Air Fryer Pickle Poppers are my go-to snack when I want something tangy, creamy, and satisfying without much effort. Crunchy dill pickles are stuffed with a cheesy filling and crisped up in the air fryer until golden and bubbly. They’re the perfect finger food for parties, movie nights, or just when I’m craving something bold and flavorful.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
I love how this recipe turns simple ingredients into something that tastes like a guilty pleasure but is surprisingly light. The air fryer makes them quick and mess-free, and there’s no need to turn on the oven. They’re naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and easy to customize depending on what I’m in the mood for. The combination of warm, gooey cheese and crisp, tangy pickle is completely irresistible.
Ingredients
(Here's a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Dill pickles (cut in half lengthwise and hollowed out)
- Cream cheese, softened
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Optional: chopped jalapeños or hot sauce for a spicy kick
Directions
- I slice the pickles in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to make room for the filling.
- In a bowl, I combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar, garlic powder, and onion powder. If I want some heat, I add jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- I spoon the mixture into each hollowed pickle half, pressing it in gently.
- I place the filled pickles in the air fryer basket in a single layer, making sure they don’t overlap.
- I air fry them at 375°F for about 8–10 minutes until the tops are golden and bubbly.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 12 pickle poppers, which serves 4 people as an appetizer or snack. It takes around 10 minutes to prepare and another 10 minutes to cook, so everything’s done in about 20 minutes.
Variations
- Add Some Heat: I mix in chopped jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or a bit of hot sauce.
- Cheese Swap: I like switching out the cheddar for mozzarella, pepper jack, or even a smoky gouda for different flavors.
- Ranch Style: A little ranch seasoning stirred into the filling gives a delicious zesty twist.
- Crunchy Topping: Crushed seasoned breadcrumbs or crushed cheese crisps can be sprinkled on top before air frying for extra texture.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover pickle poppers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I pop them back into the air fryer at 350°F for 3–4 minutes. They come out hot and crispy, just like when I first made them. I avoid the microwave because it makes the pickles too soft.
FAQs
How do I keep the pickles from getting soggy?
I always scoop out the seeds and pat the pickle halves dry with a paper towel before stuffing them. That helps keep them crisp during cooking.
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes, I prepare and stuff them ahead of time, then store them in the fridge until I'm ready to cook. They’re perfect for prepping in advance for parties or snacks.
What kind of pickles work best?
I like using large dill pickles because they’re sturdy and have the best flavor balance with the filling. I make sure they’re firm and not too juicy.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Definitely. I’ve used dairy-free cream cheese and shredded plant-based cheese alternatives, and they turn out great.
Do I need to preheat the air fryer?
It depends on the model, but I usually preheat mine for about 2–3 minutes to help the tops get golden faster.
Conclusion
These Air Fryer Pickle Poppers are crunchy, creamy, and packed with flavor. I love how simple they are to make and how easily I can change them up based on what I’m craving. They always disappear fast, whether I’m serving them for guests or just enjoying them on a quiet night in.
Air Fryer Pickle Poppers
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 12 pickle poppers
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Air Fryer
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Air Fryer Pickle Poppers are a quick and satisfying snack featuring dill pickles stuffed with a cheesy, flavorful filling and crisped to perfection in the air fryer. Ideal for parties or a low-carb treat.
Ingredients
- 6 large dill pickles, cut in half lengthwise and hollowed out
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Optional: 1 tablespoon chopped jalapeños or 1 teaspoon hot sauce
Instructions
- Slice the dill pickles in half lengthwise and scoop out the seeds to create a hollow center.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, shredded cheddar cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if using.
- Fill each hollowed pickle half with the cheese mixture, pressing gently to secure the filling.
- Place the filled pickle halves in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they don’t overlap.
- Air fry at 375°F for 8–10 minutes, or until the tops are golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Pat pickle halves dry before stuffing to prevent sogginess.
- Use dairy-free cheese alternatives for a dairy-free version.
- Try different cheeses or seasonings to vary the flavor.
- Reheat leftovers in the air fryer for best texture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3 pickle poppers
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
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