Dessert

Air Fryer Fried Pickles with Creamy Dipping Sauce Recipe

ByNaomi Fletcher October 17, 2025October 17, 2025

Introduction

Crispy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned, these air fryer fried pickles make an irresistible snack or appetizer. With a crunchy coating and a spicy-smooth dipping sauce, they’re simple to prepare and healthier than the traditional deep-fried version.

A white plate holds a pile of golden brown, crispy breaded rounds, each with a rough, crunchy texture and uneven edges. Next to them, a clear glass bowl filled with creamy white sauce speckled with green herbs sits at the upper left side of the plate. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface, highlighting the warm colors and inviting crunchiness of the fried pieces. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup sliced pickles
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons flour
1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup sour cream
1/4 cup mayonnaise
1/2 teaspoon salt (for dip)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (for dip)
1/4 cup minced onions (the finer the better)
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried dill (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Lay down a couple of sheets of paper towels. Arrange the pickles on the towels and place more paper towels on top. Let them dry for a few minutes to remove excess moisture.
Step 2: In a shallow dish, whisk together the eggs, flour, hot sauce, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
Step 3: In another shallow dish, add the panko breadcrumbs.
Step 4: Working one at a time, dip each pickle slice into the egg mixture, then coat it thoroughly with breadcrumbs. Transfer the coated pickles to a baking sheet.
Step 5: Preheat your air fryer to 400°F. Arrange the pickles in a single layer with space between each. Lightly spray with oil and air fry for 5-7 minutes. Flip the pickles, spray with oil again, and air fry for an additional 5-7 minutes until golden and crispy.
Step 6: For the dipping sauce, combine sour cream, mayonnaise, salt, black pepper, minced onions, garlic, and dried dill in a small bowl. Mix well and serve alongside the hot fried pickles.

Tips & Variations

For extra crispiness, double-dip the pickles by repeating the egg wash and breadcrumb coating.
Try adding smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture for a smoky, spicy kick.
If you prefer a dairy-free dip, substitute the sour cream and mayonnaise with plain vegan yogurt and vegan mayo.
Use dill pickles for the classic flavor or spicy pickles for a heat boost.

Storage

Store any leftover fried pickles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat and maintain crispness, air fry them again at 350°F for 3-4 minutes. The dip can be refrigerated separately and kept for up to 3 days.

How to Serve

A white plate holds a pile of crispy, golden-brown fried pickle slices, each coated in a crunchy textured breading. To the back left of the plate, there is a small clear glass bowl filled with a creamy, white dipping sauce speckled with green herbs. The plate is set on a white marbled surface that adds a soft, natural background to the dish. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen pickles for this recipe?

It’s best to use fresh sliced pickles that are well-drained and patted dry. Frozen pickles tend to release too much moisture and won’t crisp up well in the air fryer.

What can I use as an alternative to panko breadcrumbs?

You can use crushed cornflakes, regular breadcrumbs, or even crushed tortilla chips for different textures and flavors, but panko gives the crispiest result.