Recreate the irresistible crunch of Air Fryer Copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels at home with this easy air fryer recipe. Perfectly seasoned and golden-fried pickles made lighter and quicker with the air fryer!

Close-up of crispy air fryer pickle nickels, a copycat of Red Robin’s, served with a side of dipping sauce.
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Recreate the irresistible crunch of Red Robin Pickle Nickels right in your own kitchen with this simple air fryer recipe! These perfectly seasoned and golden-fried pickles deliver all the flavor and crispiness you love, but with less oil and hassle.

Whether you’re craving a quick snack, a party appetizer, or a tasty side dish, these air fryer pickle nickels are a lighter, faster way to enjoy the restaurant classic.

Pair them with your favorite dipping sauce for an unbeatable combination that’s sure to impress your family and friends!

Crispy and golden air fryer pickle nickels, a copycat recipe of Red Robin’s famous appetizer, served with dipping sauce on a plate.

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Healthier Option: Enjoy the delicious crunch of fried pickles with less oil, thanks to the air fryer.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just minutes, making it perfect for busy days or last-minute cravings.
  • Restaurant-Style Flavor: Recreate the signature Red Robin taste right in your own kitchen.
  • Customizable: Easily adjust the seasoning to suit your personal preferences.
  • Perfect Appetizer or Snack: These crispy pickle slices are great for parties, game days, or casual snacking.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed for Air Fryer Copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels on kitchen table.
  • Pickle slices – Use dill pickle slices for the perfect tangy base that mimics Red Robin’s signature flavor.
  • All-purpose flour – Provides a light coating that helps the batter stick to the pickles.
  • Eggs – Acts as the binding agent to hold the breading in place.
  • Breadcrumbs – Adds a crispy, golden texture to the pickle slices.
  • Paprika – Gives the breading a smoky, slightly sweet flavor.
  • Garlic powder – Enhances the flavor with a subtle garlicky kick.
  • Salt and pepper – Adds essential seasoning to balance the flavors.
  • Cooking spray – Ensures the pickles crisp up beautifully in the air fryer without excessive oil.

How To Make Air Fryer Copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels

Paper towel patting pickle slices to remove moisture.

Step One: Pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

Pickle slice being dipped into beaten eggs to adhere breadcrumbs.

Step Two: Arrange three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Pickle slice coated with seasoned breadcrumb mixture in a shallow bowl.

Step Three: Dip each pickle slice into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.

Air fryer basket sprayed with cooking spray, holding breaded pickle slices arranged in a single layer.

Step Four: Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the breaded pickle slices in a single layer, leaving space between them.

Step Five: Spray the tops of the pickles lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy. Let the pickle nickels cool slightly before serving them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Golden, crispy breaded pickle slices in an air fryer basket, ready to enjoy as a homemade copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels.

Air Fryer Copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels Recipe Tips

  • Pat the pickles dry: Ensure the pickle slices are thoroughly patted dry before breading to help the coating stick better and avoid sogginess.
  • Customize the breading: Feel free to add extra seasoning like cayenne pepper for a spicy kick or Parmesan cheese to the breadcrumbs for more flavor.
  • Don’t overcrowd the basket: Arrange the pickle slices in a single layer with space between them to ensure they cook evenly and become crispy.
  • Use a light hand with cooking spray: A light mist of cooking spray on the pickles and air fryer basket helps the breading crisp up without adding too much oil.
  • Flip halfway through: For an even, golden crunch, flip the pickle slices halfway through cooking.
  • Serve with dipping sauce: These pickle nickels go perfectly with ranch dressing, spicy ketchup, or a tangy garlic aioli.
  • Adjust cook time based on thickness: Thicker pickle slices may require an extra minute or two of cooking time, so check for crispiness and adjust as needed.

Storing

  • Storing: Allow the pickle nickels to cool to room temperature before storing them to prevent condensation and sogginess. Place the cooled pickle slices in an airtight container or zip-top bag. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
  • Freezing: Lay the breaded and cooked pickle slices in a single layer on a baking sheet. Freeze them for about 1-2 hours until solid. Once frozen, transfer the pickle slices into an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. They can be kept frozen for up to 2–3 months.
  • Reheating: (Air Fryer) Preheat the air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Place the cold or frozen pickle slices in a single layer and air fry for 4–5 minutes until hot and crispy. (Oven) Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the pickle slices on a baking sheet and bake for about 8–10 minutes until heated through and crispy.
Golden, crispy breaded pickle slices in an air fryer basket, ready to serve as a homemade version of Red Robin's Pickle Nickels.

What To Serve With Air Fryer Copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels

Air Fryer Copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels make a great appetizer or side dish, and they pair wonderfully with a variety of meals. Serve them alongside juicy burgers, chicken sandwiches, or veggie burgers for a classic comfort food combo. They also go well with fresh salads, offering a crunchy contrast to the light greens, or with crispy sweet potato fries for a delightful mix of savory and sweet. For a full “Red Robin-style” experience, add onion rings or serve with dipping sauces like ranch, spicy mayo, or garlic aioli. You can also complement the tangy pickles with creamy coleslaw or spicy chicken wings for a hearty, crowd-pleasing spread.

Air Fryer Copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of pickle for this recipe? While dill pickle slices are ideal for replicating the Red Robin flavor, you can use any type of pickle slices you prefer, such as bread-and-butter pickles.

Can I make these ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the breaded pickle slices ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator for a few hours or overnight before air frying. You can also freeze them (see “Freezing” section) for later use.

How do I make these pickles extra crispy? To make the pickles extra crispy, make sure to pat the pickle slices dry before breading, use a light spray of cooking spray, and arrange them in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Avoid overcrowding the basket to ensure they cook evenly.

Can I use gluten-free breadcrumbs for this recipe? Yes, you can substitute regular breadcrumbs with gluten-free breadcrumbs to make the recipe gluten-free. The texture will remain similar, and you can still achieve a crispy coating.

How do I store leftovers? Store any leftover pickle nickels in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, air fry or bake them until crispy again.

Can I make these without eggs? Yes, you can replace the eggs with a plant-based option, like a flax or chia egg, or use a dairy-free milk with a bit of flour to create a batter.

Golden, crispy Air Fryer Copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels, freshly cooked and ready to serve.

More Easy Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Copycat Red Robin Pickle Nickels

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 24 Servings

Description

Recreate the crispy, tangy taste of Red Robin's Pickle Nickels with this easy Air Fryer recipe. Enjoy golden, breaded pickles in just minutes, without deep frying!

Ingredients 

  • 16 ounces Pickle slices, dill pickles
  • 1/2 cup All-purpose flour
  • 2 large Eggs , beaten
  • 1 cup Breadcrumbs,
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika,
  • 1/2 teaspoon Garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper

Instructions

  • Pat the pickle slices dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
  • Arrange three shallow bowls—one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with breadcrumbs mixed with paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
  • Dip each pickle slice into the flour, then the egg, and finally the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to coat evenly.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 3 minutes.
  • Lightly spray the air fryer basket with cooking spray and place the breaded pickle slices in a single layer, leaving space between them.
  • Spray the tops of the pickles lightly with cooking spray and air fry for 6–8 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and crispy.
  • Let the pickle nickels cool slightly before serving them with your favorite dipping sauce.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving

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