Name: Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 6 whole dill or kosher pickles; 8 oz cream cheese, softened (or substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option); 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional); 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1/3 cup cooked bacon bits (use turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian option); 1 cup breadcrumbs (substitute almond flour for low-carb alternative)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re craving something crunchy, flavorful, and downright addictive, you have to try these Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles. This recipe takes the humble pickle to an entirely new level, transforming it into a crispy, cheesy delight that’s perfect for snacking, appetizers, or even a party showstopper. With tangy dill pickles stuffed with a creamy cheese mixture and finished with a golden breadcrumb crunch, these bites are bursting with bold flavors and a satisfying texture that will leave you hooked. Whether you’re a pickle enthusiast or just love delicious finger foods, Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles are sure to become one of your all-time favorites.

Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles starts with a few simple ingredients—each chosen to balance tanginess, creaminess, and crunch. Together, they create a flavor and texture combo that’s downright irresistible.

Whole pickles: Choose dill or kosher pickles for that perfect tangy kick that’s essential to the flavor.
Cream cheese: Softened for easy mixing, it adds rich creaminess; swap with Greek yogurt for a lighter twist.
Shredded cheddar cheese: Provides melty, savory goodness; any cheese you love works too.
Garlic powder: Packs in a punch of flavor without overwhelming the palate.
Onion powder: Adds depth and subtle sweetness, though it’s optional depending on your preference.
Paprika: Gives a gentle smokiness that rounds out the seasoning beautifully.
Cooked bacon bits: Crispy and salty, they add texture and a savory element; can be replaced with turkey bacon or omitted for vegetarians.
Breadcrumbs: Create the irresistible crispy exterior; almond flour is a great low-carb alternative.

How to Make Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles

Step 1: Prepare the Pickles

Start by slicing your whole pickles lengthwise in half. This not only makes for a neat presentation but also creates the perfect cavity for stuffing. Carefully scoop out the seeds with a small spoon to hollow them out — this ensures the filling stays put and every bite is filled with cheesy goodness.

Step 2: Mix the Filling

In a bowl, combine the softened cream cheese with shredded cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder if using, paprika, and bacon bits. Stir everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and well blended. This filling is where all the rich flavors come alive, so don’t hesitate to tweak the seasonings to your liking!

Step 3: Stuff the Pickles

Now, it’s time to get those pickle halves cozy with the filling. Using a spoon or a piping bag, generously fill each cavity. Make sure you pack in the cheese mixture evenly to balance tang and creaminess in every bite—this makes them irresistibly satisfying.

Step 4: Coat with Breadcrumbs

For that coveted crisp exterior, dip each stuffed pickle half into breadcrumbs. Make sure each one is coated thoroughly but lightly to ensure an even crunch and a beautiful golden color after air frying. If you want to keep things low-carb, almond flour will do the trick here as well!

Step 5: Air Fry the Pickles

Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Lay the stuffed pickles in a single layer inside the basket—you want space for the hot air to circulate and get every side perfectly crispy. Air fry for about 10 minutes, until they’re golden brown and crunchy on the outside but gooey and flavorful inside. The air fryer does all the hard work but gives you that perfect texture you dream of.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked, carefully remove the pickles from the air fryer and let them cool just a bit so the cheese sets slightly. Serve warm, either straight up or with your favorite dipping sauces like ranch or a spicy mayo to kick things up a notch. These Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles are perfect for sharing, but honestly, you might want to keep them all to yourself!

How to Serve Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles

Garnishes

Sprinkle a bit of fresh chopped chives or parsley on top for a pop of color and fresh flavor that complements the richness. A small drizzle of hot sauce or a dusting of extra smoked paprika can also add a welcome zing and make them look gorgeous on the plate.

Side Dishes

Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles pair wonderfully with crunchy veggies like celery sticks, or a simple side salad to balance out the indulgence. They also go great alongside burgers, sandwiches, or even as a zesty snack during game day or movie night.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun appetizer platter, arrange these stuffed pickles with toothpicks for easy grabbing. You can also serve them on a bed of greens or nestle them between slices of deli meats and cheeses for a playful twist on a charcuterie board.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any of these delicious Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles left (though it’s hard to believe!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to 2 days without losing too much of their signature crispiness.

