Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Jenna Urben · This post may contain affiliate links

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Homemade vegan fried pickles are amazingly quick and easy to make in the air fryer. They are perfectly crisp and bursting with flavor!

Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (1)

If you like crispy deep fried pickles, you'll love this vegan air fried version even more! Get the same crunch using plant based ingredients and almost no oil.

Vegan air fryer fried pickles are crazy simple to make and the cleanup takes just minutes.

These fried pickles are perfect for parties or game day snacking... I may or may not have made a batch to accompany lunch the other day though!

Equipment

Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (2)

Buy Cuisinart Air Fryer Toaster Oven

This toaster oven air fryer is easy to use and makes cleanup a breeze. It's large enough to cook in big batches, yet compact enough to fit on the countertop.

How to make vegan air fryer pickles

Make vegan fried pickles using round pickle chips, slices, or spears. They require 9 simple ingredients and are ready from start to finish in less than 30 minutes.

  1. To get started, pat your pickles dry and prepare vegan buttermilk by whisking together dairy-free milk with lemon juice.
  2. The pickles are first coated in flour, then dipped into the "buttermilk" and then coated with our seasoned bread crumb mixture.
  3. Transfer the coated pickles to the fryer basket in a single layer and mist with cooking spray.
  4. Cook for 5 minutes at 400°F, flip pickles, then cook for another 5 minutes. You'll see them get crispy and golden, that's when you know they're done.
Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (3)

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Craving something sweet instead of savory? Try these chocolate covered pickles.

I hope you enjoy these air fried pickles as much as we do. Enjoy them with my vegan ranch dressing!

Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (4)

Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe

Author: Jenna Urben

Homemade vegan fried pickles are amazingly quick and easy to make in the air fryer. They are perfectly crisp and bursting with flavor!

5 from 36 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Appetizer, Snack

Servings 8 servings

Calories 92 kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 1 (16 ounce) jar sliced pickles
  • ½ cup vegan milk
  • ½ tablespoon lemon juice
  • ½ cup all-purpose flour
  • ½ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup cornmeal
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder

Instructions

  • Lay out pickles on paper towels and pat to dry, then set aside.

  • In a small bowl, whisk together plant-based milk and lemon juice to make a vegan buttermilk. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.

  • Create a dredging station with three shallow bowls: One bowl with all-purpose flour, another with the vegan buttermilk, and the final with the panko bread crumbs, cornmeal, salt, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder whisked together.

  • Working in batches, dip each pickle first into the flour, then into the vegan buttermilk, then finally into the seasoned bread crumb mixture.

  • Transfer to fryer basket in a single layer and mist with cooking spray.

  • Set to 400°F and cook for 5 minutes. Flip pickles using tongs and cook for another 5 minutes, until coating is crispy and golden.

  • Enjoy served with vegan ranch dressing or your favorite dipping sauce!

Nutrition

Calories: 92kcalCarbohydrates: 17gProtein: 3gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 0.2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gSodium: 652mgPotassium: 117mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 156IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 58mgIron: 1mg

Did you make this recipe?Please leave a star rating or review in the form below, then snap a picture and tag me @theurbenlife on Instagram!

Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (5)

More Dairy Free Appetizer Recipes

  • Dairy Free Pesto
  • Kale Pesto
  • Polish Dill Pickles
  • Mango Habanero Salsa

About Jenna Urben

Jenna Urben is the recipe developer, content creator, and storyteller behind The Urben Life. She has over 10 years experience adapting family favorite meals to fit allergy-friendly diets. Join Jenna as she shares delicious dairy-free recipes that are easy to follow with plenty of tips and alternatives.

Reader Interactions

Comments

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    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Heck yes 🙂 I hope y'all love em!

      Reply

      • Alisha Marie

        Can you use whole pickles and just slice them?

        Reply

        • Jenna | The Urben Life

          Yes! I’ve done whole pickles, sliced, and chips. Enjoy 🙂

  1. Noelle

    Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (10)
    My new favorite air fryer recipe!! Delicious

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Woo!!! So happy to hear that 🙂 Thank you!

