Unleash Your Inner Chef: How To Make Zaxby’s Fried Pickles Like A Pro

Craving the irresistible crunch of Zaxby’s fried pickles but want to enjoy them from the comfort of your own kitchen? Fret no more! This comprehensive guide will walk you through the simple steps to recreate this beloved appetizer at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 pound dill pickles, sliced into spears
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 1 teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• Vegetable oil for frying

Equipment:

• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Ziploc bag or airtight container
• Tongs
• Paper towels

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Pickles:

Slice the dill pickles into spears of your desired thickness. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

2. Create the Buttermilk Mixture:

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.

3. Marinate the Pickles:

Place the pickle spears in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. Pour the buttermilk mixture over the pickles, ensuring they are fully submerged. Seal the bag or container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.

4. Make the Breadcrumbs:

In a separate mixing bowl, combine the flour, cornstarch, and baking powder. Season with additional garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper if desired.

5. Coat the Pickles:

Remove the pickles from the buttermilk marinade and allow the excess buttermilk to drip off. Dredge the pickles thoroughly in the breadcrumb mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.

6. Preheat the Oil:

Heat a deep fryer or heavy-bottomed pot filled with vegetable oil to 350°F (175°C).

7. Fry the Pickles:

Carefully drop the coated pickles into the hot oil. Fry for 2-3 minutes per side, or until golden brown and crispy.

8. Drain and Serve:

Remove the fried pickles from the oil using tongs and drain them on paper towels. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce.

Tips:

• For extra crispy pickles, double-coat them in the breadcrumb mixture.
• If you don’t have buttermilk, you can make your own by adding 1 tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar to 1 cup of milk.
• To make the pickles ahead of time, fry them until golden brown and then place them on a baking sheet lined with paper towels. Reheat them in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes before serving.

Variations:

• Spicy Fried Pickles: Add 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Ranch Fried Pickles: Add 1/4 cup of dry ranch dressing mix to the breadcrumb mixture.
• Bacon Fried Pickles: Wrap each pickle spear with a slice of bacon before coating and frying.

Final Thoughts:

With these simple steps, you can now enjoy the crispy, tangy goodness of Zaxby’s fried pickles in the comfort of your own home. Impress your friends and family with this delicious appetizer that is sure to become a crowd-pleaser.

Answers to Your Questions

1. Can I use other types of pickles?

Yes, you can use any type of pickle you like. However, dill pickles are the traditional choice for this recipe.

2. How long can I marinate the pickles?

You can marinate the pickles for as little as 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer they marinate, the more flavorful they will be.

3. What is the best dipping sauce for fried pickles?

Ranch dressing is the classic dipping sauce for fried pickles, but you can also try other sauces such as barbecue sauce, honey mustard, or even ketchup.

4. Can I freeze fried pickles?

Yes, you can freeze fried pickles for up to 3 months. To freeze them, place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze until solid. Then, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container.

5. How do I reheat frozen fried pickles?

To reheat frozen fried pickles, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the frozen pickles on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and reheat for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through.