Crispy, tangy, and irresistible, these Air Fryer Pickle Balls are the perfect snack or appetizer! Made with a few simple ingredients, these cook quickly and evenly in the air fryer for a crunchy exterior and flavorful interior. A fun and easy recipe that’s sure to be a hit at your next gathering!

Golden brown air fryer pickle balls served with dipping sauce
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If you love a great appetizer, these are some of the best! Made with a few simple ingredients, these will be the hit at your next party, game day food or holiday! My family loves them, and I’m sure that you will too!

Serve with Blackened Ranch (Popeye’s Copycat), Greek Yogurt BBQ Sauce, or Copycat Heinz Mayochup Recipe.

These air-fried pickle balls are amazing!

"Crispy air fryer pickle balls with a crunchy coating"

Why You Will Love This Recipe!

  • Crispy Perfection: These pickle balls come out perfectly crispy, in minutes.
  • Quick and Easy: This recipe is quick to prepare, making it a perfect snack or appetizer for busy days.
  • Flavor Explosion: The tangy pickles combined with the savory breadcrumbs create a delicious flavor that’s both crunchy and satisfying.
  • Perfect for Snacking: Whether for a movie night or a party, these pickle balls are a crowd-pleasing treat that everyone will love.
  • Customizable: You can adjust the seasoning and dipping sauces to fit your flavor preferences, making each batch uniquely yours!

If you love easy air fryer pickle recipes, try my recipe for Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickle Dippers, Air Fryer Dill Pickle Saltines, all served with this recipe for Dipping Sauce For Fried Pickles.

Ingredients Needed

Ingredients needed on kitchen table, measured out in small bowls.
  • Dill Pickles: Add a tangy crunch to the mixture.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds creaminess and binds the ingredients together.
  • Cheddar: Brings a sharp, savory flavor that pairs perfectly with the tanginess of the pickles.
  • Grated Parmesan: Enhances the cheesy flavor and adds a hint of saltiness.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs: Gives a light, crispy coating that makes each bite deliciously crunchy.
  • Egg: Helps bind the ingredients and ensures that the coating sticks to the pickle balls during air frying.

How To Make Air Fryer Pickle Balls

Cheddar cheese added to the pickle ball mixture for a cheesy flavor.

Prepare the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pickles, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended.

Panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan for a crunchy pickle ball crust.

Shape the Balls: Roll the mixture into small balls, around 1 inch in diameter.

Prepare the Coating: In a separate bowl, add the Parmesan cheese, and mix with the panko bread crumbs. In another bowl, whisk your eggs with a fork.

Coat the Pickle Balls: Dip each ball into the egg, then roll in the panko and Parmesan mixture to fully coat.

Formed pickle balls coated in breadcrumbs ready for the air fryer.

Air Fry: Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). Place the coated pickle balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.

Air Fryer Pickle Balls cooked to golden perfection, crispy and delicious.

Air Fryer Pickle Balls Recipe Tips

  • Drain the Pickles Well: Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid from the pickle chips as possible.
  • Chill Before Cooking: After forming the pickle balls, refrigerate them for 10-15 minutes.
  • Use a Light Coating of Oil: Lightly spray the pickle balls with oil before air frying.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Basket: Arrange the pickle balls in a single layer with space between them.
  • Watch Cooking Time: Keep an eye on the pickle balls in the air fryer, as cooking times can vary depending on the model.
  • Serve Immediately: For the best texture, serve the pickle balls as soon as they’re done. They’re crispiest when fresh from the air fryer!
Golden brown air fryer pickle balls served on a plate with dipping sauce.

Air Fryer Pickle Balls Recipe Faqs

Can I use any type of pickles for this recipe? Yes, but dill pickles are usually preferred for their tangy flavor.

How do I prevent the pickle balls from falling apart? Ensure that the pickle mixture is well-chilled before forming the balls, and coat them evenly in breadcrumbs to help them hold their shape. Press the mixture firmly when forming each ball.

Can I make these pickle balls gluten-free? Absolutely! Swap regular panko breadcrumbs with gluten-free panko or crushed gluten-free crackers for a gluten-free version.

Can I make these in advance? Yes, you can prepare the pickle balls up to a day ahead. Simply refrigerate them until ready to cook.

What’s the best dipping sauce for these pickle balls? Ranch, aioli, or a creamy sriracha mayo pairs wonderfully with air fryer pickle balls. You can try any of your favorite dips for added flavor!

Hand holding a crispy air fryer pickle ball dipped in sauce.

More Easy Air Fryer Pickle Recipes

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Air Fryer Pickle Balls

Air Fryer Pickle Balls

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Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 16 Servings

Description

Air Fryer Pickle Balls are the perfect crispy, tangy snack! Made with a blend of dill pickle chips, cream cheese, cheddar, and Parmesan, these delicious bites are coated in panko crumbs and air-fried to golden perfection. Ideal for game days, parties, or a fun appetizer, they're easy to make and irresistibly tasty!
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Ingredients 

  • ½ cup dill pickle chips, chopped and squeezed dry
  • 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
  • cup cheddar cheese, shredded
  • ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
  • 1 large egg, whisked

Instructions

  • In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped pickles, cream cheese, and cheddar cheese. Mix until well blended.
  • Roll the mixture into small balls, around 1 inch in diameter.
  • In a separate bowl, add the Parmesan cheese, and mix with the panko bread crumbs. In another bowl, whisk your eggs with a fork.
  • Dip each ball into the egg, then roll in the panko and Parmesan mixture to fully coat.
  • Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees F (190°C). Place the coated pickle balls in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t touch. Set cook time for 8-10 minutes or until golden and crispy, shaking the basket halfway through.

Equipment

  • Cooking Spray
  • Parchment Paper, optional

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 65kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 3gFat: 5gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.3gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0.001gCholesterol: 26mgSodium: 151mgPotassium: 27mgFiber: 0.1gSugar: 0.4gVitamin A: 192IUVitamin C: 0.1mgCalcium: 83mgIron: 0.2mg

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