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What Great Grandma Ate / Recipes / 30 Minutes or Less / Air Fryer Keto Fried Pickles Recipe (4 Net Carbs!)

Air Fryer Keto Fried Pickles Recipe (4 Net Carbs!)

Last Updated on September 15, 2023 by Jean Choi 38 Comments

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Grab a copy of my cookbook, Korean Paleo: 80 Bold-Flavored, Gluten- and Grain-Free Recipes!

These air fryer keto fried pickles are breaded with crushed pork rinds and coconut flour and are so crunchy and addicting! Plus, they are way easier to make than deep-fried pickles and have only 4 net carbs per serving. 

keto fried pickles on a plate with dipping sauce

What Makes This Recipe Great

The first time I tried fried pickles was about 3 years ago. It was such a new concept to me that even though I was gluten-free, I tried several of them at a bar and couldn’t believe how delicious they were. I definitely didn’t feel well afterward being gluten intolerant, but I remember thinking that it was totally worth it. They were that good!

Because it was love at first bite, I definitely had gluten-free, keto fried pickles on my list to make when I bought myself an air fryer. After making these air fryer pickles a few times, I’m honestly so stoked at how delicious and crispy they are!

Making fried pickles in the air fryer is so much easier than the traditional deep-fried pickles, and the cleanup is a breeze as well. These air-fried pickles are made low-carb by using crushed up pork rinds rather than breadcrumbs, but the texture is still so crunchy and crispy. I love that they are way healthier than the original version, and I honestly couldn’t stop eating them!

Watch a Short Video of This Recipe

How to Make Air Fryer Keto Fried Pickles

To make low-carb, keto fried pickles, you need super simple ingredients for the breading. Some recipes call for an almond flour mixture, but I have had the most success with coconut flour! The process is similar to regular fried pickles, however, there’s no mess since they’re made in the air fryer and not deep fried in oil!

recipe ingredients in nesting bowls and labeled

Ingredient Notes

  • dill pickle slices (or “dill pickle chips”): Check the jar to make sure there’s no added sugar in your keto pickle chips. Otherwise, they will not be low carb. “Bread and butter pickles” often contain added sugar, so stay away from those. 
  • coconut flour
  • egg
  • pork panko: These are ground-up pork rinds. You can purchase this or make your own pretty easily. 
  • garlic powder
  • paprika
  • salt & pepper

Step-by-Step Instructions

numbered step by step photos showing how to make this recipe
  1. Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  2. Remove any excess pickle juice/moisture from the pickle chips with paper towels and place in a bowl.
  3. In a second bowl, add the flour and the pickles and toss to coat.
  4. Crack and whisk the egg in a shallow bowl. 
  5. In another bowl, stir together pork panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  6. Working in batches, dredge the pickle slices in the egg wash, then shake off the excess.
  7. Press into the pork panko mixture to coat on all sides, then transfer to a plate. Repeat with the rest of the pickle slices.
  8. Arrange the prepared pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer. You may need to work in a few batches if you have a smaller air fryer basket.
  9. For an extra crispy texture, spray pickles with avocado oil cooking spray or any other oil you choose.
  10. Air fry for 10 minutes, flip, then spray with avocado oil again halfway through. The air fried pickles should be golden brown. 
  11. Serve immediately with ranch or your favorite dip!
an up close photo of keto fried pickles on a platter next to a small bowl of ranch

Expert Tips

  • Dill pickles are traditionally used to make fried pickles, but you can use any kind of pickles you like. I also find that the slices crisp up better than pickle spears. I think this is because the thin slices cook faster, and has more surface area to crisp up than pickle spears.
  • Pork panko just means ground up pork rinds. You can crush them yourself in a food processor, but I love buying these ground up ones to save time.
  • I highly recommend you taste the pickles before breading them to decide if you want to add salt to the pork panko mixture. Mine was plenty salty enough so I didn’t need to add any.
  • You may need to work in batches to cook these air fried pickles. They taste best if they are cooked in a single layer, and depending on your air fryer, the surface area may not be big enough to fit all the pickles.
  • You can get these air fryer pickles extra crispy if you use cooking spray or brush them with cooking oil before you cook each side. I use this avocado oil spray, and it works really well for this.
  • The coconut flour mixture and the egg mixture help the pork panko stick, so you have deliciously crispy fried pickles in the air fryer, and you won’t be able to stop eating! It only takes 10 minutes of cook time, and you don’t have to worry about oil splattering on your skin or clothes.
  • To spice up these pickles, feel free to add a little cayenne pepper or cajun seasoning to the pork panko mixture! 

