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Crispy air fryer dill pickle chicken skewers on a white plate with creamy pickle ranch dipping sauce

Crispy Air Fryer Dill Pickle Chicken Skewers With Creamy Pickle Ranch

Crispy, tangy air fryer dill pickle chicken skewers with pickle-brined chicken, dill pickle slices, and a creamy homemade pickle ranch dipping sauce. Ready in 15 minutes after marinating.
Print Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Course: Appetizer, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

For the Pickle-Brined Chicken Skewers
  • 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breast cut into 1½-inch chunks
  • 1.5 cups dill pickle juice from a jar of good quality dill pickles
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • 1 tsp ranch seasoning from a packet or store-bought
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 20 thick dill pickle slices for threading onto skewers
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for brushing skewers before air frying
For the Creamy Pickle Ranch
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt full-fat
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tbsp dill pickle juice plus more to taste
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/4 tsp salt adjust to taste

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Wooden skewers, soaked in water
  • Instant-read thermometer
  • Pastry brush

Method

  1. Combine pickle juice, garlic powder, onion powder, dried dill, ranch seasoning, and black pepper in a large bowl or zip-lock bag. Add chicken chunks and marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours — overnight is best.
  2. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes.
  3. Make the pickle ranch: whisk together Greek yogurt, sour cream, pickle juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, onion powder, and salt until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
  4. Remove the chicken from the marinade and pat lightly dry with paper towels.
  5. Thread chicken chunks and pickle slices alternately onto the skewers. Brush all over with olive oil.
  6. Preheat the air fryer to 400°F for 3 minutes. Place skewers in a single layer in the basket with space between each.
  7. Air fry for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway, until golden and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
  8. Serve immediately with the creamy pickle ranch alongside.

Notes

Marinate overnight for the most flavorful result. Pat chicken dry before threading for crispier results. Don't overcrowd the air fryer basket — work in batches if needed. Use an instant-read thermometer to check 165°F doneness.