Air Fryer Pickle Spears

Air-fried breaded pickles on a plate with a bowl of dip.

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5 from 1 vote

Air Fryer Pickle Spears

Easy to make and super crispy, these air fryer pickle spears are the perfect tangy crunchy snack or appetizer.

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Total Time15

Course: Appetizer

Cuisine: Canadian

Servings:

Calories: 277kcal

Author: Jacqueline Piper

Equipment

Instant Pot Vortex Plus Air Fryer

Ingredients

12 pickle spears or cut 3 large pickle into 1/4's lengthwise
½ cup all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 teaspoons hot sauce
½ cup cold water
½ teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
½ teaspoon dried dill
½ teaspoon garlic powder
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Cut whole pickles in half lengthways, and then cut each half in half lengthways again. You'll end up with 4 quarters. These are your pickle spears.
Preheat the air fryer too 400°F (200°C)
Mix the flour, cornstarch, spices, water, and hot sauce in a small bowl.
Place the breadcrumbs in another small bowl.
Bread the pickles: It's best to keep a 'dry hand' and a 'wet hand'. With your wet hand, dip a pickle spear into the flour batter and let the excess drip off. Place the spear in the bowl of breadcrumbs.
With your dry hand, roll each dipped spear into breadcrumbs.
Place the breaded pickle in a single layer on the air-fryer baking sheet. Leave space between the pickles for airflow.
Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping halfway for even cooking. Rotate baking sheets if needed. (Mine has a top rack and bottom rack for the trays. This won't apply to basket style air fryers.)

Video

Notes

You probably have a small bit of extra crumbs, about 1/4 cup of batter left over.

If you want to spray the breaded spears with oil before cooking for extra browning, do this before placing them on the baking tray or basket. I've read that cooking spray can damage non-stick cookware and bakeware over time. You could use an oil mister instead.

For best results, dry the pickle spears well before battering and breading. This helps ensure the batter doesn't just slide off of the pickle.

Preheat your air fryer.

Flip the pickles halfway for even browning.

Leave space between the pickle spears for the hot air to flow for even cooking and maximum crispiness.

Bigger pickles may take a minute or two longer.

Nutrition