Serving Tips

  • Serve immediatelyI love these fried pickles with ranch dressing, but you can enjoy them with any other dipping sauce you prefer! Chipotle mayo, roasted garlic aioli, sour cream, or even ketchup are all great choices.

Storage Tips

  • Fried pickles will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and stored in an airtight container.
a hand dipping a fried pickle into a small bowl of ranch dressing.

Recipe FAQs

How do you cook frozen fried pickles in the air fryer?

If you are using frozen fried pickles that already come breaded, all you have to do is cook for the same time and at the same temperature as this recipe. No need to defrost or prepare in any other way!

How do you keep fried pickles from getting soggy?

Make sure to pat dry the slices well in the beginning with a paper towel before coating the pickles in the flour to remove as much moisture as possible. It’s also best to eat these right away so they are crispy and delicious.

How do you reheat fried pickles in the air fryer?

The best way to reheat these crispy keto fried pickles is to place them back in the air fryer for about 5 minutes at 400 degrees F until they crisp up again.

How many carbs are in these low carb fried pickles?

In one serving of this keto fried pickle recipe (about 1 cup), there are only 4 net carbs. This is such a delicious snack if you’re on the keto diet or just trying to eat a great low carb snack.  

More Delicious Air Fryer Recipes

Air Fryer Keto Popcorn Chicken

Air Fryer Buffalo Cauli-Bites

Air Fryer Tonkatsu (Japanese Fried Pork Cutlet) – Paleo, Whole30, Keto

Paleo & Keto Air Fryer Avocado Fries Recipe (with Oven Method)

Extra Crispy Air Fryer Drumsticks (Paleo, Whole30, Keto) – Oven Method Included

If you make this recipe, please leave me a star rating and comment below! I love to hear your thoughts and feedback. Follow me on Instagram for even more delicious recipes!

an up close photo of keto fried pickles on a platter next to a small bowl of ranch

Air Fryer Keto Fried Pickles Recipe (4 Net Carbs!)

These air fryer keto fried pickles are breaded with crushed pork rinds and coconut flour and are so crunchy and addicting! Plus they are way easier to make than deep-fried pickles and have only 4 net carbs per serving.
5 from 18 votes
Print Pin Rate
Course: Appetizer, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: air fryer pickles, air fryer recipes, keto air fryer, keto fried pickles, low carb fried pickles, whole30 air fryer recipes, whole30 fried pickles
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 144kcal

Ingredients

  • 2 cups dill pickle slices
  • 1 tbsp coconut flour
  • 1 large egg
  • 1 cup pork panko (ground-up pork rinds)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp ground black pepper
  • Sea salt, to taste see notes
  • Optional: Avocado oil to spray or brush
  • Optional: Ranch dressing for dipping

Equipment

  • Air fryer

Instructions

  • Preheat the air fryer to 400 degrees F.
  • Pat dry the pickle slices with a kitchen or paper towel and place in a large bowl.
  • Sprinkle the pickles with coconut flour and toss gently so all sides are coated.
  • In a separate bowl, crack and whisk the egg.
  • In another bowl, mix together pork panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Working in batches, dredge the pickle slices in the egg wash.
  • Shake off the excess and press into the pork panko mixture. Transfer to a plate and repeat with the rest of the pickle slices.
  • Arrange the dill pickle slices in a single layer in the air fryer. You may need to work in batches depending on the size of your air fryer.
  • For extra crispy pickles, spray or brush the pickles with avocado oil.
  • Air fry for 10 minutes, flipping then spraying (or brunshing) with avocado oil again halfway through.
  • Serve immediately with ranch dressing, or your favorite dip!
Nutrition Facts
Air Fryer Keto Fried Pickles Recipe (4 Net Carbs!)
Amount Per Serving (1 serving – makes 2)
Calories 144 Calories from Fat 63
% Daily Value*
Fat 7g11%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 95mg32%
Sodium 1839mg80%
Potassium 162mg5%
Carbohydrates 7g2%
Fiber 3g13%
Sugar 2g2%
Protein 13g26%
Vitamin A 665IU13%
Vitamin C 1.2mg1%
Calcium 72mg7%
Iron 1.2mg7%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Video

