Frying Mozzarella Sticks: How Long In A Deep Fryer?

Frying mozzarella sticks in a deep fryer is a simple process that yields a delicious snack. The key to success is to ensure the cheese doesn't leak out during frying, which can be achieved by double-breading the cheese sticks and freezing them before frying. The standard breading procedure involves dipping the cheese sticks in flour, then egg wash, and finally breadcrumbs. Frying the breaded cheese sticks in a neutral-flavoured, high-heat oil such as avocado, grapeseed, or vegetable oil, at a temperature of around 350°F to 375°F for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown, will result in crispy, gooey mozzarella sticks that are perfect for dipping in marinara sauce or ranch dressing.

How to prepare the mozzarella sticks for frying

How to Prepare Mozzarella Sticks for Frying

Preparing mozzarella sticks for frying is a simple process, but there are a few key steps to follow to ensure the best results. Here is a detailed guide on how to prepare your mozzarella sticks for frying:

Ingredients

Firstly, gather your ingredients. For the best results, it is recommended to use low-moisture whole milk mozzarella cheese. You can either buy pre-made cheese sticks or cut your own block of mozzarella into sticks or slices. Other essential ingredients include flour, eggs, breadcrumbs, and oil for frying. You can also add seasonings such as garlic salt, Italian seasoning, parsley, and Romano or Parmesan cheese for extra flavour.

Breading Station Setup

Set up a breading station with three shallow bowls. In the first bowl, place the flour. This will be used to coat the cheese sticks and help the other ingredients stick to them. In the second bowl, prepare an egg wash by beating two or three eggs with a small amount of water. The egg wash will act as a binding agent and help the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese sticks. In the third bowl, add the breadcrumbs. You can use plain, Italian-seasoned, or panko breadcrumbs, depending on your preference. If desired, you can also add seasonings to the breadcrumbs for extra flavour.

Breading Process

Take each mozzarella stick and coat it first in the flour, shaking off any excess. Then, dip it into the egg wash, ensuring it is fully coated. Finally, roll it in the breadcrumbs, pressing gently to ensure the breadcrumbs adhere to the cheese stick. Repeat this process for a double breading, which will give your mozzarella sticks an extra crispy coating.

Freezing (Optional)

At this point, you have the option to freeze your breaded mozzarella sticks. Freezing them for about 30 minutes to an hour will help the breading adhere better and prevent the cheese from melting and oozing out during frying.

Frying

Heat your frying oil in a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot to 350°F (185°C). Neutral oils with high smoke points, such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or vegetable oil, are best for frying. Carefully lower the breaded mozzarella sticks into the hot oil in batches, making sure not to overcrowd the fryer. Fry them for about 2-3 minutes, or until they are golden brown and crispy on the outside.

Draining and Serving

Using a slotted spoon or tongs, transfer the fried mozzarella sticks to a paper towel-lined plate to drain any excess oil. Serve the hot mozzarella sticks immediately, garnished with parsley and grated cheese if desired. They are best enjoyed with a dipping sauce, such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or any of your favourite sauces.

The best oils for frying mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack that you can make at home. The choice of oil is important as it will determine the outcome of your cooking efforts. The best oils for frying mozzarella sticks are those with a neutral flavour and high smoking point. Here are some of the best options:

Vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a stable oil with a high smoking point, making it suitable for deep-frying mozzarella sticks. It is also inexpensive and widely available.

Canola oil

Canola oil is a multi-purpose cooking oil with a relatively high smoking point of 400°F. It is a good choice for deep-frying mozzarella sticks when you need an affordable, good-quality oil without strong or overpowering flavours.

Safflower oil

Safflower oil has a high smoking point of 475°F and a neutral flavour, making it ideal for deep-frying. However, it tends to be more expensive than other options.

Soybean oil

Soybean oil has a smoking point of 450°F, which is suitable for deep-frying. It is inexpensive, readily available, and doesn't have a strong flavour, allowing the flavour of the mozzarella to shine.

Corn oil

Corn oil is one of the most affordable options for deep-frying. It has a neutral flavour and a high smoking point of 450°F.

Sunflower oil

Sunflower oil has a high smoking point of 450°F and a slightly nutty flavour that is not overpowering. It is readily available and affordable, making it a popular choice for deep-frying snacks in large quantities.

Other oils that can be used for frying mozzarella sticks include avocado oil, grapeseed oil, coconut oil, and peanut oil. However, these oils have distinct scents and flavours that may be imparted to the mozzarella sticks.

