them irresistibly crispy!

Step 04

Once you've got about half your pickles breaded, go ahead and preheat your air fryer to 375°F. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes, so it'll be ready by the time you finish breading all your pickles. Every air fryer model is a little different, so if yours runs hot or cool, you might need to adjust the temperature slightly in future batches.

Step 05

When your air fryer is preheated and all your pickles are breaded, place 12-15 pickle slices in a single layer in your air fryer basket, making sure they don't overlap or touch too much. Give them a light spray with cooking oil on the top side. Cook for 7-8 minutes, then flip each pickle chip over (silicone-tipped tongs work great for this), spray the second side lightly, and continue cooking for another 7-8 minutes until they're golden brown and crispy. Transfer to a serving plate and repeat with remaining batches until all pickles are cooked.

Step 06

While your pickle batches are air frying, whip up the remoulade sauce. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, chopped scallion, grated garlic, Cajun seasoning, hot sauce, lemon juice, and horseradish (if using). Stir until everything is well combined. Give it a taste and adjust any ingredients to your preference - add more hot sauce if you like it spicier, or a touch more lemon juice for extra tang. The flavors will develop even more if it sits for a few minutes.

Step 07

Serve your crispy air fryer pickle chips while they're still warm with a side of your freshly made remoulade sauce or buttermilk ranch dressing. These are at their absolute best right after cooking when they're hot and super crispy! They make a perfect appetizer for game day, movie night, or anytime you're craving that restaurant-style treat without leaving home.

Notes

  1. These air-fried pickles have all the crunch of deep-fried versions but with less oil and mess.
  2. The double-dredging method (flour-egg-flour) is key to getting that extra-crispy coating.
  3. Keep the pickle slices moist rather than drying them - this helps the coating stick better and preserves the flavor.
  4. These taste remarkably similar to the famous Texas Roadhouse fried pickles many people love!

Tools You'll Need

  • Air fryer
  • Mesh sieve or colander
  • Shallow bowls or pie plates for breading
  • Baking sheet or large plate
  • Tongs (silicone-tipped work best)
  • Cooking spray or oil mister

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains wheat (all-purpose flour)
  • Contains eggs
  • Contains eggs in mayonnaise (for remoulade sauce)