Fried pickles are one of my favorite restaurant appetizers, but I rarely make them at home because of the time it takes. These frozen fried pickles in the air fryer are the perfect alternative! Starting with frozen allows you to skip the prep and enjoy crispy fried pickles in 10 minutes or less.
Skip the dredging station and air fry up these frozen fried pickle chips to crispy perfection in under 10 minutes! Tangy dill pickle chips are coated in a light breading that makes for a great texture contrast, for a poppable snack or appetizer.
Pair your pickle chips with a variety of different sauces to amp up the flavor! I’m a fan of ranch, but chipotle sauce is great for a spicy kick as well.
Air frying is the perfect method for preparing fried pickles, as it’s faster than the oven, better texturally than the microwave, and uses less oil compared to deep frying.
They make for a perfect snack or appetizer, or even a side dish if you’re looking for alternatives to fries. I like to serve them up for game day or my Super Bowl party, but they’re good any time you want a quick, tangy, crunchy bite.
Ingredients List
Frozen fried pickle chips (such as Farm Rich brand)
Dipping sauce (optional)
Ingredient Tips and Notes
Any brand of frozen fried pickles works fine for this recipe! I have Farm Rich because that’s what WalMart carries, but you can use others like Budweiser (beer battered), Harvest Creations, or Costco
You can also use frozen fried pickle spears and they cook in the same amount of time! Just let them rest for an extra 1-2 minutes before eating, as the pickle itself gets much hotter
How to Cook Frozen Pickles in an Air Fryer: Step By Step
Add your frozen fried pickles into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (some overlap is fine)
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, pausing halfway through to gently flip them. Tip: don’t be too aggressive flipping them or the breading will fall off. Pickles are done when the exterior is browned and the interior reaches 165°F
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces
What to Serve With Fried Pickles
Brats
Hot dogs
Hamburgers
Sliders
Sandwiches
BBQ chicken
Hot chicken
Burnt ends
Brisket
Pork chops
Potato salad
Pasta salad
Egg salad
Deviled eggs
Bloody Mary cocktail
Briny cocktails (vodka, gin, whiskey, or tequila based)
There are lots of great dishes to serve with fried pickles! You can also use them to top sandwiches, salads, or alongside other snacks and apps on your party table.
Yes, you can. The air fryer is a great way to cook frozen fried pickles, providing a crispy texture without deep frying.
This method works well for both pickle chips and spears.
How Long Does It Take to Cook Frozen Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer?
The cooking time typically ranges between 8 to 10 minutes at around 400°F (200°C), but it might vary based on the brand and model of your air fryer.
You should flip the pickles once during cooking to promote even crisping on both sides.
Should I Preheat the Air Fryer for Frozen Fried Pickles?
You do not have to preheat the air fryer for cooking frozen fried pickles, but it can save 1-2 minutes of cooking time if you do.
That is why flipping the pickles during cooking is important, to avoid cold or soft spots when starting with a cold air fryer.
Can I Add Extra Seasonings to Frozen Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer?
Yes, you can add additional seasonings before or after cooking, such as garlic powder, paprika, or cayenne pepper, to enhance the flavor.
Dipping sauces are another great alternative to create different flavor combinations, and allow guests to choose their favorites.
What are Some Ideal Dipping Sauces for Frozen Fried Pickles?
Common dipping sauces include ranch dressing, chipotle mayo, or a spicy Sriracha-based dip.
Experiment with various sauces to find your favorite pairing.
Can I Air Fry Frozen Fried Pickles Without Thawing Them First?
Yes, you can cook frozen fried pickles directly from frozen.
In fact, thawing them might lead to excess moisture, which impacts the texture.
How Do I Ensure Crispy Frozen Fried Pickles Using the Air Fryer?
For crispier results, ensure the pickles are placed in a single layer without overcrowding the basket.
Flip them halfway through the cooking time for even crispiness.
Can I Store Leftover Cooked Frozen Fried Pickles?
You can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for a few days.
