These Airfryer “Fried” Pickles are crispy, tangy, and packed with flavor — without breadcrumbs, deep frying, or added sugar. They’re a healthier, diabetic-friendly air fryer pickle recipe that delivers crunch and spice without spiking blood sugar. Paired with a bold spicy dipping sauce, this is the kind of snack that tastes indulgent but fits a low-carb lifestyle.
Why Make Fried Pickles in the Air Fryer?
Traditional fried pickles are usually deep fried with flour, breadcrumbs, or panko — which adds unnecessary carbs. Making fried pickles in the air fryer keeps them crispy while using far less oil and no refined flour.
This version is:
- Low carb
- Diabetic-friendly
- Made without breadcrumbs or panko
- Quick and easy
Yes — this recipe uses almond flour and Parmesan instead of breadcrumbs or panko.
Can I use pickle spears instead of chips?
Yes, just slice spears lengthwise and increase cook time by 1–2 minutes.
How do I store leftovers?
These are best fresh, but you can reheat them in the air fryer at 375°F for 3–4 minutes.
Ingredients
Method
- Drain the pickles and pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is essential for crispy air fryer pickles.
- In a bowl, whisk the egg.
- In a separate bowl, mix almond flour, Parmesan, garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, black pepper, and cayenne.
- Dip each pickle chip into the egg, then coat evenly in the almond flour mixture.
- Place pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Lightly spray with cooking spray.
- Air fry for 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and crispy.
- Let rest 1–2 minutes before serving — they crisp even more as they cool.
- For the Spicy Jalapeno Garlic Dipping Sauce:
- Mix all ingredients in a bowl.
- Taste and adjust heat as desired
Tips for Extra Crispy Air Fryer Pickles
- Always dry pickles thoroughly
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket
- Use pickle chips instead of thick spears for maximum crunch
- Flip halfway through cooking
Variations
- Extra Spicy: Add hot sauce or chipotle powder to the sauce
- No Egg Option: Use a thick Greek yogurt dip to coat before breading
- Cheesy Pickles: Increase Parmesan slightly for more crispiness
Are Air Fryer Fried Pickles Healthy?
Compared to traditional deep frying, healthy air fryer fried pickles use less oil and avoid refined flour. This makes them a better option for people managing blood sugar or following a low-carb or diabetic-friendly diet.
