Hey, Welcome to the Zaxby’s Fried Pickles Recipe. Zaxby’s Fried Pickles are crispy, golden-fried pickle slices with a tangy crunch that make the perfect appetizer or snack.
I still remember the first time I ordered fried pickles at Zaxby’s and thought, “Why are these so addictive?”
If you’re anything like me and love that salty, crunchy, tangy combo, you’re going to have a lot of fun making these at home.
Today, I’m walking you through an easy, restaurant-style version you can confidently make in your own kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American
Category: Appetizer
History and Origin
Fried pickles originated in the Southern United States and quickly became a popular bar and diner snack.
Zaxby’s took this Southern classic and made it extra crispy, perfectly seasoned, and ideal for dipping in their signature sauces.
What does it taste like?
Zaxby’s Fried Pickles taste tangy and salty on the inside with a crispy, well-seasoned coating on the outside. Each bite gives you a satisfying crunch followed by that classic pickle zing.
By the way, you can also try the Zaxby’s Fries Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making it:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Dill pickle chips | 2 cups |
| All-purpose flour | ½ cup |
| Cornmeal | ½ cup |
| Buttermilk | ½ cup |
| Egg | 1 large |
| Garlic powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Onion powder | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Salt | ½ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Vegetable oil | For frying |
Equipments
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your recipe:
- Deep skillet or frying pan
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Slotted spoon
- Paper towels
- Measuring cups and spoons
How to make Zaxby’s Fried Pickles
Step 1: Prepare the pickles
I always start by patting the pickle chips dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and keeps the oil from splattering.
Step 2: Make the wet batter
In a bowl, I whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth. This is what gives the fried pickles that classic, slightly thick coating.
Step 3: Mix the dry coating
In another bowl, I combine flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend is what creates that signature crispy crust.
Step 4: Coat the pickles
I dip each pickle slice into the wet mixture, then coat it well in the dry mixture. Make sure each slice is evenly covered for the best crunch.
Step 5: Fry until golden
I heat oil to about 350°F and carefully fry the pickles in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Once they’re golden brown, I remove them and drain them on paper towels.
Recipe Card
Zaxby’s Fried Pickles Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- I always start by patting the pickle chips dry with paper towels. This helps the coating stick better and keeps the oil from splattering.
- In a bowl, I whisk together the buttermilk and egg until smooth. This is what gives the fried pickles that classic, slightly thick coating.
- In another bowl, I combine flour, cornmeal, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. This blend is what creates that signature crispy crust.
- I dip each pickle slice into the wet mixture, then coat it well in the dry mixture. Make sure each slice is evenly covered for the best crunch.
- I heat oil to about 350°F and carefully fry the pickles in batches for 2–3 minutes per side. Once they’re golden brown, I remove them and drain on paper towels.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 260 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Protein | 6 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Saturated Fat | 2 g |
| Sodium | 820 mg |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sugar | 2 g |
Serving Suggestions
I love serving these fried pickles hot with ranch dressing or Zaxby’s Sauce. They’re perfect as a game-day snack, party appetizer, or a crunchy side with burgers and wings.
Storage Tips
Fried pickles are best enjoyed fresh, but you can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat them in an air fryer or oven to bring back some of the crispiness.
Tips for Extra Crispy Zaxby’s Fried Pickles
Over the years, I’ve learned that small details make a big difference. Drying the pickles thoroughly, keeping the oil hot, and frying in small batches are my go-to tricks for getting that perfect crunch every single time.
Best Oil Temperature for Frying Pickles
One thing I never skip is checking the oil temperature. Keeping it around 350°F ensures the coating turns golden and crispy without soaking up excess oil or becoming greasy.
Can You Make Zaxby’s Fried Pickles Without Cornmeal?
If you don’t have cornmeal on hand, don’t worry. I’ve tried this recipe with just flour, and while the texture changes slightly, you still get a deliciously crispy bite that works great for dipping.
Air Fryer vs Deep Fryer Fried Pickles
I love deep-fried pickles for that classic restaurant crunch, but the air fryer is a solid alternative.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, the air fryer gives you crisp edges with less oil and less cleanup.
Best Dipping Sauces for Fried Pickles
For me, the dipping sauce is half the fun. Ranch dressing is a classic, but spicy mayo, honey mustard, or Zaxby’s Sauce can take these fried pickles to the next level.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Frying Pickles
I’ve made every mistake in the book, so you don’t have to. Overcrowding the pan, skipping the drying step, or frying at low temperatures can all lead to soggy pickles instead of crispy ones.
How to Serve Fried Pickles for Parties
Whenever I’m hosting friends or family, these fried pickles disappear fast. I like serving them fresh from the fryer on a platter with multiple dipping sauces so everyone can grab and dip easily.
What to Serve with Zaxby’s Fried Pickles
These fried pickles pair perfectly with burgers, sandwiches, wings, or even hot dogs. Sometimes, I serve them alongside Zaxby’s Fries to create a full-on appetizer spread.
Conclusion
Making Zaxby’s Fried Pickles at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly satisfying. Once you try them fresh and hot, you’ll see why they’re such a fan favorite.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. Please share this recipe with your loved ones and give it a 5-star rating at the end of the FAQs section if you enjoy it!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Zaxby’s Fried Pickles in an air fryer?
Yes, you can air fry them at 400°F for about 8–10 minutes, flipping halfway.
What type of pickles work best for this recipe?
Dill pickle chips work best because they have the right balance of tang and crunch.
Can I use pickle spears instead of chips?
Yes, but chips cook more evenly and get crispier than spears.
What dipping sauce goes best with fried pickles?
Ranch dressing, spicy mayo, or Zaxby’s Sauce pair perfectly with fried pickles.
Why are my fried pickles not crispy?
This usually happens if the oil isn’t hot enough or the pickles weren’t dried properly.
You will also like the Zaxby’s Cajun Club Sandwich Recipe.
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