Emma Pickle era is here, how to make the crispy air fryer frickles
Looking to join the love for pickles? Pickle mania is here with the new KFC menu. Want to make homemade fried pickles? Here is a recipe for how to make crispy air fryer frickles.
You don’t need a deep fryer to get that addictive crunch. This air fryer frickles recipe gives you golden, crispy results in minutes — without the grease.
Find out more snack recipes in this search.
The Secret to Perfect Crispy Air Fryer Frickles
The difference between soggy and crispy frickles comes down to one simple step:
👉 Remove as much moisture as possible👈
Pickles are naturally wet, and excess moisture prevents the coating from sticking and crisping.
Top tip:
Pat pickle slices thoroughly dry with kitchen paper
Let them sit for 5–10 minutes before coating
Skip this step, and your frickles will steam instead of crisp.
Air Fryer Crispy Frickles Recipe
Easy frickles recipe
Ingredients
300g pickles (sliced lengthways or into rounds)
2 tbsp all-purpose flour
2 pinches cayenne pepper
2 eggs
100g breadcrumbs (or crushed crisps / semolina for extra crunch)
1 tsp oil (spray or brush)
Method
Slice the pickles
Cut into roughly ½ cm thick slices (angled slices give more surface area for crunch).
Dry thoroughly
Pat each slice dry using kitchen paper — this is key for crispiness.
Prepare coating stations
Bowl 1: flour + cayenne pepper
Bowl 2: whisked eggs
Bowl 3: breadcrumbs
Coat the pickles
Toss in flour
Dip into egg
Coat evenly in breadcrumbs
Spray or brush with a small amount of oil to help them crisp.
Preheat air fryer to 200°C
Arrange in a single layer (cook in batches if needed)
Cook for 10–11 minutes, turning halfway if needed
Serve immediately
Best enjoyed hot and crispy straight from the air fryer.
Air Fryer Crispy Frickles Recipe
Ingredients
- 300 g pickles sliced lengthways or into rounds
- 2 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 2 pinches cayenne pepper
- 2 eggs
- 100 g breadcrumbs or crushed crisps / semolina for extra crunch
- 1 tsp oil spray or brush
Instructions
- Slice the pickles
- Cut into roughly ½ cm thick slices (angled slices give more surface area for crunch).
- Dry thoroughly
- Pat each slice dry using kitchen paper — this is key for crispiness.
- Prepare coating stations
- Bowl 1: flour + cayenne pepper
- Bowl 2: whisked eggs
- Bowl 3: breadcrumbs
- Coat the pickles
- Toss in flour
- Dip into egg
- Coat evenly in breadcrumbs
- Spray or brush with a small amount of oil to help them crisp.
- Preheat air fryer to 200°C
- Arrange in a single layer (cook in batches if needed)
- Cook for 10–11 minutes, turning halfway if needed
- Serve immediately
Tips for Extra Crispy Frickles
Use panko breadcrumbs for maximum crunch
Try crushed salt & vinegar crisps for a flavour boost
Add garlic powder or smoked paprika for extra seasoning
Don’t overcrowd the basket — airflow = crispiness
What to Serve with Frickles
Frickles are perfect as a snack, side, or party food. Serve with Garlic mayo or Spicy sriracha dip.
FAQs About Frickles
Why are my frickles soggy?
Too much moisture or overcrowding the air fryer basket.
Can I make frickles without breadcrumbs?
Yes — try semolina or crushed crisps for a different texture.
Can I deep fry instead?
Absolutely — fry at 180°C for 2–3 minutes until golden.
Final Thoughts
This crispy frickles recipe is quick, easy, and seriously addictive. With the right prep (drying is everything!), you’ll get that perfect crunch every time — no takeaway required.