      Reply

  2. Amanda Rosson

    Honestly, I'm not a huge fan of pickles but these look so good, I really want to give this recipe a shot!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Let me know what you think 🙂

      Reply

  3. Stephanie

    wow! I need to make these they look incredible!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Yes!! Let me know what you think 🙂 Enjoy!

      Reply

  4. Paige @An Uncomplicated Life Blog

    Mmmm, I love a good fried pickle! These look like a much healthier take on the classic dish.

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      For sure 🙂 I hope you give them a try!

      Reply

  5. Noelle

    Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (11)
    What a great recipe, I love that you use an air fryer! Thank you

    Reply

  6. Jennifer Morrison

    Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (12)
    These pickles look delicious!!! Our family loves fried pickles, and I love that these are in an air fryer! I can't wait to try this recipe.

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Thanks so much, Jennifer 🙂 Enjoy!!

      Reply

  7. Nia De la torre

    You've outdone yourself on this one, I'm in LOVE with this recipe (:!!!!!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Thank you so much! I'm thrilled to hear that 🙂

      Reply

  8. Renee | The Good Hearted Woman

    Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (13)
    My mom gave us an air fryer for Christmas last year, but I haven't done much with it yet. Maybe I should give these a try!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      You won't regret it 🙂

      Reply

  9. Sarah Althouse

    I keep seeing how amazing air fryers are and I might just need one eventually!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      I love this one because it's a small attachment that fits on any 6 or 8 quart electric pressure cooker! Not another large appliance.

      Reply

  10. Emily

    Fried pickles are my favorite! I've never tried making them in my air fryer, though. These look amazing! I'm definitely going to try making them in the air fryer next time.

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Mine too 🙂 Enjoy!!

      Reply

  11. Ann

    Wow I’ve never even heard of these until today. Pretty cool!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      YEAH!! I hope you try em out 🙂

      Reply

  12. Rachel

    I think I am adding air fryer to my Christmas list. I just can't seem to stop finding recipes that I want.

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Heck yes!! I'm already in love with my CrispLid!

      Reply

  13. April

    Oh now I must tell my sister about this!! She chose to get an Insta pot instead but maybe we can find something that would go with the one we have since it's a different brand, I'll have to check on that cause she wanted an air fryer too but we have no room already ? The fried pickles would be a hit in our house that's for sure!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      April!! The CrispLid works on any 6 or 8 quart 🙂 So she can totally use this attachment with her Instant Pot!

      Reply

  14. Gina Abernathy

    THESE LOOK SO GOOD! I HAVE NEVER TRIED FRIED PICKLES IN MY AIR FRYER! SAVED RECIPE FOR LATER!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      OMG!!! You gotta try these ASAP 🙂

      Reply

  15. Bella

    Yumm these look so tasty!!!! I gotta try making them one day.

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Thanks, Bella 🙂 Enjoy!!

      Reply

  16. Meredith

    Yasss! I am fried pickle obsessed!!! This sounds like a healthier version than the usual too!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      So good 🙂 Oh for sure! I hope you give these a try!

      Reply

  17. Jules Shepard

    Just when you think pickles can't get any better! LOVE!

    Reply

    • Jenna | The Urben Life

      Woo, thanks so much!

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. […] Vegan Air Fryer Fried Pickles from The Urben Life – Fried pickles were something I didn’t try until fairly recently, […]

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  2. […] vegan and ready in 10 minutes, these pickles won’t disappoint. Let The Urben Life lead you through how to use your air fryer to make these gorgeous […]

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Vegan Fried Pickles Recipe - The Urben Life (2024)

FAQs

How do you keep batter from falling off fried pickles? ›

A problem that plagues both fried and oven-fried pickles is the coating falling off either mid-cooking or mid-bite. The easiest way to prevent this is to make sure that your pickles are well-dried. Drain the pickles of their juices and then spread the pickles into a single layer and pat dry with paper towels.

