Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

Fried Mozzarella Sticks with dipping sauce

Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks Recipe

These crispy and crunchy fried mozzarella sticks will be one of your all-time favorite guilty pleasures. They are easy to make and one bite will have you come back for more.

Course Appetizer

Cuisine American

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Frozen Time 1

Total Time 1 20

Servings Servings

Calories 261kcal

Author Mirlene

Equipment

Ingredients

12 Oz. Mozzarella Sticks; Cut in half
½ Cup All-Purpose Flour
½ tsp. Kosher Salt; or to taste
¼ tsp. Ground Black Pepper
1 Egg
1 Cup Panko Breadcrumbs; more if needed
1 Tbsp Dried Oregano Flakes
¼ Cup Water
4 Cups Oil for frying

Instructions

Prepare your mozzarella sticks: Cut the mozzarella sticks in half if they aren’t already. Place them back in the freezer to keep them nice and firm while you prep everything else.
Set up your dredging station: In the first bowl, mix the flour, oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.
In the second bowl, whisk the egg with the water until smooth.
In the third bowl, add the panko breadcrumbs
Coat the mozzarella sticks: Working with a few pieces at a time, first roll the frozen mozzarella sticks in the seasoned flour, coating all sides.
Then dip them into the egg wash, letting any excess drip off. Then back into the flour mixture.
Transfer them back to the egg was, and finally coat them thoroughly in the panko- breadcrumbs, pressing gently so the crumbs stick well.
Chill before frying: Once coated, place the mozzarella sticks back into the freezer for about 15–20 minutes if you are in a rush, and 1 hour if time permits. This helps the breading set and keeps the cheese from leaking out when frying.
Heat the oil: Pour the oil into a deep fryer or a heavy-bottomed pot. Heat it to 350°F (175°C) but no more than 375°F. (Use a thermometer for accuracy if you can.)
Fry the mozzarella sticks: Carefully add a few sticks at a time to the hot oil. Fry for about 1½ to 2 minutes, turning as needed, until golden brown and crispy.
Drain and serve: Remove the sticks with a slotted spoon or spider strainer and place them on a paper towel-lined plate to drain any extra oil.
Serve hot with your favorite dipping sauce — marinara, ranch, or cheese sauce

Notes

How to Store Deep Fried Mozzarella Sticks

If you find yourself with leftover mozzarella sticks (rare, but it happens!), storing them properly is key to keeping them as crispy and cheesy as possible.

Here’s how to do it:

Cool completely: Let the mozzarella sticks cool to room temperature first. If you store them while they’re still hot, they’ll steam and get soggy.
Use an airtight container: Place the cooled sticks in a single layer inside an airtight container. If you need to stack them, separate the layers with a piece of parchment paper so they don’t stick together.
Refrigerate: Store the container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days.
Freeze for longer storage: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze mozzarella sticks! Place them on a baking sheet in a single layer and freeze until solid, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll stay good for about 1–2 months.

Pro Tip for Reheating:

For best results, reheat them in an air fryer or oven — not the microwave — so they crisp back up without getting rubbery.

**** When printing the recipe, please unselect the camera so that the pictures are NOT printed with the recipe (if preferred). ****

This post may contain affiliate links. See our full Privacy Policy. We may receive compensation by clicking on the links and or making a purchase.

Calories are estimated per serving.

Nutrition