By Dr. Leah Alexander | Published on August 11, 2023 | Last Updated on August 19, 2023
Fried pickles have become a favorite snack and side dish at Zaxby’s. The tangy flavor of the dill pickles is perfectly balanced with the crunchiness of a golden-brown coating. And now you can easily make your own delicious fried pickles at home using this easy process.
All you need are a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time to make this delicious appetizer. Serve up these fried pickles as a side dish or snack, and your friends and family will be sure to love them!
Whether you need an easy side dish for dinner or just want to enjoy some crunchy snacks on the side, Zaxby’s Fried Pickles are the perfect way to go. Follow the instructions below to make these delicious pickles at home.
What are Zaxby’s Fried Pickles?
Zaxby’s Restaurant is an American chain of fast-casual restaurants specializing in chicken fingers, sandwiches, salads, and wings. Founded in 1990 in Statesboro, Georgia, Zaxby’s now has locations throughout the United States.
There you can find a variety of menu items including their famous fried pickles. Fried pickles are dill pickle slices that have been dipped in a batter and then deep-fried until crisp.
Zaxby’s fried pickles are served with ranch or blue cheese dressing for dipping, making them an irresistible snack or side dish.
The fried pickles at Zaxby’s are especially popular and make the perfect snack or side dish. If you’re craving that delicious crunch of deep-fried pickles, then why not try making them yourself? The best part is that it’s so quick and easy to do!
What does it taste like?
Fried pickles are a popular snack for their savory flavor and crunchy texture. The dill pickles have a strong, salty flavor that is balanced perfectly by the light batter.
When cooked to perfection, the fried pickles are crispy on the outside yet still juicy on the inside. When served with ranch or blue cheese dressing, it’s a perfect combination of flavors.
The creamy dressing adds just the right amount of richness and creaminess to offset the pickles’ tangy flavor. It’s an irresistible snack that everyone loves!
How did I first get introduced to Zaxby’s Fried Pickles?
My introduction to Zaxby’s Fried Pickles began when I visited one of their restaurants. It was my first time trying fried pickles and I wanted to try something new.
The waitress brought me a plate of piping-hot, crispy fried pickles with a side of ranch dressing for dipping. The flavor combination was incredible!
I couldn’t get enough of them! I asked the waitress what was in them, but she didn’t know. So I decided to ask the chef directly if he could tell me how he made them so delicious.
The chef was more than happy to share his recipe with me. After trying it out for myself, I now make Zaxby’s Fried Pickles all the time!
So I am sharing this recipe with you so that you can make your own at home. Whether it’s for a party or just to snack on, these fried pickles are sure to be a hit!
How to make Zaxby’s Fried Pickles?
Making Zaxby’s Fried Pickles is easy and quick. All you need are some simple ingredients and a few steps to follow:
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Ingredients
- Dill Pickle Slices: Choose the freshest, crispiest pickles for best results.
- Flour: All-purpose flour will do here.
- Garlic Powder: Use a good quality garlic powder to give your fried pickles a great flavor.
- Cajun Seasoning: This adds some heat to your fried pickles! Adjust the amount to suit your own preference.
- Paprika: This adds flavor and a bit of color to the fried pickles.
- Vegetable Oil: Use high-quality vegetable oil for frying your pickles.
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Prepare the ingredients
- Drain and rinse off the pickles.
- Pat them dry with a paper towel.
- Cut them into 1/2-inch slices.
Step 2
Make the batter
- In a shallow bowl or plate, combine the flour, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning and paprika.
- Mix them well.
Step 3
Coat the pickles with flour mixture
- Dip each slice of pickle in the flour mixture and coat it evenly all over, shaking off any excess batter.
Step 4
Fry the pickles
- In a deep frying pan or skillet, heat the vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).
- Carefully place the battered pickles in the hot oil and fry them for 2-3 minutes, or until golden brown.
- Remove them from the pan with a slotted spoon or spatula and drain on paper towels.
Step 5
Serve
- You are ready to serve.
Tips
- For an extra crunchy coating, double-dip the pickles in the batter.
- If you want to reduce the amount of fat and calories in your fried pickles, you can bake them instead. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add some extra heat to your fried pickles by adding more Cajun seasoning.
- To make sure the coating sticks, be sure to dry the pickle slices off using a paper towel before dipping them in the batter.
- You can substitute low-fat buttermilk for the flour mixture if desired.
