Deep-fried Pizza Slice Recipe

Name: Brooklyn's Best Pizza & Pastas Deep-Fried Pizza Slice Recipe
Cook time: 50 min
Total time: 50 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 4 count large leftover or fresh pizza slices (cheese or pepperoni); 1 cups all-purpose flour; 2 count large eggs; 2 tbs whole milk; 1 cups plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular); 2 tbs grated Parmesan cheese (optional, mixed into breadcrumbs); 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning; 1 tsp salt; 1 tsp black pepper; 3 cups neutral oil for deep frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut); 1 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade); 0.25 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbs fresh basil leaves (optional, chopped); 2 tbs freshly grated Parmesan (for garnish, optional); 1 tbs fresh parsley or basil (chopped, optional)

Inspired by Brooklyn's Best Pizza & Pasta

Time50m

Serves4

With side of marinara sauce

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Ingredients

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Pizza Slices

4 count large leftover or fresh pizza slices (cheese or pepperoni)

Breading Station

1 cups 00 bread flour

2 count Large eggs

2 tbs whole milk

1 cups plain breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

2 tbs grated Parmesan cheese (optional, mixed into breadcrumbs)

1 tsp dried Italian seasoning

1 tsp Celtic sea salt

1 tsp black pepper

Frying

3 cups neutral oil for deep frying (vegetable, canola, or peanut)

Marinara Dipping Sauce

1 cups marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)

1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)

2 tbs fresh basil leaves (optional, chopped)

Finishing

2 tbs freshly grated Parmesan (for garnish, optional)

1 tbs fresh parsley or basil (chopped, optional)

Method

Pizza Slices

Prep slices

If using refrigerated leftover pizza, bring slices to room temperature for 15–20 minutes to ensure even frying. If slices are very floppy, place them briefly (5–7 minutes) under a low broiler or in a 300°F (150°C) oven to firm the crust and set the cheese slightly; cool 2–3 minutes before breading. Trim any extremely large overhangs so each slice fits comfortably in your fryer or skillet.

Breading Station

Assemble breading

Set up three shallow bowls or pie plates: Bowl 1 – flour seasoned with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; Bowl 2 – whisk together eggs and milk until homogenous; Bowl 3 – combine breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan, Italian seasoning, remaining 1/2 tsp salt and 3/4 tsp black pepper. Mix breadcrumbs thoroughly so cheese and seasonings are distributed.

Bread the slices

Working with one slice at a time, dredge the pizza slice in the seasoned flour, shaking off excess. Dip into the egg mixture, allowing excess to drip back into the bowl. Press both sides into the breadcrumb mixture, coating thoroughly. For a sturdier crust, repeat the egg dip and breadcrumb coat for a double-layer breading. Place finished slices on a wire rack while you heat the oil. Keep breaded slices chilled 5–10 minutes if they become too soft before frying.

Frying

Heat oil

Pour oil into a deep, heavy-bottomed pot or deep fryer so it is about 2–3 inches deep (approximately the 3 cups listed). Heat oil to 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, test by dropping a small piece of bread into the oil — it should sizzle and brown in about 60 seconds.

Fry the slices

Fry 1–2 slices at a time (don’t overcrowd) for 1.5–3 minutes per side, or until the breading is golden brown and crisp. Use a slotted spoon or spider to turn slices gently. Cooking time varies with slice thickness and oil temperature; ensure oil returns to 350°F between batches. If cheese threatens to escape, fry with slice seam-side up first to help seal.

Drain

Transfer fried slices to a paper towel–lined baking sheet or wire rack set over a baking sheet to drain and keep crisp. Keep finished slices in a warm oven at 200°F (95°C) for up to 10–15 minutes while you finish remaining slices.

Marinara Dipping Sauce

Warm sauce

Place marinara in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir in red pepper flakes if using and warm gently until simmering, about 3–5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning. Stir in chopped fresh basil just before serving to brighten flavor.

Finishing

Before serving, sprinkle fried pizza slices with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately with warm marinara sauce on the side for dipping.