How long to fry the mozzarella sticks

How Long to Fry Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer. They are also easy to make at home and take just minutes to fry. The key to frying mozzarella sticks is to ensure the cheese is fully melted and gooey on the inside, while the outside is golden and crispy.

How Long to Fry Mozzarella Sticks in a Deep Fryer

The length of time needed to fry mozzarella sticks in a deep fryer depends on the temperature of the oil. Most recipes recommend heating the oil to between 350°F and 375°F. At these temperatures, the mozzarella sticks should fry for around 2 to 3 minutes, or until they are golden brown. It is important to fry the sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer, which can cause the oil temperature to drop.

How to Ensure Even Cooking

To ensure even cooking and prevent the cheese from leaking out, it is recommended to double-bread the mozzarella sticks. This involves dipping the sticks in flour, then egg, then breadcrumbs, and then repeating the process. Freezing the breaded mozzarella sticks for at least 30 minutes to 2 hours before frying can also help to prevent the cheese from melting too quickly and leaking out.

Tips for Frying Mozzarella Sticks

• Use a neutral frying oil such as avocado oil, grapeseed oil, vegetable oil, or tallow.
• Use a leave-in probe thermometer to monitor the oil temperature and keep it consistent.
• Fry the mozzarella sticks in batches to avoid overcrowding the fryer.
• Drain the fried mozzarella sticks on paper towels before serving.
• Serve the mozzarella sticks with a dipping sauce such as marinara sauce, ranch dressing, or aioli.

How to serve the mozzarella sticks

How to Serve Mozzarella Sticks

Mozzarella sticks are a delicious snack, side dish, or appetizer. They can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your preference. Here are some tips on how to serve them:

Serving Size and Presentation

As an appetizer or snack, it is recommended to serve 3 mozzarella sticks per person. You can arrange them on a plate or platter, ensuring they are in a single layer to prevent sogginess. Garnish with parsley and grated Romano or Parmesan cheese. You can also cut the sticks in half for bite-sized portions.

Dipping Sauces

The most popular dipping sauce for mozzarella sticks is marinara sauce. You can make your own or buy a jarred sauce. If you want to offer a variety of dipping options, you can also provide other sauces such as:

• Sriracha Aioli
• Southwest Dipping Sauce
• BBQ Sauce
• Comeback Sauce
• Garlic Aioli
• Ranch Dressing

Side Dishes and Pairings

Mozzarella sticks can be served as a side dish or appetizer alongside a salad, grilled chicken, or vegetables. They also go well with sandwiches, adding a delicious, cheesy kick to your meal. For a healthier option, serve them with raw veggies and offer ranch dressing as a dip for both.

Reheating and Storage

If you have leftover mozzarella sticks, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To reheat, place them in an oven preheated to 350-450 degrees F for about 5-15 minutes, depending on whether they are refrigerated or frozen.

Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed hot and crispy, so be sure to serve them soon after frying, and provide plenty of napkins, as they can be messy to eat!

How to store leftover mozzarella sticks

Mozzarella sticks are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, there are a few ways to store them.

Storing Leftover Mozzarella Sticks

Leftover mozzarella sticks can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three to five days. It is important to note that mozzarella sticks should be completely cooled before storing. Place them in an airtight container lined with paper towels to absorb excess oil.

Reheating Refrigerated Mozzarella Sticks

To reheat refrigerated mozzarella sticks, preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and place the sticks on a baking sheet. Heat for about five minutes or until heated through.

Alternatively, you can use a toaster oven. Preheat it to around 450°F (230°C) and bake the sticks for eight to nine minutes, keeping a close eye on them to ensure the cheese doesn't burn.

Freezing Mozzarella Sticks

If you wish to store your mozzarella sticks for longer, freezing is an option. Allow the sticks to cool completely, then arrange them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Cover and freeze for a few hours or overnight. Once frozen solid, transfer the sticks to a dated, zip-top bag and store them in the freezer for up to three months.

Reheating Frozen Mozzarella Sticks

To reheat frozen mozzarella sticks, preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C) and place the frozen sticks on a baking sheet. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through.

Tips for Optimal Taste and Texture

When reheating mozzarella sticks, it is important to note that they may not taste as crispy as when they were freshly fried. If you wish to add crispiness, consider placing them under the oven broiler for a couple of minutes after reheating.

Additionally, while it is possible to use a microwave to reheat mozzarella sticks, this method may result in a soggy texture. If you choose to use a microwave, arrange the sticks in a circular pattern on a plate and heat in short intervals, flipping them over halfway through.

For the best flavour and texture, mozzarella sticks should be consumed as soon as possible after frying.

Frequently asked questions