Notes

Expert Tips

  • Dill pickles are traditionally used to make fried pickles, but you can use any kind of pickles you like. I also find that the slices crisp up better than pickle spears. I think this is because the thin slices cook faster and has more surface area to crisp up than pickle spears.
  • Pork panko just means ground-up pork rinds. You can crush them yourself in a food processor, but I love buying these ground up ones to save time.
  • I highly recommend you taste the pickles before breading them to decide if you want to add salt to the pork panko mixture. Mine was plenty salty enough, so I didn’t need to add any.
  • You may need to work in batches to cook these air-fried pickles. They taste best if they are cooked in a single layer, and depending on your air fryer, the surface area may not be big enough to fit all the pickles.
  • You can get these air fryer pickles extra crispy if you use cooking spray or brush them with cooking oil before you cook each side. I use this avocado oil spray, and it works really well for this.
  • The coconut flour mixture and the egg mixture help the pork panko stick, so you have deliciously crispy fried pickles in the air fryer, and you won’t be able to stop eating! It only takes 10 minutes of cook time, and you don’t have to worry about oil splattering on your skin or clothes.
  • To spice up these pickles, feel free to add a little cayenne pepper or cajun seasoning to the pork panko mixture! 
  • The pickles that I used were plenty salty on their own, so I didn’t add any more salt. I would taste the pickles first before determining if you want to add more salt or not. 

Serving Tips

  • Serve immediately. I love these fried pickles with ranch dressing, but you can enjoy them with any other dipping sauce you prefer! Chipotle mayo, roasted garlic aioli, sour cream, or even ketchup are all great choices.

Storage Tips

  • Fried pickles will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator and stored in an airtight container.
What Great Grandma Ate / Jean Choi is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Regarding other affiliate links and affiliate relationships: In order for me to support my blogging activities, I may receive monetary compensation or other types of remuneration for my endorsement, recommendation, testimonial and/or link to any products or services from this blog. Thank you for your support and understanding.


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By Jean Choi | September 13, 2023

Comments

  1. Raia Todd says

    August 12, 2019 at 5:54 pm

    5 stars
    Whaaaa?!? My kids are going to be all over these. Pickles + fried stuff = sure win. Haha.

    Reply
  2. Irena Macri says

    August 13, 2019 at 3:59 am

    5 stars
    OMG, it’s like you read my mind! I was out at this bar and we ordered fried jalapenos and they were so good, I really wanted to learn to make them at home. And here we are! They were not pickles but done in the same way as these, so I imagine I can just do the same. Thanks so much for these!

    Reply
  3. ChihYu says

    August 13, 2019 at 9:39 pm

    5 stars
    So delicious! You’d need a plate of these by yourself – too good to share!

    Reply
  4. Erin says

    August 14, 2019 at 10:41 am

    I didn’t know pork panko was a thing! How neat. And so is this recipe! Amazing.

    Reply
  5. Joni Gomes says

    August 14, 2019 at 11:02 am

    5 stars
    Oh Em Gee!! Pinned this recipe because I HVAE to make this for football Sunday!! Or is is Sunday football? I never know haha, but I do know that there are some crispy fried pickles in my near future!

    Reply
  6. Cathy says

    August 15, 2019 at 5:45 pm

    5 stars
    What a neat idea! I’ve never tried fried pickles, so I guess I’ve been missing out! I hear the air fryer is the way to go.

    Reply
  7. Megan Stevens says

    August 16, 2019 at 5:30 am

    5 stars
    Wow, these are so impressive and exciting!! Years ago in Houston I missed the chance to have deep fried sauerkraut (my mouth waters just thinking about it) and I’ve always regretted it. I can’t wait to make these, so similar yet healthier! Such FUN food. 😉

    Reply
  8. paleoglutenfreeguy says

    August 16, 2019 at 9:21 am

    5 stars
    This serves one, right? Because I’m going to eat all of them. 🙂

    Reply
  9. Zuzana says

    August 18, 2019 at 2:57 am

    5 stars
    I have just got my Air Fryer and had no idea you can do pickles like this as well. My next dinner. Love, that those are Keto as well.

    Reply
  10. STACEY CRAWFORD says

    August 18, 2019 at 9:41 am

    5 stars
    I can’t get enough of these crisp and salty delicious kinds of snacks! Can’t wait to try this in the air-fryer.

    Reply
  11. jennifer says

    August 18, 2019 at 3:39 pm

    5 stars
    Wow, these look and sound so fun! The crunchy sour would go so good in a creamy dip

    Reply
  12. Heather Harris says

    August 19, 2019 at 6:50 am

    5 stars
    I love fried pickles! Younger me would never have thought that but here I am…loving them!

    Reply
  13. Marie I says

    December 12, 2019 at 5:17 pm

    So, I’m assuming a TOTAL of 10 minutes and flip at 5:00. Also, I don’t see a ‘pre-heat’ for my Mealthy CrispLid for my InstaPot, so I’m assuming that’s for a traditional air fryer. :). Thanks!!! Can’t wait to taste these!!!!

    Reply
  14. Tash says

    January 2, 2020 at 11:53 pm

    Looking at the net carbs is 4 net carbs for the whole Batch or is there a serving size ?

