- Prepare the mozzarella sticks: Start by freezing the mozzarella sticks for at least 1 hour before frying. Freezing helps the cheese stay intact and prevents it from melting too quickly during frying.
- Set up the breading station: In one shallow bowl, place the all-purpose flour. In another shallow bowl, beat the eggs. In a third shallow bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. This three-step breading process ensures a crisp and flavorful coating on your mozzarella sticks.
- Bread the mozzarella sticks: Dip each frozen mozzarella stick into the flour, coating it evenly and shaking off any excess. Next, dip it into the beaten eggs, ensuring it’s fully covered. Finally, roll the mozzarella stick in the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs stick. Repeat this process for all the mozzarella sticks.
- Heat the oil: In a large skillet or deep fryer, heat enough vegetable oil to cover the bottom of the pan over medium-high heat. You want the oil to be around 350°F (175°C) for frying. You can test the oil by dropping in a small piece of bread or breadcrumbs; if it sizzles immediately, the oil is ready.
- Fry the mozzarella sticks: Carefully add the breaded mozzarella sticks to the hot oil in batches, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Fry the sticks for 1–2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on all sides. Use tongs or a slotted spoon to remove them from the oil and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil.
- Serve: Serve the crispy mozzarella sticks immediately while they’re hot and gooey inside. Pair them with marinara sauce for dipping, or enjoy them on their own for a cheesy, crunchy treat!
- Why this recipe is a hit:
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