Picture this: It’s Friday evening, you’re expecting friends over in an hour, and you suddenly realize you have absolutely nothing prepared for snacks. Sound familiar? Last month, I found myself in this exact situation, frantically searching my kitchen for something – anything – that could save the day. That’s when I spotted a jar of dill pickles and some bacon in my fridge, and honestly, it felt like a lightbulb moment. What happened next was pure magic: Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles that had my guests begging for the recipe before they even finished their first bite.
By Sue Martinez | Published on June 19, 2025
Ingredients
- 1 pound thick-cut bacon (not pre-cooked)
- 1 jar large dill pickle spears (about 12-15 spears)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of cayenne pepper (for spicy bacon pickle bites)
- Toothpicks (for securing)
- Ranch dressing or sriracha mayo for dipping
- Fresh chives for garnish
Directions
Step 1: Prepare Your Pickles and Bacon (2 minutes)
Start by removing your pickle spears from the jar and patting them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial – any excess moisture will prevent the bacon from getting crispy and can cause splattering in your air fryer. I usually lay them on a clean kitchen towel for a few minutes to ensure they’re thoroughly dried.
Next, cut your bacon strips in half crosswise. This gives you the perfect length to wrap around each pickle spear without too much overlap. If your bacon strips are particularly long, you might even get three pieces from each strip.
Pro Tip: If you want to add extra flavor, this is the time to lightly season your pickles with garlic powder or smoked paprika before wrapping.
Step 2: Wrap Those Pickles (3 minutes)
Now for the fun part! Take each dried pickle spear and wrap it with a half-strip of bacon, starting at one end and spiraling around to the other end. The bacon should overlap slightly but not too much – you want even coverage without creating thick spots that won’t cook properly.
Secure each wrapped pickle with a toothpick, piercing through the bacon seam to hold everything in place. This prevents the bacon from unwrapping during cooking and ensures even browning.
Wrapping Secrets:
- Don’t stretch the bacon too tight – it will shrink as it cooks
- Leave small gaps between bacon spirals for better air circulation
- If the bacon feels too loose, tuck the end piece under itself before securing with a toothpick
Step 3: Air Fry to Crispy Perfection (6-8 minutes)
Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C) for about 2 minutes. While it’s heating, arrange your Bacon Wrapped Pickles in a single layer in the air fryer basket, making sure they’re not touching each other. You want that hot air to circulate freely around each piece.
Cook for 6-8 minutes, flipping them halfway through at the 3-4 minute mark. The exact cooking time depends on your air fryer model and how crispy you like your bacon. Keep an eye on them during the last few minutes – bacon can go from perfectly golden to burnt quickly!
ForkfulRecipes.com, June 2025
Nutritional Highlights
While I’m not providing full nutrition facts, here are some highlights that make these Bacon Wrapped Pickles a bit more virtuous than your average appetizer:
- High in Protein: Thanks to the bacon, each bite provides a good amount of protein
- Low Carb: Perfect for those watching their carb intake
- Probiotics: Pickles contain beneficial probiotics for gut health
- No Added Sugars: When you choose dill pickles over sweet varieties
Portion Control Tip: These are rich and satisfying, so 2-3 pieces per person as an appetizer is usually plenty!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these ahead of time?
You can wrap the pickles with bacon up to 4 hours ahead and store them covered in the refrigerator. However, I recommend cooking them fresh for the best texture. The bacon stays crispier when cooked just before serving.
What’s the best type of pickle to use?
Large dill pickle spears work best because they’re firm and have the right size for wrapping. Avoid bread and butter pickles or any sweet varieties – they don’t pair as well with bacon. Kosher dill spears are my top choice.
My bacon isn’t getting crispy enough. What am I doing wrong?
This usually happens when the pickles aren’t dried properly before wrapping, or the air fryer is overcrowded. Make sure to pat pickles completely dry and leave space between each piece in the basket. You can also increase cooking time by 1-2 minutes.
Can I use pre-cooked bacon?
I don’t recommend it. Pre-cooked bacon won’t crisp up properly in the air fryer and tends to become tough rather than crispy. Fresh bacon gives you much better results and flavor.
How do I prevent the bacon from unwrapping during cooking?
Make sure to secure each piece with a toothpick through the bacon seam. Also, don’t wrap the bacon too loosely – it should be snug but not stretched tight since it will shrink as it cooks.
What dipping sauces pair well with these?
Ranch dressing is the classic choice, but I also love sriracha mayo, honey mustard, or even a spicy aioli. For something different, try a tangy barbecue sauce or blue cheese dressing.
Can I make these in a regular oven?
Yes! Bake at 425°F for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Place them on a wire rack over a baking sheet for best air circulation. The air fryer method is quicker and gives crispier results, though.
Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions
These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles are incredibly versatile and pair beautifully with so many dishes. Here are some of my favorite combinations:
Game Day Spread: Serve alongside [link to buffalo chicken dip recipe], loaded potato skins, and beer-battered onion rings for the ultimate sports-watching feast.
Summer BBQ: They’re perfect as a starter before grilled burgers and hot dogs. The tangy pickles actually help cleanse the palate between richer foods.
Holiday Appetizer Table: Add them to your holiday spread with [link to cheese ball recipe] and stuffed mushrooms for a mix of flavors and textures.
Wine Night: Surprisingly, these pair wonderfully with crisp white wines or light beers. The saltiness complements the acidity in wine beautifully.
Conclusion: Your New Go-To Party Pleaser
There you have it – the easiest, most crowd-pleasing appetizer you’ll ever make! These Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles have saved me countless times when I needed something delicious in a hurry, and I know they’ll do the same for you.
The best part about this recipe isn’t just how incredibly tasty it is (though that’s definitely a major plus). It’s how it transforms you into the host who always has something amazing up their sleeve. Whether it’s a last-minute gathering, a planned party, or just a family movie night when you want something special, these little bites of heaven deliver every single time.
I love how this recipe proves that some of the best dishes come from the simplest combinations. Who would have thought that two everyday ingredients could create something so unexpectedly delicious? It’s a perfect reminder that great cooking doesn’t have to be complicated – sometimes it just takes a little creativity and the right technique.
Ready to become the appetizer hero of your friend group? Give these Air Fryer Bacon Wrapped Pickles a try this weekend. I guarantee they’ll disappear faster than you can make them, and you’ll find yourself adding this recipe to your regular rotation of go-to crowd-pleasers.
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