I’ve always been a sucker for salty, crunchy snacks, and these air fryer stuffed pickles hit every craving at once. They’re crispy on the outside, tangy in the center, and packed with gooey, cheesy goodness that makes them completely irresistible. What I love most is how easy they are to make with just a few ingredients and how quickly they disappear whenever I put them out for friends or family.
This recipe takes the classic dill pickle and turns it into a golden, bite-sized appetizer that’s perfect for game day, parties, or just a fun snack to indulge in on the weekend. And thanks to the air fryer, they come out crispy without all the oil and mess.
Why This Recipe Works
These air fryer stuffed pickles are such a hit because:
- They’re crunchy, cheesy, and tangy all at once.
- Quick and easy to make in under 30 minutes.
- Air frying keeps them light but still crispy.
- Perfect finger food for gatherings or movie nights.
- Easily customizable with different cheese or add-ins.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Makes about 12 stuffed pickle halves | Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 8 minutes)
- 6 large dill pickles, halved lengthwise and seeds scooped out
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 tablespoons bacon bits (optional, but highly recommended)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- Cooking spray
How I Make Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles (Step-by-Step)
1. Prep the Pickles
I start by cutting the pickles in half lengthwise and scooping out the centers to make room for the filling. Patting them dry with a paper towel helps the filling stick better.
2. Make the Cheese Mixture
In a bowl, I mix the cream cheese, shredded cheddar, bacon bits, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
3. Stuff the Pickles
I generously fill each pickle half with the cheese mixture, smoothing the tops so they’re evenly filled.
4. Add the Crunch
I sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs on top of each stuffed pickle half and gently press down so they stick.
5. Air Fry to Perfection
I preheat my air fryer to 390°F and spray the basket with cooking spray. I arrange the pickles in a single layer (you may need to do this in batches) and air fry for 7-8 minutes until the tops are golden brown and bubbly.
6. Serve
I let them cool for a minute before serving, often with ranch dressing or spicy mayo on the side for dipping.
My Favorite Tips for the Best Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles
- Pat the pickles dry: This keeps them from getting soggy.
- Don’t overfill: The cheese melts and expands slightly, so a generous but level scoop works best.
- Add spice if you like: A pinch of cayenne or diced jalapeños in the cheese mix gives a nice kick.
- Use seasoned panko for extra flavor.
- Serve fresh: They’re best hot out of the air fryer when they’re crispy and gooey.
What I Serve with These Pickles
While they’re a standout snack on their own, I like to serve them with:
- Ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping
- Spicy mayo or sriracha drizzle
- A cold beer or sparkling lemonade
- Other air fryer favorites like mozzarella sticks or onion rings
- Fresh veggie sticks on the side for balance
FAQs (From My Kitchen to Yours)
Q: Can I make these ahead of time?
A: You can stuff the pickles and store them in the fridge for a few hours before air frying, but they’re best cooked fresh.
Q: What if I don’t have an air fryer?
A: You can bake them at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes — they’ll still crisp up nicely.
Q: Can I use other types of cheese?
A: Absolutely! Pepper jack, mozzarella, or even a sharp gouda work beautifully.
Q: How do I make them vegetarian?
A: Just leave out the bacon bits — they’re still full of flavor.
Why These Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles Deserve a Spot on Your Snack Table
These stuffed pickles are the kind of snack that makes people do a double take — one bite and they’re hooked. They’re crispy, cheesy, and just tangy enough to keep you reaching for another. Plus, they’re simple to make and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether it’s game day, movie night, or just because, these are the snacks I make when I want to impress with minimal effort.
I hope you try these and love them as much as I do. They’re the perfect combination of crunch, creaminess, and big bold flavor.
The Addictive Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles I Can’t Stop Snacking On
Ingredients
- 4 oz cream cheese
- 2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 12 large dill pickles
Instructions
- Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and black pepper until well blended.
- Slice each pickle in half lengthwise and scoop out some of the insides to create space for the filling.
- Fill each pickle half with the cheese mixture, pressing it in firmly.
- Dip each filled pickle half into panko breadcrumbs to coat evenly.
- Place the coated pickles in the air fryer basket in a single layer.
- Air fry for about 8 minutes or until golden brown and crispy.
- Remove from the air fryer and let cool slightly before serving.
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