Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles: A Crispy, Cheesy Snack Sensation!

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These Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles take crunchy dill pickles to the next level—stuffed with creamy cheese, wrapped in crispy bacon or a crunchy coating, and air-fried to golden perfection. Perfect for game day, parties, or a fun low-carb snack!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✅ Crunchy, tangy, and savory – The ultimate flavor combo
✅ Ready in 15 minutes – Quick and easy
✅ Low-carb & keto-friendly (if using pork rinds)
✅ Customizable – Swap fillings and coatings to your taste

Ingredients & Substitutions

For the Pickles

  • 8-10 whole dill pickles (spears or whole pickles, patted dry)
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp smoked paprika

For the Coating (Choose One!)

Bacon-Wrapped Version

  • 8-10 slices thin-cut bacon

Crunchy Breading Version

  • 1/2 cup pork rind crumbs (or almond flour for keto)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1 egg, beaten (for binding)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Pickles

  1. Hollow out pickles (if using whole pickles): Slice in half lengthwise and scoop out some seeds with a small spoon.
  2. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels (this helps the cheese stick).

2. Make the Cheese Filling

  1. Mix cream cheese, cheddar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika until smooth.
  2. Spoon into a piping bag (or plastic bag with a corner snipped) and fill each pickle.

3. Choose Your Coating Method

Bacon-Wrapped Method

  1. Wrap each stuffed pickle tightly with 1 slice of bacon.
  2. Secure with toothpicks if needed.

Breaded Method

  1. Dip each stuffed pickle in beaten egg, then roll in pork rind/Parmesan mixture.
  2. Spray lightly with oil for extra crispiness.

4. Air Fry to Perfection

  1. Preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Arrange pickles in a single layer (don’t overcrowd).
  3. Cook for 8-10 minutes (bacon version) or 6-8 minutes (breaded version) until golden and crispy.

5. Serve & Enjoy!

🍽️ Let cool slightly before serving with ranch, sriracha mayo, or marinara for dipping.

Pro Tips

🔥 Extra crispy bacon? Broil for 1-2 minutes after air frying.
🧀 Cheese too soft? Freeze stuffed pickles for 15 mins before coating.
🌶 Spicy kick? Add jalapeños or hot sauce to the cheese mix.

Variations

🌭 Jalapeño Popper Style – Add diced jalapeños to the filling.
🍗 Buffalo Chicken – Mix shredded chicken & buffalo sauce into the cheese.
🧅 Onion Dip Version – Stir in French onion soup mix.

FAQs

Can I bake these instead?

Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 15-20 mins (bacon may take longer).

How do I store leftovers?

Fridge for 2 days (reheat in air fryer for best texture).

Can I use pickle chips?

Yes, but they’re trickier to stuff—try layering cheese between two chips.

Final Thoughts

These Air Fryer Stuffed Pickles are irresistibly crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor—the ultimate upgrade to plain pickles! Perfect for parties or late-night cravings.

Warning: Highly addictive—make extra! 🥒🧀🔥

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