Reheat them in the air fryer at 350°F for a few minutes for the best texture.
Recipe Pro Tips
You do not need to add any oil to frozen fried pickles, as it contains plenty in the frozen breading already (in fact, you’ll likely see a sheen of it once the pickles are done)
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, which is why it’s important to flip the pickles during cooking for even heating. If you do preheat, you can reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes
My pickles were perfectly brown and crispy after 8 minutes in a Ninja air fryer, and the temperature was verified via instant read thermometer. Note that other brands of pickles and other air fryers may vary slightly, so adjust as needed!
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Do not refreeze after they have been cooked once
To reheat, air fry leftover fried pickles for 3-4 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through and re-crisped. This also works for restaurant leftovers, though times will vary slightly based on the size of your specific pickles
These frozen fried pickles are a perfect snack or appetizer, made easier thanks to the air fryer. With no prep time involved, they’re a crispy bite that can be on the table in 10 minutes or less!
They’re perfectly poppable and great for dipping too, making them right at home on the Super Bowl spread or for any time you’re entertaining.
I love to keep a box in the freezer and just break them out when I need a quick appetizer option, or am craving a crunchy, savory snack.
If you have a little more time and want to make a homemade pickle appetizer instead (or you need something without breading), make sure to check out my fun recipe for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles!
Air Fryer Frozen Fried Pickles (Farm Rich)
These frozen fried pickles cook up in under 10 minutes in your air fryer. They’re crispy, savory, dippable, and perfect for the Super Bowl, or as an appetizer or snack anytime!
3Ouncesfrozen fried pickles(such as Farm Rich brand)
Dipping sauce of choice(optional)
Instructions
Add your frozen fried pickles into your air fryer’s basket or rack in a single layer (some overlap is fine)
3 Ounces frozen fried pickles
Cook on the air fry setting at 400°F for 8-10 minutes, pausing halfway through to gently flip them. Tip: don’t be too aggressive flipping them or the breading may fall off. Pickles are done when the exterior is browned and the interior reaches 165°F
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauces, if desired
Dipping sauce of choice
Notes
While I have Farm Rich, any brand of frozen fried pickles works fine for this recipe! Others popular brands are Budweiser (beer battered), Harvest Creations, or Costco
You can also use frozen fried pickle spears and they cook in the same amount of time! Just let them rest for an extra 1-2 minutes before eating, as the pickle itself gets much hotter
Good dipping sauce choices include: ranch, chipotle sauce, honey mustard sauce, campfire sauce, fry sauce, or remoulade
You do not need to add any oil to frozen fried pickles, as it contains plenty in the frozen breading already
I do not preheat my air fryer for this recipe, which is why it’s important to flip the pickles during cooking for even heating. If you do preheat, you can reduce cooking time by 1-2 minutes
My pickles were perfectly brown and crispy after 8 minutes in a Ninja air fryer, and the temperature was verified via instant read thermometer. Note that other brands of pickles and other air fryers may vary slightly, so adjust as needed!
Cook as many servings at a time as you like, so long as they fit in your air fryer without overcrowding (otherwise you’ll get soggy pickles)
Store leftover fried pickles in an airtight container or bag in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Do not refreeze after they have been cooked once
To reheat, air fry leftover fried pickles for 3-4 minutes at 350°F, or until warmed through and re-crisped
Exact nutritional values will vary based on brand of ingredients, any sauces or sides added, and total quantity consumed, so please consider this a guideline only
I enjoy trying new recipes, creating my own, and dabbling with new techniques all the time. My husband loves to protest when I make him my guinea pig, but it’s all for the love of food!
My cooking philosophy is that great tasting food doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming to make. I'm a home cook with over 20 years of experience feeding myself and others. I've learned from a variety of different people, things I've learned online, and some trial and error as well.
I enjoy cooking a variety of foods, from convenience to comfort foods, as well as international cuisine. You can rest assured that all of my recipes have been actually made, thoroughly tested, and most importantly: tasted! I want you to enjoy my food as much as I do!
