If you love a snack that’s both delightfully crispy and bursting with tangy, spicy flavor, then you’re going to adore this Air Fried Spicy Pickle Chips Recipe. These crunchy little gems are air fried to golden perfection, offering a healthier take on the classic fried pickle with an exciting kick from a fiery, crunchy coating. Whether you’re craving something unique for game day, a flavorful appetizer, or just a tasty treat, this recipe delivers on all fronts with bold seasoning, crunchy textures, and that unmistakable pickle zing that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the perfect balance of crispy, spicy, and tangy is all about simple, thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each element plays a key role, from the fresh pickles that bring the briny punch to the spicy seasoning and crunch-packed coating that make every bite irresistible.
- 4-5 large pickles: Choose firm, dill pickles for the best crunch and tang.
- 1/2 cup flour: Helps the coating stick perfectly to the pickle chips.
- 1 tablespoon Spicy Dan O’s Seasoning: Adds that smoky, spicy depth—swap with your favorite spicy seasoning if you like.
- 2 eggs: Acts as the adhesive between the pickle and the crunchy coating.
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs: For a light, crispy texture that’s essential in air frying.
- 1/2 cup blended hot Cheetos: Packed with fiery flavor and vibrant color, these make the coating unforgettable.
- Cooking spray: To help the coating crisp up without excess oil.
How to Make Air Fried Spicy Pickle Chips Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Pickle Chips
Start by slicing your large pickles into chips roughly the width of your pinky finger. This size is perfect for even cooking and satisfying crunch. Pat the slices dry thoroughly using paper towels, as excess moisture can prevent a crispy coating.
Step 2: Crush the Hot Cheetos
While drying the pickles, blitz the hot Cheetos in a food processor until finely crushed, or crush them by hand for a bit of rustic texture. This fiery powder will provide a vibrant, spicy crust that complements the pickle’s tang beautifully.
Step 3: Prepare the Dredging Stations
Set up three shallow bowls: one with flour mixed with the spicy seasoning, one with beaten eggs, and the last with panko combined with your crushed hot Cheetos. Each station adds layers of flavor and crispiness to your pickle chips.
Step 4: Coat the Pickle Chips
Dip each pickle chip first into the seasoned flour, then the eggs, and repeat that step one more time for extra adhesion. Finally, press each chip firmly into the panko and hot Cheetos mixture, making sure every inch is covered for maximum crunch and flavor.
Step 5: Air Fry to Perfection
Spray both sides of the coated pickle chips lightly with cooking spray. This step is essential for that golden, crispy finish without deep frying. Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer basket and cook at 400°F (around 200°C) for approximately 15 minutes, flipping halfway through for even crisping.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once golden brown and irresistible, pull the chips from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dip. Whether ranch, spicy mayo, or a cool yogurt sauce, these pickles shine best with a creamy complement.
How to Serve Air Fried Spicy Pickle Chips Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling chopped fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro adds a burst of freshness that balances out the spice and crunch beautifully. A dusting of extra Spicy Dan O’s seasoning or a squeeze of fresh lime juice right before serving can also elevate the flavors.
Side Dishes
Air Fried Spicy Pickle Chips Recipe pairs wonderfully with classic American fare—think juicy burgers, crispy chicken sandwiches, or BBQ ribs. They also make a flavorful contrast next to creamy slaws or simple green salads, providing a crunchy, zesty punch.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun party presentation, serve these pickle chips stacked in a tall glass or skewered with toothpicks alongside mini dipping bowls. They also work surprisingly well as a crunchy, spicy topping for loaded nachos or even salads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (though that would be tough), store them in an airtight container in the fridge. To maintain some crispiness, place a paper towel under the chips to absorb any moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze these chips after air frying on a baking sheet in a single layer to prevent sticking. Once frozen solid, transfer to a freezer-safe bag. Reheat directly from frozen to retain texture.
Reheating
To bring back that fresh-crisp crunch, reheat leftover pickle chips in the air fryer for about 3-5 minutes at 375°F. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it tends to make the coating soggy.
FAQs
Can I use regular fried pickles batter for this Air Fried Spicy Pickle Chips Recipe?
While a traditional batter could work, this recipe’s layered flour-egg-crumb method ensures the coating sticks and crisps up perfectly in the air fryer without sogginess.
Is it necessary to use hot Cheetos in the coating?
Hot Cheetos add unique spicy flavor and vibrant color, but you can substitute with other spicy crushed chips or seasoned breadcrumbs if you prefer.
Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?
To make it vegan, you can replace eggs with a flax egg or aquafaba, and use vegan-friendly seasoning. The rest of the ingredients are naturally dairy-free.
What dipping sauces pair best with Air Fried Spicy Pickle Chips Recipe?
Ranch dressing, garlic aioli, or a zesty chipotle mayo are classics that complement the tang and spice perfectly. Even a simple sour cream dip with herbs works beautifully.
How spicy is this recipe?
This recipe has a noticeable spicy kick from the seasoning and hot Cheetos, but it’s not overwhelming. Adjust the seasoning to suit your heat preference.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to wow your friends or just treat yourself to a snack that’s bursting with flavor and crunch, the Air Fried Spicy Pickle Chips Recipe is a must-try. It’s a simple, fun way to enjoy pickles with an exciting spicy twist, all while keeping things lighter with air frying. Trust me, once you make these, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to snacks!
PrintAir Fried Spicy Pickle Chips Recipe
Crispy, spicy, and irresistibly tangy, these Air Fried Spicy Pickles are the perfect snack or appetizer. Coated in a crunchy blend of panko breadcrumbs and crushed hot Cheetos, and cooked to golden perfection in the air fryer, they deliver a flavorful kick while being lighter than traditional deep-fried pickles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Snack, Appetizer
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Pickle Layer
- 4–5 large pickles
Breading Mix
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon Spicy Dan O’s Seasoning (or your favorite spicy seasoning blend)
- 2 large eggs
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup blended hot Cheetos (finely crushed)
Additional
- Cooking spray
Instructions
- Slice the Pickles: Cut the pickles into chips roughly the width of your pinky finger for ideal bite-size pieces.
- Dry the Pickle Chips: Pat the pickle slices thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the coating stick better.
- Prepare Hot Cheetos Crumbs: Blend the hot Cheetos in a food processor or crush them finely by hand until they become crumb-sized.
- Set Up Dredging Station: In three separate bowls, combine flour with the spicy seasoning in one; beat the eggs in the second; and mix the panko breadcrumbs with the blended hot Cheetos in the third. Mix each bowl well for even coating.
- Coat the Pickles: Dip each pickle chip into the seasoned flour first, then the beaten eggs, repeat dipping again into flour and egg for a double layer, and finally press well into the panko and hot Cheetos crumb mixture to evenly coat.
- Apply Cooking Spray: Lay the coated pickles on a tray and spray both sides generously with cooking spray to ensure crispiness when air fried.
- Air Fry the Pickles: Place the prepared pickle chips in a single layer inside the air fryer basket. Cook at 400°F (about 200°C) for 15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until they turn golden brown and crispy.
- Serve and Enjoy: Remove from the air fryer and serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce for a spicy, crunchy treat.
Notes
- Be sure to dry the pickles thoroughly to prevent soggy coating.
- Double dipping in flour and egg creates a thicker, crunchier crust.
- Use cooking spray generously to achieve a golden, crispy finish without deep frying.
- Adjust the Spicy Dan O’s seasoning to taste or swap with any preferred spicy seasoning blend.
- Hot Cheetos crumbs add an extra layer of heat and crunch, but you can substitute with other flavored chips if desired.
- Serve immediately as the coating may soften if left too long after air frying.
