How to Deep Fry Oysters

It was a brave human who first ate an oyster. The human race, however, has been thankful ever since. While the oyster can be prepared a variety of ways, fried oysters are a special delicacy in the South. The moist meat of the oyster paired with a flavorful crust makes for a favorite treat.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Deep fryer
• Cooking oil
• Eggs
• Oysters
• Breading material, such as cornmeal or bread crumbs
• Flour
• Water
• Several bowls
• Paper towels
• Tongs and spoons
• Splatter screen
• Sauce, such as cocktail sauce or tartar sauce
• Lemon slices for garnish

1. Heat oil in a deep fryer to 375 degrees F. Vegetable oil is the most common oil for deep frying oysters. While the deep fryer is preheating, prepare the breading station.
2. Beat several eggs together in a bowl. Add a little water to thin the eggs, if needed.
3. Prepare the breading material. Use cornmeal or bread crumbs seasoned with salt and pepper. Flour may be used in combination with the breading material or as a separate step.
4. Rinse the oysters. Pat dry with paper towels.
5. Dip the oysters in the egg mixture. Let excess egg mixture drain off; then dredge through the breading material. If using flour as a separate step, dip in flour, then egg, then breading material. Be sure that the breading material completely coats the oyster. Prepare several oysters before putting them into the deep fryer.
6. Place the oysters carefully in the deep fryer. Cook until golden brown, approximately 2 minutes. Do not overcook. Remove from the deep fryer using a slotted spoon or slotted spatula. Serve with tartar sauce, cocktail sauce or other favorite dipping sauce. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Tips & Warnings

• To keep the oyster from sticking to the basket, add it to the deep fryer basket after the basket has been lowered into the hot oil.
• Oysters come in a variety of sizes; fry similar sized oysters together so they will be done at the same time.
• Oysters are full of moisture. Use a splatter screen when deep frying oysters to prevent burns when the oysters pop and sizzle.
• Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations when operating a deep fryer.
• Always follow safe food handling methods. Prevent cross-contamination when working with raw eggs and raw oysters; frequently wash hands and surfaces with soap and hot water and dry with paper towels.
• Always follow kitchen safety rules when working with a deep fryer. Use caution and have a fire extinguisher available. Never allow children near a deep fryer while cooking.