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Golden brown crispy pickle cheese bites on a serving platter

Classic Crispy Pickle Cheese Bites

These crispy pickle cheese bites are a delightful appetizer, combining tangy dill pickles with creamy cheese, all wrapped in a crispy Panko breading and baked or air-fried to golden perfection. They're perfect for parties or a fun snack.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 280 kcal

Equipment

  • Paper towels
  • Medium bowl
  • Shallow dishes
  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Oven
  • Air fryer

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 10-12 dill pickle spears or whole dill pickles
  • 4 oz cream cheese, softened
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar-jack cheese
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 large eggs, beaten
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh dill or chives Optional
  • Cooking spray or oil for baking/air frying

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Slice dill pickles into 1/2-inch thick rounds, then pat them very dry with paper towels to ensure crispiness.
  • Combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, garlic powder, onion powder, and optional fresh herbs in a bowl; mix until well combined.
  • Set up three shallow dishes: one with all-purpose flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with Panko breadcrumbs.

Assembly and Cooking

  • Create pickle sandwiches by pressing about 1 teaspoon of the cheese mixture between two pickle slices.
  • Dredge each pickle-cheese sandwich in flour, dip in egg wash, and then coat thoroughly with Panko breadcrumbs, pressing gently.
  • To bake, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C), arrange bites on parchment paper, lightly spray, and bake for 15-20 minutes until golden, flipping halfway.
  • To air fry, preheat air fryer to 375°F (190°C), place bites in a single layer, lightly spray, and air fry for 8-12 minutes until golden, shaking or flipping halfway.
  • Serve the crispy pickle cheese bites immediately for the best warm enjoyment.

Notes

For extra flavor, try adding a pinch of cayenne pepper to the cheese mixture. Ensure pickles are very dry to prevent a soggy result. These bites can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated before baking or air frying, but they are best eaten fresh and warm.