How do you keep fried pickles from getting soggy? ›

To keep your pickles from getting soggy, use a sturdy breading. This one is made with a mix of flour and cornstarch. The cornstarch is key: it absorbs excess moisture from the wet pickles which results in an even crispier fried coating.

Is fried pickles a thing? ›

Fried pickles are served at food festivals and menus of individual and chain restaurants throughout the United States and elsewhere. They can be eaten as an appetizer or as an accompaniment to other dishes. Fried pickles are frequently served with a ranch dressing or other creamy sauce for dipping.

How to cook farm rich crispy dill pickles in air fryer? ›

Preheat air fryer to 360°F. Arrange product in a signle layer in basket. Air fry 14 pieces for 6-7 minutes. For best results, turn product halfway through cooking.

How do you get breading to stick to fried pickles? ›

Dry the pickles well.

This is probably the most important step. Pickles live in liquid and they need to be very dry before frying if you want the breading to stick well.

How do you keep breading from falling off? ›

Place the breaded chicken on a cooling rack (or a platter) and chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes. This cooling time will help the layers of breading ingredients solidify and adhere better after the chicken cooks. Once you start cooking the chicken, be patient and don't flip it over too early.

Why aren't my fried pickles crispy? ›

While you're prepping your pickles and batter, you need to get the oil hot, really hot. About 375 degrees Fahrenheit is great. This is an important step, because if your oil isn't hot enough your pickles won't fry in a way that achieves that perfect super crispy texture.

How long to air fry soggy fried pickles? ›

Air fry the pickles for three to four minutes, but always be attentive as the size and thickness of your pickles and varying air fryer models can alter the ideal reheating time. After this period, gently shake the basket or use a pair of tongs to flip the pickles and continue frying for a similar duration.

Does Chick Fil A make fried pickles? ›

Truett's Chick-fil-A® Menu

Loaded Southern Waffle Fries and Battered Pickles are highlights on Truett's Chick-fil-A menu. In addition to the full Chick-fil-A menu, customers can also order homestyle sides and unique appetizers.

How do you're crisp fried pickles? ›

Using an air fryer. To reheat fried pickles in the air fryer, begin by preheating the gadget to approximately 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Once it's heated, spread your pickles in a single layer in the fryer basket without overcrowding. Ensuring each pickle has enough room is crucial for even reheating.

What state is known for fried pickles? ›

In this case, it seems like fried pickles were popularized by the duch*ess Drive-In in Arkansas. In 1960, owner Bernell Austin experimented his way into the popular snack by dipping pickles into catfish batter.

What is the secret to a crunchy pickle? ›

Add a Source of Tannin

Tannins work against softening enzymes and help keep pickles crunchier. They can be found in various sources, such as grape leaves, oak leaves, raspberry leaves, black tea, etc. Add some directly to your jars!

What are the best crunchy dill pickles? ›

Boar's Head Kosher Dill Pickles

These refrigerated pickles were perfectly crisp and “extra-crunchy.” They also earned top marks for flavor: Due to the strong flavor of garlic and dill, tasters said these pickles “tasted almost homemade.” A few slices of carrot, which do not affect flavor, are added to each jar.

Why does my batter come off when frying? ›

Meat is not properly dry

Most home cooks often struggle with getting the breading part right because they do not let their meat dry properly. If the meat is wet, it will make the flour soggy. In that case, breading will not stick properly and may fall off when deep frying.

Why does the batter come off the fish? ›

If the oil isn't at the correct temperature, your fish will absorb the oil while it's frying, causing some of the batter to drop off.

Why does breading fall off calamari? ›

If the oil temperature is too low, the calamari will absorb too much oil and become soggy, or will lose its breading all together. On the other hand, if the oil is too hot, the outside will cook faster than the inside.

How do you keep breading from falling off zucchini? ›

Chill the breaded zucchini: It helps the breading stay stuck, which means they won't fall off in the fryer and they'll be crunchier. Refrigerate the breaded zucchini for at least 15 minutes and up to 3 hours—it's just enough time to help the breading stick.

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