Fried chicken is a staple of Southern cuisine, and zaxby’s fry seasoning is one of my favorite ways to get that crispy, flavorful coating. As an expert chef specializing in comfort food recipes, I’m excited to share my version of a copycat zaxby’s fry seasoning recipe in this post.
Why I Love This Fry Seasoning Recipe
As someone who grew up in the South, I have fond childhood memories of trips to Zaxby’s for their famous chicken fingers and zesty fries. Their signature seasoning blend has just the right balance of saltiness and spice. I’ve worked to try and replicate it at home for years, tweaking my recipe until it has that same craveable crunch and well-rounded flavor profile.
What I love about this homemade version is that it allows me to coat chicken, fries, or vegetables for a quick weeknight meal without having to deep fry. Simply dredge and bake or air fry ingredients coated in this mix to get that same restaurant-quality seasoning in your own kitchen. It’s also very budget-friendly compared to buying the packaged mixes from the store.
How to Make Zaxby’s Fry Seasoning
Making this Zaxbys-inspired seasoning at home is so easy to whip up. Here is an overview of the ingredients and kitchen tools you’ll need:
My Favorite Zaxby’s Fry Seasoning Recipe
I always try to share the exact copycat recipes. So, here is my favorite fry seasoning recipe from Zaxby.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon thyme
Instructions:
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Mix well until evenly distributed.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
To use:
- Sprinkle the seasoning on your fries to taste.
- You can also use it on other foods, such as chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Special Notes:
- Feel free to tweak amounts of any spices to suit your taste – add more paprika and chili powder if you like things extra zesty or cut back for milder flavor.
- Make sure to use actual dried parsley and basil rather than ground for best texture.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dark place to maximize freshness.
Variations:
Some of my favorite ways to enjoy this versatile seasoning beyond classic fried chicken and fries include:
- Coconut Shrimp – dredge peeled shrimp in egg and coconut flakes then this seasoning for a tropical twist
- Cauliflower Bites – coat riced cauliflower florets to roast up crispy veggie “wings”
- Popcorn Shake – sprinkle over hot air popped or stove top popcorn with melted butter
- Roasted Potatoes – cube potatoes, toss with oil, then this seasoning and roast
Serving Suggestions:
This zaxby’s copycat seasoning is fantastic on its own, but also pairs well with:
- Zesty ranch dressing for dipping
- Lemon wedges or malt vinegar for sprinkling on fries
- Honey mustard or barbecue sauce for chicken fingers/sandwiches
- Blue cheese dressing for kicking up chicken wings
The possibilities are endless! I encourage you to try this recipe on whatever your favorite foods are to fry up or bake.
Storing and Reheating Leftovers
One perk of this seasoning is that it keeps fried foods like chicken fingers and fries nice and crispy, even when storing leftovers. Simply let them cool completely after cooking then transfer to a sealed container or zip top bag. They’ll stay crispy in the fridge for 2-3 days.
To reheat, place on a baking sheet and put in a 400 degree F oven for 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway. You can also re-crisp them in the air fryer if you have one. The seasoning will continue providing great flavor and crunch, helping revive the textures of these formerly fried favorites.
Common Questions
Can I substitute any spices?
The salt, pepper, paprika, onion powder, and garlic powder form the core base so I’d recommend keeping those. Feel free to play with alternatives for the supporting herbs and spices.
How spicy is this blend?
I designed it to have just a little kick while still being family-friendly. Add more chili powder and cayenne if you like extra heat. For less spice, reduce or remove the chili powder altogether.
What oil should I dredge the food in before coating?
I prefer using olive oil or vegetable oil, but you could also use egg wash or milk for extra crisp adhesion.
Do I really need to air fry or bake the coated foods versus frying?
Baking, air frying, or pan frying are all healthier cooking methods that still get things nice and crispy! You can deep fry if you want an exact replica, but the others work great.
Zaxby’s Fry Seasoning Recipe
Description
This secret copycat recipe for zaxby’s signature fry seasoning lets you easily recreate their unique crunch and well-rounded flavor at home to coat chicken, fries, or veggies – with just a few common spices. Read on for the simple steps!
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Mix well until evenly distributed.
- Store in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.
- Sprinkle the seasoning on your fries to taste.
- You can also use it on other foods, such as chicken, fish, or vegetables.
Enjoy My Signature Southern Fry Seasoning!
I’m thrilled to share this recipe for my copycat version of zaxby’s famous fry seasoning – it’s ideal for getting that perfect crunch on fried chicken, fries, and more. With its special blend of spices and herbs, this versatile mix captures the zesty Zaxby’s flavor I loved growing up. It’s quick, budget-friendly, and very customizable. Whip up a big batch so you can crisp up finger-licking favorites anytime.
As you can see, this seasoning really is one of my secret weapons in the kitchen! I hope you savor every flavorful bite. Let me know if you have any other questions – I’m happy to help fellow home cooks master the art of comfort cuisine.
