Have You Tried the Viral ‘Frickle’? Airfryer Fried Pickles Are the Snack of the Summer

Pickles have always had a place on our plates—from the side of a burger to a cheeky addition in your cheese toastie. But lately, they’ve gone from humble condiment to cultural phenomenon. Dua Lipa’s pickle cocktail went viral, TikTok is flooded with pickle pasta and pickle-stuffed cheese bites, and now the deep-fried ‘frickle’ is taking the lead as 2025’s most addictive snack.

The frickle (yes, fried + pickle) is exactly what it sounds like—slices of pickle, breaded and crisped to golden perfection. It’s salty, crunchy, a little bit tangy, and seriously satisfying. And the best bit? You don’t need a deep fryer to make it at home. The airfryer does the job beautifully.

Google Trends data reveals that UK searches for ‘pickle recipes’ shot up by 140% between January and July this year. Clearly, we’re a nation newly obsessed with the sour snack.

And it’s not just TikTok driving the trend. According to Martin Senders, Philips’ in-house Airfryer Chef, it’s all about the health benefits, too.

“Pickles, especially the fermented kind, are packed with gut-friendly probiotics,” says Martin. “They’re also low in calories and full of electrolytes, making them a great healthy alternative to crisps or fries.”

In other words: pickles aren’t just tasty—they’re practically a wellness food. And when you fry them in an airfryer instead of a pan of oil? You’re keeping all the crunch with way less grease.

How to Make Frickles in Your Airfryer

Airfrying pickles might just become your new go-to snack, especially when the cravings hit. Martin’s fried pickle recipe is ridiculously easy—and customisable, too.

Tip from Martin: “Always pat your pickles dry before coating—excess moisture is what stops them from getting crispy!”

Ingredients:

300g of pickles (gherkin-style or sliced dill pickles work best)
2 tbsp of all-purpose flour
2 pinches of cayenne pepper (optional, but recommended)
2 eggs
100g of breadcrumbs
1 tsp of oil (or use a spray bottle)

Method:

Slice and dry: Cut the pickles at an angle into roughly 0.7cm thick slices. Use kitchen towel to blot off any excess liquid.
Set up your bowls: In one bowl, mix the flour and cayenne. In another, whisk the eggs. In a third, pour in the breadcrumbs.
Coat the pickles: Dip each slice into the flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs. Press gently to help the crumbs stick.
Oil and load: Brush or spray a little oil on the coated pickles. Arrange them in a single layer in the airfryer basket.
Airfry: Set to 200°C and cook for 8–11 minutes until golden and crispy. You may need to work in batches depending on your airfryer size.
Serve and snack: Serve hot with your favourite dip—ranch, sriracha mayo, or even garlic yoghurt.

And if you’re after a new kitchen gadget, the Philips 3000 Series Dual Basket Airfryer is currently on offer at Currys for £129.99, with £50 off for a limited time.

What to Dip Them In?

The fun doesn’t stop at the pickle. Here are a few quick ideas for dips to pair with your frickles:

Sriracha honey mayo – spicy, sweet, and creamy
Buttermilk ranch – the American classic
Blue cheese dip – for the bold
Garlic aioli – rich and savoury
Hot honey – sweet heat in every bite

Are Frickles Healthy?

Surprisingly, yes—at least healthier than deep-fried alternatives. When made in an airfryer, you’re cutting down on oil without sacrificing texture. And if you go easy on the breading or swap for gluten-free crumbs, they’re suitable for a range of diets.

Plus, fermented pickles contain live cultures that support your gut microbiome. So while it might feel indulgent, this is one snack trend that won’t derail your goals.

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