Why did my mozzarella sticks burst open during frying?

The most common reason for bursting is insufficient freezing time or coating. Make sure to double-coat the cheese sticks and freeze them solid (at least 1 hour) before frying. Also, check that your oil isn't too hot, as excessive heat can cause rapid melting and bursting.

Can I make these mozzarella sticks in an air fryer?

Absolutely! Spray the frozen breaded sticks with cooking oil and air fry at 390°F for about 6-8 minutes, turning halfway through. They won't be quite as gooey in the center as deep-fried, but they'll still be delicious with significantly less oil.

How do I know when the oil is at the right temperature without a thermometer?

Drop a small breadcrumb into the oil - if it sizzles immediately and rises to the surface, your oil is ready. If it sinks and barely bubbles, it's too cold. If it burns quickly, your oil is too hot.

Can I use different types of cheese for this recipe?

While mozzarella string cheese is ideal because of its melting properties and shape, you can experiment with other firm cheeses cut into sticks. Just be aware that different cheeses melt at different rates, which may affect your frying time.

Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Description

Crispy, golden, and gooey on the inside, these fried mozzarella sticks are the ultimate crowd-pleasing appetizer. Perfectly seasoned and double-coated for maximum crunch, they’re easy to prepare and a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Serve them with marinara sauce for a mouthwatering treat everyone will love!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Coating

1/3 cup all-purpose flour
3 large eggs
2 tablespoons water
1 cup traditional breadcrumbs
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Assembly

8 mozzarella string cheese sticks, cut in half (16 pieces)

For Frying

1 cup canola oil

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Prepare the Flour Coating:
Add the ⅓ cup of all-purpose flour to a small bowl. Set it aside, as this will be the first step in coating the mozzarella sticks.
Make the Egg Wash:
In another small bowl, whisk together the 3 large eggs and 2 tablespoons of water. This will be the second step in coating the cheese sticks. Place this bowl next to the flour bowl.
Create the Breadcrumb Mixture:
In a third bowl, mix together the 1 cup of traditional breadcrumbs, 1 cup of Panko breadcrumbs, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, ½ teaspoon of salt, ½ teaspoon of garlic powder, and ¼ teaspoon of ground black pepper. Set this bowl next to the egg wash bowl.
Prepare Your Workstation:
Line a tray with parchment paper and place it next to the bowl with the breadcrumb mixture. This tray will hold the coated mozzarella sticks.
Coat the Mozzarella Sticks (First Layer):
Using tongs, coat each mozzarella stick (cut in half) in the flour. Dip the floured stick into the egg mixture, and then thoroughly coat it in the breadcrumb mixture. Place the coated sticks on the prepared parchment-lined tray.
Apply the Second Coating:
Once all the sticks are coated once, begin the second layer of breading. Skip the flour this time. Using tongs, dip each coated stick back into the egg mixture, then thoroughly coat it again in the breadcrumb mixture (including sides and edges). Place them back onto the tray.
Freeze the Sticks:
Place the tray with the breaded mozzarella sticks into the freezer and allow them to freeze for at least 1 hour. This step ensures the coating sticks properly while frying.
Prepare for Frying:
Heat 1 cup of canola oil in a heavy skillet or Dutch oven to a temperature between 325°F and 350°F. Line a plate with paper towels and place it next to your frying station.
Fry the Mozzarella Sticks:
Fry the frozen mozzarella sticks for 1 to 2 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Be careful not to overcrowd the pan, as this may lower the oil temperature. Adjust the heat as necessary to maintain the frying temperature.
Drain and Serve:
Transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to the paper towel-lined plate to absorb excess oil. Serve immediately with your favorite dipping sauce, like marinara or ranch dressing.

Notes

Make sure the mozzarella sticks are fully frozen before frying to prevent the cheese from oozing out.
Use a thermometer to monitor and maintain the oil temperature for best results.
You can substitute canola oil with vegetable oil or peanut oil if preferred.
These mozzarella sticks can be frozen in advance and stored in an airtight container for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 stick
Calories: 120
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 200mg
Fat: 7g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 4g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 9g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 6g
Cholesterol: 25mg