Description
Irresistible crispy gooey cheese bites promise a delightful journey through melted cheese and golden crunch. Perfectly balanced flavors and textures invite you to savor each delectable morsel, making these bites an instant crowd-pleaser for snack enthusiasts.
Ingredients
Scale
Cheese:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) mozzarella cheese sticks or fresh mozzarella balls
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Breading and Coating:
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs
Seasonings:
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
Cooking:
- Cooking oil for frying or air frying
Instructions
- Carefully select and prepare mozzarella, ensuring each piece is uniformly sized and moisture-free for optimal crispiness.
- Create a strategic breading lineup with three distinct seasoned stations: flour seasoned with salt and pepper, whisked eggs, and a zesty mixture of Parmesan, panko, garlic powder, and dried oregano.
- Meticulously coat each cheese morsel by first rolling in seasoned flour, gently shaking off excess. Submerge completely in egg wash, then generously roll in the herbed breadcrumb mixture, pressing firmly to secure an even, adherent coating.
- For deep frying: Heat oil to 350°F, carefully submerging breaded cheese bites and frying until achieving a rich golden-brown exterior, approximately 2-3 minutes. Alternatively, for air frying: Preheat device to 375°F, positioning bites in a single uncrowded layer and cooking 8-10 minutes, rotating midway to ensure uniform browning.
- Transfer immediately to a paper towel-lined surface to absorb excess oil, then serve piping hot alongside complementary dipping sauces like marinara, ranch, or spicy aioli for maximum gustatory enjoyment.
Notes
- Moisture Control: Pat cheese completely dry to prevent splattering and ensure maximum crispiness during cooking.
- Coating Technique: Press breadcrumb mixture firmly onto cheese to create a thick, even layer that seals in melty goodness.
- Temperature Matters: Maintain consistent oil or air fryer heat around 375°F for perfect golden-brown exterior without burning.
- Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch, and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for celiac-friendly version.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Snacks
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 150mg