Freezing

Freezing stuffed pickles isn’t ideal because the texture can suffer, especially the pickle itself becoming watery after thawing. For best results, enjoy them fresh, but you can freeze the filling mixture separately if you want to prep in advance.

Reheating

To revive that crispy exterior, reheat leftover Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles in your air fryer at 350°F (175°C) for 3-4 minutes. This will refresh their crunch and warm up the cheesy filling without making them soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pickles for this recipe?

Absolutely! While dill or kosher pickles are preferred for their tang and firmness, you can experiment with bread-and-butter or sweet pickles if you prefer a milder, sweeter flavor. Just make sure the pickles aren’t too soft so they hold up during air frying.

Is there a vegetarian version of Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles?

Yes! Simply omit the bacon bits or replace them with vegetarian bacon alternatives or crispy fried onions. The cheese mixture is already rich and flavorful enough to stand on its own.

What dipping sauces go well with these stuffed pickles?

They’re fantastic with ranch dressing, spicy mayo, blue cheese dip, or even a honey mustard sauce. Pick whatever suits your palate or mix it up each time you serve!

Can I bake these instead of using an air fryer?

You can bake them at 400°F (200°C) for about 15-20 minutes until golden and crispy, but the air fryer tends to give you a better crunch with less oil and a quicker cook time.

How do I prevent the filling from leaking out?

Make sure to hollow out the pickles carefully and pack the filling firmly but not overstuffed. Using a piping bag helps control the amount and placement of the filling, keeping everything neatly inside.

Final Thoughts

Trust me, once you try these Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles, they’ll be a recipe you come back to again and again. They are quick to make, packed with delicious flavor, and have that perfect crispy-cheesy texture that’s downright addictive. Plus, the air fryer makes cooking them so simple and mess-free! So go ahead, gather your ingredients and treat yourself to these amazing bites—you won’t regret it!

Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 22 reviews

Author: Naomi
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 12 stuffed pickle halves 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

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Description

These Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles are a deliciously crispy and tangy snack perfect for any occasion. Halved pickles are hollowed out and filled with a creamy cheese mixture seasoned with garlic, onion powder, paprika, and bacon bits, then coated with breadcrumbs for an irresistible crunch. Air-fried to golden perfection, these bites offer a perfect balance of smoky, savory, and tangy flavors, ideal as appetizers or party snacks.

Ingredients

Scale

Pickles

6 whole dill or kosher pickles

Filling

8 oz cream cheese, softened (or substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon onion powder (optional)
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/3 cup cooked bacon bits (use turkey bacon or omit for vegetarian option)

Coating

1 cup breadcrumbs (substitute almond flour for low-carb alternative)

Instructions

Prepare the Pickles: Slice each pickle in half lengthwise. Using a small spoon, carefully scoop out the seeds and flesh to create a cavity for stuffing while maintaining the pickle’s shape.
Mix the Filling: In a bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and cooked bacon bits. Stir well until the mixture is uniformly blended and creamy. Adjust spices based on your preference.
Stuff the Pickles: Using a spoon or piping bag, generously fill each hollowed pickle half with the cheese mixture, pressing to ensure it is well-packed for maximum flavor in every bite.
Coat with Breadcrumbs: Dip each stuffed pickle half into the breadcrumbs, coating all sides evenly. This step is essential for creating a crispy exterior when air-fried.
Air Fry the Pickles: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the stuffed pickles in a single layer inside the basket without overcrowding. Air fry for 10 minutes or until the coating turns golden brown and crispy.
Serve and Enjoy: Remove the stuffed pickles from the air fryer and let them cool slightly. Serve warm, optionally with dipping sauces such as ranch dressing or spicy mayo for added flavor.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, omit bacon bits or substitute with smoked paprika for smoky flavor.
Use almond flour instead of breadcrumbs for a gluten-free or low-carb option.
Adjust seasoning quantities to your taste preferences.
Ensure air fryer basket is not overcrowded for even cooking and crispiness.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated in the air fryer.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Appetizer
Method: Air Frying
Cuisine: American