    Reply
    • Jean Choi says

      January 6, 2020 at 4:58 pm

      There are 2 servings in this recipe.

      Reply
  15. Rhunt says

    February 21, 2020 at 4:52 pm

    5 stars
    These were delicious. I used a combination of the hot & spicy pork rhinds & regular. I actually didn’t need to flip halfway through. Will definitely make again.

    Reply
  16. Heather H says

    March 22, 2020 at 10:04 am

    5 stars
    Air fryers are the best thing since sliced bread! I have some SERIOUS pickle lovers in my house so we will be giving these a go.

    Reply
  17. Ashli says

    April 21, 2020 at 1:57 pm

    These were great! They didn’t last long hahah my husband and I are them quick!!

    Reply
    • Jean Choi says

      April 21, 2020 at 5:00 pm

      Haha that’s the best review! Thank you!!

      Reply
  18. Kim says

    May 25, 2020 at 11:38 am

    I just made these and I loved them … I have shared the recipe with 5 people in the last 30 mins… Sooo tasty!!

    Reply
    • Jean Choi says

      May 25, 2020 at 1:21 pm

      So glad you loved them!! Thank you SO much for sharing. 🙂

      Reply
  19. Adri says

    July 8, 2020 at 6:52 pm

    Can I use pork rinds?

    Reply
    • Adri says

      July 8, 2020 at 6:53 pm

      Or is that the same thing without the dirty work of crushing them?

      Reply
      • Jean Choi says

        July 15, 2020 at 8:28 am

        Yes! Exactly. If you only have pork rinds, just run it through the food processor to get them to be panko texture.

        Reply
  20. Jordyn says

    July 27, 2020 at 6:02 am

    Can you use almond flour for this recipe instead of coconut flour?

    Reply
    • Jean Choi says

      July 27, 2020 at 4:19 pm

      You want something finely ground like coconut flour but almond flour will work in a pinch!

      Reply
  21. Rene says

    August 14, 2020 at 3:47 pm

    5 stars
    Messy because I tried to make fried pickles spears but I’m telling you what! Fried pickles are something I have missed! Thank you for this recipe. I tried to just smash the pork rinds… must use a blender or food processor for sure! 💞😎

    Reply
  22. Angela says

    August 21, 2020 at 6:36 pm

    I don’t have an air fryer at the moment. Can I fry these in oil and achieve the same result?

    Reply
    • Jean Choi says

      August 22, 2020 at 7:16 am

      Yes!

      Reply
  23. Jason says

    October 27, 2020 at 7:54 pm

    5 stars
    I added in a little corn meal with the almond flour and omitted the yeast. To. Die. For! The sauce truly made them scrumptious!

    Reply
    • Jean Choi says

      October 28, 2020 at 1:01 pm

      Yay! So glad it worked out. 🙂

      Reply
  24. J Chi says

    February 11, 2021 at 9:40 pm

    5 stars
    I subbed with almond flour and southern bbq pork rinds, I didn’t add any seasoning and preheated my air fryer it was delicious. Thank you for the recipe

    Reply
    • Jean Choi says

      February 12, 2021 at 11:47 am

      So glad the subs worked out!!

      Reply
  25. Jana says

    March 13, 2021 at 3:36 pm

    5 stars
    These were delicious and easy to make! Loved them!

    Reply
    • Jean Choi says

      March 18, 2021 at 12:19 pm

      Yay! I’m so glad!!

      Reply
  26. Camila @ Microwave Choice says

    February 7, 2022 at 1:23 am

    My mouth is watering! Sounds incredibly delicious 🙂 Can’t wait to try it. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply
  27. restaurantthatdeliversnearme.website says

    July 1, 2022 at 8:32 pm

    Thanks for the airfryer fried pickles recipe.
    http://food.co.rw

    Reply
  28. Lei says

    July 13, 2023 at 1:00 am

    5 stars
    What a great idea! I will give it a try.

    Reply

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Welcome!

headshot of Jean Choi - blogger of What Great Grandma Ate I’m Jean and I’m a Nutritional Therapist (NTP) living in Southern California with my husband and 2 dog babies. On WGGA, you’ll find simple and easy gluten-, dairy-, and processed sugar-free recipes that focus on quality nutrients, and of course, never sacrifice on taste. I believe that the food you love should love you back, making you feel amazing inside and out. I apologize in advance for my inappropriate jokes and misunderstood sarcasm! More About Jean

Recipe Key

  • 3030 Min or Less
  • AIPAIP
  • EFEgg Free
  • LCLow Carb
  • NFNut Free
  • PPaleo
  • VVegan
  • W3Whole 30

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