Breaded mozzarella: fried in a pan, air fryer, or oven: a quick recipe for a appetizer that is crispy and gooey. Do you have a block of mozzarella in the fridge and don’t know how to use it? Besides the classic mozzarella and rosemary bruschetta, simple, fragrant, and always delicious, try these fried mozzarella bites: crispy on the outside, gooey on the inside, perfect as an appetizer or a delicious idea to serve hot. They can be prepared fried in a pan for an irresistible taste, or in an air fryer or oven for a lighter version, although, let’s face it, nothing beats the crust of frying!
Those who know me know how much I love using mozzarella in my recipes: from lasagna with tomato and mozzarella, to pasta with spinach and mozzarella, to oven-baked gratin potatoes with cherry tomatoes and mozzarella. It’s a versatile ingredient that always adds that extra touch. Yet, I had never tried it fried: a discovery that won me over at the first taste.
In this version, I used a block, cut into sticks, but I can’t wait to try it with mozzarella balls, ideal for an even more scenic effect. The result? A gooey and super crispy appetizer that will make everyone happy.
See you in the next recipe!!!
ALSO TRY:
- Difficulty: Very easy
- Cost: Very cheap
- Preparation time: 15 Minutes
- Portions: 6People
- Cooking methods: Frying, Air frying, Oven
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: All seasons
- Energy 1,086.51 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 26.01 (g) of which sugars 1.64 (g)
- Proteins 21.21 (g)
- Fat 101.17 (g) of which saturated 24.41 (g)of which unsaturated 71.83 (g)
- Fibers 2.30 (g)
- Sodium 855.19 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 6 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 14.11 oz mozzarella (a block)
- 2 eggs
- 0.35 cup flour
- 1.25 cups breadcrumbs
- to taste fine salt
- to taste black pepper
- to taste peanut oil (for frying)
Tools: fried mozzarella
Depending on the cooking method chosen, you will need one of these utensils:
- Frying pan
- Air fryer
- Baking tray
Recipe: fried mozzarella
To start, take the block of mozzarella and, with a sharp knife, slice it into pieces about 0.6 inches thick. Then, cut each slice in half to get regular pieces.
Start by breaking the eggs into a shallow dish, then whisk them with a fork until you have a smooth mixture, add salt and pepper.
Prepare two breading trays: one with flour and one with breadcrumbs. Now you’re ready to start breading!
Now coat each mozzarella piece in flour, ensuring it is well covered.
Then dip it in beaten egg and finally coat it in breadcrumbs, pressing lightly to ensure it adheres well on all sides.
Repeat for all pieces, then place them on a plate: the mozzarella sticks are now ready to be fried!
👉 Tip: for an even crispier and more durable coating during cooking, you can repeat the egg and breadcrumb step a second time.
Once breaded, the mozzarella pieces are ready to be cooked. Here I propose three methods: the classic frying, which remains the most delicious, and two lighter alternatives, oven and air fryer, perfect for those seeking a lighter yet still crispy version.
• Frying (classic version)
Heat enough peanut oil in a pan with high sides. When the oil is hot, fry a few pieces at a time, turning them gently halfway through cooking, until golden on all sides.
Drain them with a frying turner on absorbent paper to remove excess oil and lightly salt.
• Air fryer
Place the mozzarella pieces in the fryer basket, lined with perforated parchment paper, being careful not to overlap them. Lightly spray some air fryer oil spray on the surface and moderately salt. Cook at 356°F for about 5 minutes, checking towards the end of cooking to prevent the mozzarella from leaking out.
• Oven
Place the breaded mozzarella on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Add a drizzle of oil on top, lightly salt, and bake in a preheated static oven at 392°F for about 15 minutes.
The fried mozzarella is an irresistible appetizer, simple to prepare and perfect for winning everyone over, young and old. Whether you choose the classic frying or a lighter version in the oven or air fryer, the result will always be crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside.
Storage and tips
Storage: fried mozzarella is best enjoyed freshly made when it’s still hot and gooey inside. However, if you have leftovers, you can store them in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 day. When serving, heat them in the oven or air fryer for a few minutes to make them crispy again on the outside. Avoid the microwave, as it makes the coating soggy.
Tips: use a cooking mozzarella, compact and well-dried (like the block type used for pizza). Avoid too fresh or buffalo mozzarella, as it releases too much water, risking breaking during cooking.
FAQ
How do I prevent the mozzarella from leaking during cooking?
The trick is to dry it well before breading and, if possible, do a double coating (egg + breadcrumbs twice). This creates a more resistant barrier that holds the filling.
Can fried mozzarella be made gluten-free?
Yes! Just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and flour. There are also great ready-made gluten-free breadcrumb versions available in stores.
Is fried mozzarella suitable for children?
Absolutely yes! Fried mozzarella is also very popular with children.