- Keep an eye on your fried pickles when frying to ensure they don’t burn. You want them to be golden brown but not dark brown or black.
Zaxby’s Fried Pickles Recipe
Equipment
- paper towel
- plate
- frying pan
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 cup of all-purpose flour
- olive oil or vegetable oil
- 32 oz jar of dill pickle slices
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 2 tsp Sprinkle Garlic powder and white pepper
Instructions
Gather the necessary ingredients:
- Drain and thoroughly rinse off the pickles until they are free of any moisture. Evenly pat them dry using a clean paper towel. Cut into 1/2-inch slices for uniformity in frying.
Create the batter:
- Combine together flour, garlic powder, Cajun seasoning and paprika in a shallow bowl or plate. Stir the ingredients until blended together well.
Bread the pickles:
- Dredge each slice of pickle into the flour mixture, coating it entirely and shaking off any excess batter.
Fry them up:
- In a deep skillet, heat up vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C). Carefully place battered pickles in the hot oil and fry for 2-3 minutes until a golden brown hue appears. Remove with a slotted spoon or spatula and place on paper towels to drain off any excess oil.
Plate:
- Present your crispy fried pickles which are now ready to be served!
Notes
- For an extra crunchy coating, double-dip the pickles in the batter.
- If you want to reduce the amount of fat and calories in your fried pickles, you can bake them instead. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C) and bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.
- Add some extra heat to your fried pickles by adding more Cajun seasoning.
- To make sure the coating sticks, be sure to dry the pickle slices off using a paper towel before dipping them in the batter.
- You can substitute low-fat buttermilk for the flour mixture if desired.
- Keep an eye on your fried pickles when frying to ensure they don’t burn. You want them to be golden brown but not dark brown or black.
Nutrition Information
What to serve with Zaxby’s Fried Pickles?
Zaxby’s Fried Pickles are a great snack or side dish for any meal. They can be served as-is with ranch dressing, blue cheese dressing, or your favorite dipping sauces.
Or you can elevate the dish by serving them alongside grilled meats and vegetables for a complete meal. You can also have these fried pickles in sandwiches.
They make a delicious addition to burgers, hot dogs, and other sandwiches. Or you can top salads with them for some added crunch!
How to store leftover Zaxby’s Fried Pickles?
Leftover Zaxby’s Fried Pickles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat them, you can pop them into the oven or microwave for a few minutes.
If you’d like to keep them for longer, you can freeze them in an airtight container or zip-top bag for up to 3 months.
When serving leftovers be sure to check the temperature of the pickles before eating. You don’t want to eat cold fried pickles!
Can pregnant women eat this?
Yes, pregnant women can eat Zaxby’s Fried Pickles as long as they follow the usual food safety guidelines.
Pregnant women should avoid eating undercooked meats and eggs, unpasteurized dairy products, and foods that could be contaminated with bacteria or parasites.
It is important to ensure that the fried pickles are cooked all the way through and are not served cold. Also, be sure to store them properly and reheat them before eating if needed.
Pregnant women should check with their doctor or midwife before adding Zaxby’s Fried Pickles to their diet. Overall, they can be a delicious snack option during pregnancy as long as they are cooked and stored properly.
FAQs
Are these fried pickles healthy?
Fried pickles are not considered a healthy food. They are high in fat and calories due to the coating and frying process. However, they can still make a proper snack when eaten in moderation.
Can I use other types of pickles for this?
Yes, you can use other types of pickles such as dill, bread and butter, or even sweet pickles. Be sure to adjust the seasoning accordingly based on the type of pickle used.
Can I make this in an air fryer?
Yes, making Zaxby’s Fried Pickles in an air fryer is much healthier than using deep-frying. Preheat your air fryer to 375°F (190°C) and cook the pickles for 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Wrapping Up
Thank you for trying this article on making Zaxby’s Fried Pickles! I hope you will enjoy making and eating them as much as I do.
If you have any questions about this, please leave them in the comments section below and I will be happy to answer them. Please share this article with your friends and family if you liked it.
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Dr. Leah Alexander, M.D., is a board-certified Pediatrician in New Jersey and has been working at Elizabeth Pediatric Group of New Jersey since 2000.
She also has a passion for culinary arts that extends beyond the medical realm. After completing culinary school at the French Culinary Institute, she started Global Palate, LLC, a catering firm, in 2007. She ran her own six-year-old catering company and served small group parties as an owner and executive chef.
