Why Everyone’s Obsessed With Frickles—And How to Make Them Perfect at Home

There was a time when pickles quietly sat on the side of a burger, slightly overlooked and often pushed aside. Not anymore. Britain has well and truly entered its pickle era—and it’s not just happening in fast-food chains. It’s happening in our kitchens, on our social feeds, and, increasingly, in our air fryers.

From high street menus to viral TikTok recipes, pickles are having a moment. And leading the charge? Crispy, golden “frickles”—deep-fried (or air-fried) pickles that deliver the perfect balance of crunch, tang, and indulgence.

The Rise of the Pickle Era

It’s hard to ignore the shift. Major brands are leaning in, with bold new menus centred around the humble gherkin. At the same time, social media has transformed pickles from a side note into a star ingredient.

Whether it’s unusual pickle drinks, snack hacks, or inventive recipes, the appetite for all things briny has exploded. And while eating out might have sparked the trend, recreating it at home is where things are getting interesting.

Why Your Frickles Aren’t Crispy (Yet)

If you’ve tried making frickles at home and ended up with something soggy rather than satisfyingly crisp, you’re not alone.

According to air fryer expert Martin Senders, there’s one simple mistake most people are making—and it’s ruining the result.

“The secret to perfect frickles is removing moisture first. If you don’t pat them dry, you won’t get that crisp, golden finish—they’ll just turn soft.”

It’s a small step, but it makes all the difference. Pickles, by nature, are packed with liquid. Skip this stage, and you’re essentially steaming them instead of crisping them.

Why Air Fryers Are Winning the Pickle Game

There’s a reason air fryers have become the go-to gadget for recreating viral food trends. They’re quick, convenient, and deliver that satisfying crunch without the need for deep frying.

Frickles are particularly well-suited to air frying. In under 15 minutes, you can go from jar to golden snack—no mess, no fuss.

And surprisingly, they’re not just indulgent. Pickles themselves are low in calories and naturally rich in electrolytes and gut-friendly probiotics, making them a smarter alternative to traditional fried snacks.

How to Make Perfect Frickles at Home

If you’re ready to bring this trend into your own kitchen, the method is refreshingly simple.

Start by slicing your pickles (or using pre-sliced ones), then pat them dry thoroughly—this is the step that changes everything.

Next, coat them in flour, dip into beaten egg, and finish with breadcrumbs. For an extra flavour hit, crushed crisps work brilliantly as a coating.

Arrange them in a single layer in your air fryer, set it to 200°C, and cook for 8–11 minutes until golden and crisp.

That’s it. No complicated techniques, just a few simple steps and a bit of patience.

The Snack That’s Here to Stay?

Food trends come and go, but there’s something about this one that feels different. Maybe it’s the nostalgia, maybe it’s the simplicity, or maybe it’s just the undeniable satisfaction of that crispy, tangy bite.

Either way, Britain’s pickle obsession shows no signs of slowing down—and with recipes this easy, it’s not hard to see why.

So next time you reach for a bag of crisps, you might want to think again. There’s a jar in the fridge with far more potential than you realised.

With expert insights from Martin Senders, Airfryer Chef at Philips.

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