Step 1

Pat pickles very dry with paper towels. Cut any spears that are too thick in half lengthwise to create 1/2-inch thick spears. Combine flour and pepper in a shallow dish. Whisk together buttermilk and egg in a second shallow dish. Stir together panko and ranch dressing mix in a third shallow dish. Dredge pickles in flour mixture, shaking off excess. Dip in buttermilk mixture, and dredge in panko mixture, pressing to coat evenly.

Step 2

Working in batches, place pickles spears in a single layer in an air fryer basket lightly coated with cooking spray. Spray tops of pickles with cooking spray, if desired, for more browning. Cook at 400°F until golden brown, 8 to 10 minutes. Repeat with remaining pickle spears. Sprinkle with chives, and serve with your favorite ranch dressing, if desired.