These easy Air Fryer Pickle Chips are even better than the ones you get at restaurants. They come out crispy and crunchy every time, packed with tangy, zesty flavor—and they’re simple to make at home in your air fryer.
Whenever we see fried pickles on a menu, that’s our go-to appetizer. But ordering them for takeout isn’t ideal—fried foods often lose their crunch in containers and arrive soggy. Making fried pickles in the air fryer solves that problem: you get the same satisfying crunch you love, without deep-frying or the takeout disappointment.
My version uses a traditional flour-based breading rather than panko. While panko can be lighter, the flour-and-cornstarch coating creates a more authentic, golden crisp and a better flavor that reminds me of restaurant-style fried pickles.
More Air Fried Snacks To Try
- Air Fryer Crab Rangoon
- Air Fryer Naan Bread with Garlic Butter
- Homemade Potato Chips in the Air Fryer
- Air Fryer Ravioli
- Air Fryer French Bread Pizza
Ingredients for Air Fryer Pickle Chips
Pickle chips – use dill pickle chips (not sweet pickles)
Flour – all-purpose or self-rising both work
Cornstarch – the secret to extra crispiness
Seasoning – a Creole or Cajun-style seasoning adds a great kick
Egg – for the egg wash that helps the coating adhere
How to Make Air Fryer Fried Pickles
1. Remove the pickle chips from the jar and pat them thoroughly dry. Removing excess brine is essential so the coating can stick and the chips can crisp properly.
2. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
3. Set up a simple dredging station: in one shallow bowl combine the flour, cornstarch, and seasoning; in a second bowl beat the egg.
4. For each chip, coat with the flour mixture, dip into the egg, then coat again in the flour mixture. A double-dip ensures a crunchy, even crust.
5. Lightly oil the air fryer basket or use a parchment liner designed for air fryers. Arrange the breaded pickle chips in a single layer without touching so hot air can circulate.
6. Spritz the tops with a little oil and air fry at 400°F for about 5 minutes. Flip the chips, spritz again, and cook another 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Total cook time is about 7–8 minutes, but times may vary depending on pickles and your air fryer model.
How Do You Keep Fried Pickles from Getting Soggy?
Drying the pickles before breading is the most important step. Excess juice creates steam during cooking, which makes the coating soft instead of crisp. Use paper towels or a salad spinner to remove as much brine as possible. Also avoid overcrowding the air fryer basket—crowded chips steam rather than crisp.
Tips for Making
- Don’t skip drying the pickles—the coating won’t adhere if they’re wet.
- Fry in batches if needed to keep chips spaced apart and crisp all over.
- Adjust cook time for thicker or thinner pickle slices; thicker chips need a bit longer.
- Try this same coating on banana pepper rings or other sliced vegetables.
- Serve fried pickles immediately for best texture; leftovers will soften but can be reheated.
How to Reheat Leftover Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer
Preheat the air fryer to 350°F. Place leftover fried pickles in a single layer in the basket, lightly spritz with oil, and reheat for 4–5 minutes to restore some crunch.
More Easy Air Fried Recipes
- Air Fryer Chicken Fajitas
- Air Fryer Frozen Tater Tots
- Air Fried Coconut Shrimp
- Air Fryer Navajo Tacos
- Air Fryer Cod
Save Air Fried Pickle Chips for Later
Air Fryer Pickle Chips
These air fryer pickle chips are a quick, crunchy appetizer—much like the restaurant version but easier to make at home.
Prep & Cook Time
Prep: 15 minutes | Cook: 8 minutes | Total: 23 minutes
Servings
Serves: 2
Ingredients
- 1 cup dill pickle chips
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/2 cup cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon Creole or Cajun seasoning
- 1 egg, beaten
Instructions
- Pat the pickle chips dry to remove excess juice.
- Preheat the air fryer to 400°F (200°C).
- Combine flour, cornstarch, and seasoning in a shallow bowl. Beat the egg in a second bowl.
- Dip each chip into the flour mixture, then into the egg, then back into the flour mixture.
- Arrange chips in a single layer in the air fryer basket and lightly spritz with oil.
- Cook at 400°F for 5 minutes, flip, then cook 2–3 minutes more until golden and crisp.
Notes
- Drying the pickles is essential—wet pickles prevent the coating from sticking and make chips soggy.
- Cook times vary by air fryer and pickle thickness. Watch the first batch and adjust as needed.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 4–5 minutes.
Nutritional Estimate (per serving)
Calories: ~107 kcal. Nutrition estimates are approximate; verify independently if needed.